New grads: ever feel like EVERYONE around you is finding jobs?

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Specializes in ER, gen. surgery, express.

Now I hate comparing myself to other people... but it is really hard. Especially when every time I log on to facebook I feel like someone else is posting how they got another job offer.... :mad:

I've even had one friend tell me how he got a full time job then received numerous calls for other positions. He was forever boasting about it...with a dumb look on his face (lol) how obnoxious. I feel like they always want to throw it in people's faces as soon as they get an offer.

Ahhh I'm venting....

I guess it is exciting hearing feedback from all the searching but I am mean be humble about it :uhoh3:

the only feedback I've gotten so far was a call back for a camp nurse position. I think they wanted someone already licensed and they weren't to thrilled about the idea of a temp license... we'll see :idea:

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

Wait, you haven't even passed NCLEX yet?

I looked for a job for six months. Every week or so another classmate announced their "engagement" with a different hospital; some had multiple offers yadda yadda. I was still left out in the cold. The last straw came when I was offered a job and became ecstatic only to have it retracted a week later. That's when I gave up and applied to grad school. My life is taking somewhat of a different turn than I expected (wasn't planning on doing grad school just yet) but for now I"m going to go with the flow and enjoy the ride.

I know what it's like to feel bitter and resentful. But giving in to those feelings will only diminish you. If your "friends" are throwing it into your face you may need to give yourself some distance from them. But sometimes we interpret things based on our own perception and they really mean no harm.

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Specializes in Oncology, Medical/Surgical.

Yea I know what you mean. I had to get off facebook for a while so I would not see those kind of comments. It is hard not to be bitter. I myself, have gone through about 150 applications, 1 interview, 2 prescreening interviews before I got my job and it is out of state.

Just ignore their "boasting" and focus on your goal: getting a job. Please don't give up. Use this forum as support. I know without this site, I would not have made it to find a job.

Good Luck to you :D

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Specializes in LTC.

I understand you are venting. However, why don't you get a pen and pad and take notes on what others are doing to land a job. Maybe you can learn something from your peers.

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.
I understand you are venting. However, why don't you get a pen and pad and take notes on what others are doing to land a job. Maybe you can learn something from your peers.

This is probably one of the least helpful and most hurtful things to say to a new grad nurse.

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Specializes in Critical Care. CVICU. Adult and Peds PACU..

I don't think they are trying to throw it in anyone's face, I think they are genuinely excited that they landed a job. After all, once you get a job, I'm sure you will want to share the exciting news with everyone. Keep your head up :)

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

I know how you feel. As happy as I am for my classmates who've landed job, it is still tough to keep the faith and not be a little bitter. As as far as taking notes on what others are doing to land jobs, in MY experience the people in my class who have gotten jobs at this point are people who have connections and know people (current nurses) who have recommended them for positions. That is the honest truth. Nothing wrong with using connections if you have them ( I would!), but when you don't have an "in" somewhere you are just out of luck and have to wait it out. I wish people would understand this, because to imply that a new grad with no job is just not trying hard enough or not savvy enough to go after positions they are interested in is insulting and often an inaccurate assumption.

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Keep your head up...it'll be you soon. Don't let the neagtive comments get you down.

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If one of them is bragging about how they got several offers after landing a job, ask them which hospitals were hiring so that you can apply there or contact someone who works there.

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Specializes in ER, gen. surgery, express.

thank you everyone for the really encouraging words :)

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Specializes in Mental Health.

I feel a bit like I have to be conservative about my job hunt as well.

I worked really hard for hours (weeks too) online and through phone calls with 50 mile radius from me and I worked hard on my resume. I called medical hospitals, psych hospitals, state facilities, county facilities, rehab centers, children's center, etc, etc., and found out who is hiring and who isn't, when interviews are, hiring process, who the supervisors I should speak with are, etc, etc. That's a TON of hard work. If I want interviews and to land a job, I have to be the one who does that work for me. I can't wait around, I can't blame myself when I see others getting jobs/interviews, I won't just wait around to hear about some job or wait for the weekly newspaper to come out. So because that is SO much work, I don't give all that information out to everyone but I do share it with people who during school, and even after graduation, have helped me and given me pointers along the way.

Right now I'm very close to getting a job as they are calling my references and have made it past 2 interviews and one 3-person panel interview. Again, I am only sharing the specifics with those same people who have helped me along the way and have given me tips. I have even told them were I applied with the possibility that they may apply as well and be considered better candidates than me.

On the one hand I am competitive. On the other, it if wasn't for my peers I wouldn't have made it this far and I still want to go further. So I take those things into consideration and help when I can those who have helped me. I try not to brag but do like to share my nervousness, stress, and anticipation. I also always cheer them on when they succeed because I want to see them happy and reaping rewards of their hard work.

Another thing is that I am not shy about asking someone where they applied, especially if they are talking about it openly (possibly even bragging about it). It's okay to network. It's how our world works. If I speak with someone who doesn't want to give me information then I know for sure they are someone I will not help in the future and that is okay. It's a choice on their part and mine.

The best thing is not to focus on what other people are doing but to focus on yourself and figure out how you can exude the best possible you to potential employers. Start with your resume because this is how they will first meet you before they decide to really meet you. Practice speaking aloud in a confident way without all the "uhmms" so if they actually call you, you sound like someone they would want representing their facility. Learn how to be graceful with your body language (first impression come within 30 seconds and it's not about how you dress or if your makeup is okay-although you do want to look well kept- but what your body language says) so in the first moment they lay eyes on you, you can charm and soothe them and they feel a nice connection and want to welcome you as a new employee. All of these things can make you stand out above the other 20-100 applicants for the job you want and need.

It's okay to get frustrated but don't lose sight of your goal. Find people who will support and cheer you on and those you can help in the same process as well.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I didn't want to tell my peers that I got hired at first because I was scared of that reaction. :o Good luck to you!

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