Not Sure I Can Take Much More Rejection

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I thought I did everything right in nursing school. I maintained a high GPA, worked as a nurse aide for a year, sat on the Board of Directors for a medical non-profit, volunteered like crazy, joined honors societies, professional nursing organizations, and completed a preceptorship. I passed boards and I am completing ACLS, PALS, and NRP.

Like most new grads, I have made finding my first RN job my full-time career. I thought the gods had finally smiled upon me when I was granted an interview for a new grad residency program at a large academic teaching hospital in my first-choice specialty. I was more than ecstatic and more than happy to fly the 5,000 miles and spend several hundred dollars of my own money to fly in for the interview.

I thought the interview went great. I really loved the team, I worked a 4 hour shift on the floor, and I thought everything went great. There was one question I really wish that I had answered better, but all in all, I thought I had done really well.

I tried really hard not to get my heart set on the place as I try with each interview. But I did. I envisioned living there, telling everyone that I got the job, the immense relief of not having to look anymore, and I thought about the excellent training that I knew I would get at this institution.

To get the rejection email this morning saying I didn't get the job was just heart-breaking. Now I'm going to have to tell my friends and family the sad and disappointing news. Its so hard not to take it personally. It's so hard not feel like I failed in some way. And when you don't get any feed back it leaves you constantly wondering what you could have done to have been chosen.

When I went back to school to be a nurse I never, in a million years, imagined the hardest part was going to be finding a job. It's so hard to remain positive in the face of so much competition and so much rejection. I just had to share my sadness and disappointment. I hate when you get your hopes up only to have them dashed...

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I'm so sorry :( Getting rejected over and over again, taking a job I didn't really want in a city I don't want to be in, and continually getting rejected for the jobs I DO want even after having a little experience has been one of the hardest things. I know how you feel. your post expresses it perfectly. :( it's the economy...blame it on that and try to take it easy on yourself. Things WILL turn around. I hope it happens soon for you!

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I'm very touched by your post...I went through similar experience. I recently got hired by a teaching facility in upstate NY. I know for a fact that upstate NY is hiring new graduate if you willing to relocate. I have a post in NY forum "there is hope in upstate"...I talked about my experience about how I get a job in upstate NY if you are interested but just hang in there...and keep apply everywhere in the country...and don't lose hope...:) may god bless you!

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I am so sorry for your experience. Reading your post touched my heart because I know how difficult it must be to land an interview. Dont give up. Keep your chin up high. The way I see it, with this economy, you take what you get. To make myself feel better,I dont even dream about a hospital or a unit that I want to work in but I am just happy to get anything at all. This thinking helped me to not be depress and not get attach to a certain hospital/unit. The holidays is here and enjoy yourself. Be back next year with the job hunt and you never know what the new year have instored for you/

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I feel the same way. I am sick and tired of searching! Makes me ,what am I doing wrong? Is something wrong with my resume? Nursing is a second career for me too. Sometimes I feel like going back to working for Marriott! Oh, I called a Navy and Army recruiter, even they haven't returned my call.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Oh, I called a Navy and Army recruiter, even they haven't returned my call.

The military (all branches, really) aren't hurting for nurses right now. Getting into the military as an RN is extremely competitive. I've spent the last year seeking a commission with the Army -- it took me 11 months to accomplish, and I still wasn't sure I'd get selected, even as an experienced ER nurse. 300+ applicants, 50 selected nationwide. If the military is your dream, keep on those recruiters, but don't expect them to woo you right now -- it's quite the opposite! But so worth the effort, if you want to serve. Good luck.

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Specializes in IMCU.
The military (all branches, really) aren't hurting for nurses right now. Getting into the military as an RN is extremely competitive. I've spent the last year seeking a commission with the Army -- it took me 11 months to accomplish, and I still wasn't sure I'd get selected, even as an experienced ER nurse. 300+ applicants, 50 selected nationwide. If the military is your dream, keep on those recruiters, but don't expect them to woo you right now -- it's quite the opposite! But so worth the effort, if you want to serve. Good luck.

We had an army recruiter last semester in who said they no longer accepted RNs without BSNs -- so I figured they are not hurting.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
We had an army recruiter last semester in who said they no longer accepted RNs without BSNs -- so I figured they are not hurting.

For active duty, they've always required a BSN, but were accepting ADNs for Reserves. But you are right -- that has changed recently, and they are only accepting BSNs for everything. It could change back eventually, but my recruiter told me that they always tell people they mirror the civilian world in terms of RN needs, and we all know how rough it is out there. :(

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That is so frustrating :( To have such a good vibe and then not get the offer, and after considerable expense on your part too. Hang in there, keep being creative, keep yourself busy with your community, work your network, and be kind to yourself!

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Specializes in Administration.

Don't fret! I found my job on craigslist! I graduated in August and I was at wits end so I went the nonconventional way. I have a job at a skilled nursing facility, not my first choice, but the pay is good and it's close to my home. Don't give up, I'm praying for you :)

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Sometimes you can call the HR office where you did not get hired and they may tell you why you did not get the position. I had a similar experience earlier this year. I called HR and they still could not give me a valid reason why I was not hired.

I had to take a position outside of nursing to re-group and collect myself. Recovering from rejection takes some time. I feel for your situation. Sometimes, being exceptional gets in the way, especially when looking for RN positions. In my experience, the first graduates to get jobs were the LEAST qualified, youngest and most naive. Being exceptional does not help anyone get a nursing position.

Hang in there. Do all you can to maintain your sanity. And do NOT believe that any of it is your fault.

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I feel for you. It's really hard getting an RN job in an acute care setting in this economy. But keep applying and stay positive, just like what I've been doing lately. Goodluck!

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