I am graduating in two months. It took me seven years from the moment I decided to become a nurse to when I started my BSN program. I thought I did everything right. Graduating Summa Cum Laude. Volunteering at every opportunity. Years of job experience in healthcare. Networking. But, I am getting turned down for every job I apply to.
The best advice I could give anyone is not to pursue a career in nursing. I thought I was going to be an awesome nurse. I have the passion, the drive, the compassion, the dedication, the hard work--but that doesn't matter. If you don't have two years experience you can't even get your foot in the door. No one will take you.
I got one job interview but I flunked the "describe a situation where..." questions. The biggest employer in my area requires an electronic "talent" test and if you don't get the right algorithm your application doesn't even make it past HR, so it doesn't matter how hard you work. I regret the moment of "clarity" when I thought nursing was the right thing to do. Me, and thousands and thousands of other naive people who think they're actually going to make a difference in the world.
This is probably the lowest point in my life, and I've been through a lot. I thought I'd finally "made it". I thought I'd pulled myself up by my bootstraps. But I don't see any way out, now. I'm in debt and can't get a job, and neither can many, many other new graduates.
3. With your current attitude, maybe nursing isn't for you. I know I would want someone to advocate and fight for their patients working beside me, not someone who can't even see the big picture.
I'm sure nursing isn't the biggest mistake of your life - but either way, if that's your biggest mistake or worry, be grateful. (I know, believe me). But I betcha it'll turn out a LOT better than you think right now. Remember the famous 'this too, shall pass' quote.
Don't be discouraged! You still have 3-4 months before you will be able to work anyway! I recommend looking into facilities that have nurse residency programs because they specifically set aside positions for graduate nurses. Also if you have been a good student nurse a lot of the nurses that you precept with would probably be happy to give you a recommendation. Concentrate on finishing school, studying and passing your NCLEX. A job will come eventually!
Hang in there. I'm a manager of a Surgical Services department and I always consider new grads for employment because I remember what it was like trying to get my first RN job. Keep applying and don't give up. You'll find the right fit for you.
Don't give up, you haven't even graduated yet! When I graduated in May 2014, most of our class didn't have jobs or interviews lined up until several months after passing boards. Only maybe 10 of us out of 100 had a job waiting for us. Even with that, most of the people already worked there as a PCT and had a way in. I was offered a spot after I completed preceptorship. I would try to get in with the unit you precepted on if you liked it. Still, keep your chin up!
Please don't give up. There are others who can't test yet because of some stupid mistake from before. So don't give up hope. You can do this. You got this!
When I graduated almost 20 years ago there were no nursing jobs to be found. The only 2 people to get jobs at our local hospital (from a class of 65) had connections to the hospital (they were related to big donors). I started with a one night a week, night shift job at a local nursing home. That got me the all important experience. From there I went to an IV Home Care company who was not able to pay me while I trained. It was worth it! The experience I got was invaluable, and I spent a couple of years doing "high tech" home care. From there I went to an Endoscopy Center and spent the next 12 years in GI, including 3 years at that same hospital that wouldn't hire me as a new grad. After a few more stops I now work in PACU at a Surgery Center and I love it! The point is take whatever you can get, keep gaining experience and you'll be surprised at where you will end up! Positive attitude is everything!
I'm not sure where you are located, but at my hospital, RNs with Associates Degrees are getting hired, some even into specialty areas! You have to commit to begin your further education within 5 years, but you are already ahead of that game. I agree with the others - once you have graduated and pass your boards, you will find success.
I live in Richmond VA & I've had RNs to move to VA from as far away as CA just to get an RN position. They get some experience & go back home. New grads, a lot of times, have difficulty finding entry level positions. With rising patient acuities a lot a positions want some experience, but you have experience...clinical experience. Use your resources like your professors & clinical instructors. Look at other surrounding states if need be, if not only to get a little experience & go back home (& to get away from that foolish boyfriend of yours).
When I started nursing school I became a care partner at VCU. I got that job through my CNA professor. When I graduated from nursing school I was already in the system, my manager gave me a great reference,.... I got the job. I know a few other people who did that during their last year of nursing school. I also know another girl who passed boards & became a care partner until she could find a position. With, I'd say most jobs, it's about networking through your resources. Sign up on LinkedIn & promote yourself with your clinical experiences.
Don't give up on your passion for nursing. The jobs are out there, but you have to know how to promote yourself. Yes....you are a new grad, but you're not a new nursing student, so you have experience! Promote yourself with personal clinical experience. When they ask you...what would you do if.....? With patient care questions, don't think about those book answers because they're staged answers. Put your parent or close friend in that situation & really throw some realism into it. If you're passionate about nursing, almost done with nursing school, you're already a nurse...act like it! Have that confidence about yourself & don't give up so easy. :)
Coming to the end of Nursing School is remarkably stressful and your feelings are common across the field. You don't say what the parameters of your scholarship are, but most are designed to provide the recipients with expanded opportunities rather than limited. As a DON who has hired many, many new grads, I can tell you I will not interview anyone who has not already passed their Boards and has an active license, and know of no colleagues who will do so. While you may have a specific area of practice pre-selected, do not stop considering alternative areas to start your career. Someone mentioned Home Health but I caution against that field because it is a solitary practice and new grads truly need other Nurses around them to learn from, lean on, and teach. I urge new grads to look to Skilled/Rehab/Long Term Care facilities. This specialty allows the new Nurse to gain immense experience in comprehensive assessment, family dynamics, and Nursing Leadership. It is also an area that does not shy away from new grads. With all the work you have done to become a Nurse, do not give up on the profession before giving it a real try. In the end, you will not be sorry!
In regards to the boyfriend....you're smart enough to get through Nursing School with honors, you're smart enough to make your career decisions based on what YOU want, not where someone else may want to live.
somedayCNM, CNM
19 Posts
My first job was at a nursing home and I hated it, but it paid the bills. It was two weeks before my wedding and I needed a job, so I printed out 10 resumes and went to the 10 nearest nursing homes. They practically hired me on the spot (not many BSNs walking through their door, I suppose). Did I mention this was a the start of the recession and no one was hiring? Anyway, I worked there four months, then got hired on to a medical-oncology unit. Two years later I got my dream job in L+D, an area that is very preferential to experienced nurses. It's been a hard road, but this is a career worth fighting for. For now, do what you have to to survive and if your fiancé "doesn't approve" dump his ass. Don't partner yourself with someone who doesn't support you 100%.