Nursing is the Biggest Mistake of My Life

[almost_nurse]

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.

I am still in debt, though I signed my life away for a scholarship that doesn't even guarantee a job but severely limits my employment options after graduation. My fiancé is talking about leaving me if I have to take a job that's not in a desirable area (even though I knew I might have to do that when I took the scholarship). But, even jobs that are considered "undesirable" won't take me. And it's not just me. It's all new graduates.

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.

[almost_nurse]

It's a federal scholarship...they require you to pass the NCLEX within 3 months of graduation (hopefully that won't be too hard) and find a job by the six month mark. The contract is that you find a job or pay back everything (tuition + stipend). I thought going into it that we'd get some kind of guidance, but we don't. I know a lot of people have taken 6 mos. to a year to find a job after graduation, so that kind of pressure has got me terrified. It just seems like there's absolutely no wiggle room. And I told the fiancé this...he says it's not so much that he'll break up with me, but he thinks that he'll be so unhappy living in the middle of nowhere that it will put undue strain on our relationship and we will end up breaking up. But, I've tried to explain to him exactly what I said here--that as new nurses we are beggars, and beggars can't be choosers.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

WTH, the government gives scholarships because there is a desparate need, but then doesn't hire the recipients and penalizes them? I think I would be asking my elected representative how that is legal.

[almost_nurse]

Personally, I think it'd be nice to at least get hiring preference in healthcare provider shortage areas based on having a government scholarship!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

"My fiancé is talking about leaving me "

A life partner should be supporting you, not threatening you.

You have many options available now, fight the right fight.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

I think your fiance is being honest, many people would resent moving if it meant they would be unemployed and in the middle of nowhere for two years.

[almost_nurse]

Dishes, I totally see the logic. I'm more upset at my own decision to go to nursing school despite plenty of warnings that there was, in fact, a surplus of new nurses--not a shortage, as so many people believe.

[KittyKatKorner]

You need a new fiance.

[thecrossfitrn, BSN, RN]

I understand your anxiety and frustration... but take everyone else's advice and slow down for a moment. A few years ago before I graduated I was freaking out too because no one seemed to be interested in me. I had a great resume with awesome experience in the medical field, but it wasn't getting me anywhere. Then... that magical moment when I passed my NCLEX and suddenly I was receiving phone calls. Hiring managers weren't interested in wasting their time interviewing me if they didn't know I'd even pass my boards.

Basically, calm down and graduate first before you lose your head. Telling people they shouldn't be a nurse is your emotions talking, and while I understand the feeling, you need to realize that this too shall pass. And your fiance', sorry hon, but that's what we call a jerk. When I was having problems finding a job my husband said, "we'll go wherever we need to". That is what a supportive partner does, not threaten to leave.

[nursel56]

WTH, the government gives scholarships because there is a desparate need, but then doesn't hire the recipients and penalizes them? I think I would be asking my elected representative how that is legal.

I was thinking along the same lines.

almost_nurse the stipulations you mentioned are the most stringent I've seen...at the very least seem to assume a job market exists as it did before 2009 which is the year identified by workforce experts as an unexpected surge in new graduates.

Policies don't always track with on the ground reality, in your case the severe hardship this obligation may impose on you merits exploring all options, including getting outside the established channels.

[Evening_Primrose, ADN, RN]

I'm not a nurse (yet!) so I can't help with practical advice on the job front, but try to breathe and get through the panic. Once the panic has passed, map out a plan and do whatever it takes to secure a job once you get your license.

Good luck.

[Libby1987]

You may be self sabotaging with the thought of losing your relationship if you get a job that meets your scholarship criteria.

And I can't believe you can't get some type of nursing position in an underserved area once you graduate. You could get you a job in a rehab in a nice area of California, I'm sure you can get one in an undesirable part of the country.

My bet is that isn't what you're really wanting to accept. I think what's happened here, speculation obviously, is that you regret the financial agreement and have changed your mind about it.

Thing is, if you're young, 2 years is a relatively short investment. I barely can remember my first two years with the full life I've lived since.

[canigraduate]

First, I would suggest calming down.

Level of drama is inversely proportionate to level of intelligent assessment.

Second, network with your instructors and school alumni association to see who's hiring.

Third, have a professional take a look at your resume. Or post it on here, minus identifying details, and I'll look at it for you. You may be sabotaging yourself with your resume.

Fourth, the entire first year of being a nurse puts a strain on a relationship. If he can't handle even the thought of moving, how's your fiancé going to handle the reality of 12 hour and possibly night shifts?

Fifth, focus on passing the NCLEX. That's the next important step. I was lucky and had a few job offers before graduating, but that was only usual for the school I attended. Many grads don't get offers, or even interviews, until they pass the NCLEX.

Good luck!