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.

[cdsavannah59, CNA]

Try working as a student nurse PCT while you are finishing school. The hospital I work at usually hires them as a nurse once they graduate. It's the easier way to get into the hospital you want to work as a nurse.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

So your not done with school and you have no license. In this market most places it will put you in the automatic fail pile. Nothing personal and no reason to stress.

You will need to get on your license asap after school. Start studying for nclex now if you haven't already.

I sent all my paperwork including the Interim permint in together. Once I found out I got the IP, I filled out the stuff to take my nclex even tho I had yet to receive my ATT. It let me sign up for NCLEX about 2 weeks after I graduated. I took the nclex a week later and had my license less than a month after graduation. That was huge because I had an advantage over everyone else who had yet to take boards.

Then apply everywhere, good every small town hospital in your area, not in your area, and literally Apply to every single one.

i had two job offers within a month in California in 2009 when the market was crap.

it can happen you just have to be proactive and aggressive.

and tell your fiancé that you will have to do what you have to do and he can do whatever he feels necessary. If he can't support you through one of the biggest stressors how's he going to be if something else happens?

take a breath :)

[db2xs]

My significant other stayed in California when I moved out of state to go to nursing school on the other side of the country for two years. We saw each other break/vacation, but it was still difficult being apart. Despite that, he knew that nursing was what I wanted to do and he supported me all the way. Love knows no bounds/boundaries.

[almost_nurse]

I really appreciate all the advice, even the tough love! I am definitely willing to move anywhere (even the middle of nowhere) if it's what I need to do. I wouldn't have taken the scholarship if I didn't feel that way--and in fact, working in an underserved area is the reason I became a nurse in the first place. Anyway, I'll keep my chin up, and as you all have suggested, focus on passing the NCLEX once I graduate. It's helpful to know that job prospects are better as a new grad once you're actually licensed! Also, feeling better having gotten all that anxiety off my chest.

[sugarwahine10]

You could relocate for a year or so if you really want a nursing job. Iowa hospitals in Des Moines are desperate for nurses right now--you could apply online at Mercy or Methodist--chronically short-staffed for the past year on most of the floors and units. Mercy has hired new nurses on the spot at the job fairs they have been having. New nurses start out at around $21-22 per hour. Iowa is one of the lowest paying states for nurses, but if you want to gain experience. If you want the nursing job bad enough then you can get it if you are willing to move. As for your fiancé--ditch him--if this is how unsupportive he is now and only thinking of his own needs/wants, don't you for one minute think he will change and become a more caring person. Makes me think of the Maya Angelou quote: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time"

[BonnieSc]

Not all of the underserved areas are as awful as your fiance might think. My impulse is not to be as hard on him as some have been, because there are definitely places in the US where I wouldn't want to live. On the other hand, the reason I spent two years out of work after nursing school (and I was willing to do literally any kind of nursing; people here are always quick to say "you must be too picky") was because my spouse didn't want to move and like a sucker, I was easily talked into it. It wasn't until I was out of the marriage (for another reason) that I realized how controlling and self-centered my spouse had been. I hope that isn't the situation you're in. Relationships are about mutual respect and doesn't have to mean he's enthusiastic about moving to Nowheresville for the sake of your career. It does mean he has to keep an open mind.

I agree with others that right now you should focus on finishing school and NCLEX, but perhaps it would help if you and your fiance each made up a list of "must haves" and "nice to haves" regarding where you live (which will only be for TWO YEARS minimum, then you will likely be able to move somewhere else, though not necessarily for a dream job). Some people want to be within 100 miles of a beach, others might want a 3-hour train ride to a big city, some want to live in a college town. And then there's the question of where you could move that you would both have a career. I remember when I looked at that scholarship (didn't end up applying), although this was a while ago now, I was surprised at the variety of places that counted as "underserved". Many of them seemed like desirable places to live, especially for a relatively short time.

[djh123]

As you say, you're not alone. I haven't looked at any of the other comments yet, but I also had a hell of a time finding my first job, and I was angry, disappointed, and disillusioned too. But hopefully it'll happen soon for you, and you'll get this era in your rear-view window.

And wait a minute ... I just looked back up at your post and you said 'I'll be graduating in 2 months'. That's far too early to be this disappointed, in my opinion. I didn't start looking for a few months AFTER graduating, because I wanted to take a little time off first, then studied for and passed the NCLEX... but then began my long frustrating period. So don't sweat it yet - you haven't even graduated and taken the NCLEX yet.

[elijahvegas, ASN, RN, EMT-P]

I kept getting hung up on that scholarship thing you mentioned a couple times.

It makes me think of that one scholarship you get so that you they pay your bsn but in return you have to spend 2 years in an "underserved" hospital in an area approved by the committee. It seemed appealing to me at first until I decided od rather roll the dice and see where I land after graduation instead of signing a contract that pretty much ensures I'll have to promise to work at a place that is in shambles.

But then how'd you end up in debt ? 0o

At any rate my only advice to you is move. Go somewhere with more demand. Somewhere your fiance approves I guess.

Or try davita is you're really hard up. It's dialysis, so, you'll have to be okay with your first job being a super miche specialty, one that may be hard to wiggle out of should you choose. But the pay is pretty good, they have centers across the country and they are open to new grads, just make sure you harass HR for a call-back & interview.

Good luck, keep your head up !

[nurseRP]

Being able to prioritize is a very important nursing quality. Focus on passing the NCLEX first, as many here have suggested. Then apply to a wide range of jobs- even those you haven't considered before. My first nursing job was at a skilled nursing facility and I now work in my "dream unit" less than a year and a half later. As for the fiance, im with canigraduate, RN- nursing puts a lot of strain on a relationship. Working nights, weekends and long hours is tough when you don't have a supportive partner. Good things will come. Don't give up! Best of Luck.

[ruralnurse84]

It definitely all depends on location and where you're willing to live. I got a job right out of school because my husband had already moved to middle of nowhere Montana and they were hard up for nurses, actually they still are. When I wanted to relocate back to our home state a year after I graduated, I knew the bigger cities were out as they are oversaturated with nursing schools and I don't have a BSN (we didn't want to go big city anyways). So I decided to move back to where I went to school and found a job in a smallish hospital. My husband is having a hard time finding a job but they pay very well here in Washington state, even with my measly almost 2 years, so it hasn't been a hardship. Just definitely be willing to move; you could find something at a critical access that's still close to a biggish city so you wouldn't be stuck in the middle of nowhere. And if your fiance really wants to support you in your career, you both will find a way to make it work, even if you have to live apart for a period of time, my husband and I lived apart while I was going to school, it's hard but doable. Good luck!

[William2]

I as well find you bringing in drama to a situation that does not warrant it. You are blowing up this situation. Some hubby IMO. Till death do us part is something I will take seriously when married, I feel this guy is being overly selfish and not being realistic and sounding like a douche. But that's me.

[trimom3]

I would also have a professional resume writer look at yours and make sure it is top notch. They can make magic out of your attributes, volunteer experience, etc. It is anywhere from $350-$2000 but it is money well spent (and some guarantee at least an interview or your money back). Check out someone with the Certified Professional Resume Writers credential. Good luck to you!!