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.
As a New grad in 2015, I was given a job within 2 weeks of graduation from nursing school..(Without having passed the nclex at the time of hire. (Which I of course rocked the following week))
I graduated with an ADN and only 8,000 in debt that I paid off within 6 months of graduation.
Quoting Miss Hannigan from "Annie", speaking to Daddy Warbucks:
You are not alone. You poor thing I've been there, probably could have posted the same comment...ish. I'm now a nurse for 3 years and love it. I had the blessing of the HRSA nurse Corps Loan Forgiveness but I could only work at undersverced hospitals, they aren't all bad! You just need to ask your scholarship place for a way to put in an address and see which hospitals qualify and apply. First, look for nurse residency programs in your area, they ONLY take new grads. Second, to keep your AWESOME scholarship (Think of it that way, it's only helpinG you) apply to nursing home, yes seriously. My preceptor had to do it and now she's a nurse practirioner! No job is below you, especially if you chose to give yourself only 3 months to find a job. It will be ok. I applied to countless jobs, got only 2 interviews. Graduated in April 2013 got the job June 2013 BUT the residency didnt start.until sept 2013... most of my classmates had similar stories, some went to different states. You need to change your attitude or else all you'll feel is stress, you have the love, you just feel boxed into these 3 months, it will all be a memory. If you live near Chicago I'd love to help more.
Also you either worded it wrong or you need to dump this boy... seriously nurses put up w so mi
Much junk at work, don't make your future husband another whiney selfish patient you go home to. NOT. KIDDING. My husband would have moved to Iraq for me...yours should too
There used to be a time when employers hired fresh graduates and actively then trained them on the job. These times are long gone.
If you happen to be in a very small town or rural area, then finding employment may be hard even for seasoned nurses.
That being said, taking and passing NCLEX would be your first priority. NCLEX is no walk in the park despite what others may say. NCSBN has been raising difficulty level several times over the past five years r so. So, it is a challenge in itself.
Once you have your license, you can start actively searching and applying. Meanwhile why not volunteer one day a week at a local hospital?
Almost all hospitals will take volunteers. Once you are in, you will make connections on the inside and then it would help you secure a job once you have your RN license. In the current poor economy and tight competition it behooves you to be creative.
I am graduating also in 2 months. I share your anxiety on what the future hold, but I suggest calm down and start reviewing for NCLEX instead. Do your fingerprints and other requirements necessary.Try taking NCLEX as soon as possible within month after graduation, so yo will have enough time to look for a job. Job hunting would be much easier with your nursing license. I wish you all the luck :)
Thank you all for the positive thoughts and encouragement! I know my post was anxiety-riddled, and I appreciate the calm responses and collective wisdom I've received. Definitely feeling a lot better about the road ahead.
Ximena2008, RN
128 Posts
I can tell you this, is not as bad as it looks. I'll tell you my story. When I came to the US: minimal English, foreigner, came with the clothes I was wearing, no friends or family. Worked cleaning homes, doing errands, babysitting. In the mean time I was preparing myself for the NCLEX. By the time I passed the NCLEX I owed a lot of money (more than $40000 for sure). Passed the NCLEX and started applying everywhere. Only in Home Care was I able to get a job as a Nurse, most required 1 year of experience but most were desperate too because not too many Nurses like Home Care. I applied at a local college and they hired me as well teaching CNA's. In Florida and Ohio (the 2 states I hold a license) never have I been without a job in Nursing. On the contrary, too many opportunities with good pay and benefits. Nursing is not a mistake. It is one of the few careers that have more jobs out there than nurses. I have moved to where the opportunities are, don't limit yourself and the fiancé issue, others had said what I think as well. He is not supportive, you don't need to be with someone that makes you feel worse.