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.
Hang in there..though nursing is dog eat dog most of the time, it is still one of the better paying jobs you can get right out of school. The job market has changed drastically since the late 90s when they were predicting nursing to be huge shortages and jobs would be skys the limit. Part of me thinks that was a marketing trick to get more people in nursing and it worked! Lets face it, the older generation is not retiring..hey they want to keep their built up pay and I don't blame (though their generation has helped create the mess we are in...off soap box).
Older nurses required less education and less experience than they demand of new nurses in today's economy (education has also doubled in cost). My old ICU director had a ADN and that is unheard of nowadays but yet she demanded all new grads have a BSN (go figure). But none of us have time machine so we must go forward deal with what we have. You have made it this far!
Have you thought about looking at moving to a decent area and taking a contract with a hospital for one/two years? Some will help loan forgiveness or give you a decent sign on bonus. This maybe what you have to do to get the initial resume building started so to speak. You need to leave the significant other if they do not understand you're trying to better yourself. I am no Dr. Phil but your relationship is going to be very trying if you let that hold you back. There are tons of fish in the sea.
Plus once you are nurse making your own income it will come with a level self independence. That will change the relationship dynamics.
I graduated nursing school and no one I knew was nurse. Now everyone is a nurse or going to nursing school. Economy has change a lot in last 10 years. It is bound to change a lot more. Nursing is still your safest bet though it may not glamorous.
Forgot the relationship for now. Pass NCLEX. Go job hunting and find the best deal you can, suck it and go to that job. I promise even one year of experience will drastically change your job opportunities. Hang in there and focus on NCLEX for right now.
Please get that RN after your name and then come back here if you don't get a job in a month. You are way ahead. Hospitals needs RNs. Are you an RN?? NOT YET.
You may need a course on how to write a resume and get some interview skills. Answering the personality questions is not difficult. There is some kind of issue there and you need to learn how to answer those.
There are places out there that can help you with the skills you need to obtain a job. Check with your school first.
Starting in 2010, the military wants a minimum of 1-2 years acute care experience before you can become a commissioned officer. As for a job there are many places to apply outside of a hospital. If the area you are applying in has too many new grad applicants, try another area.
My scholarship requires that I find a job within six months of graduation. If I don't have to pay back upwards of $40,000 immediately.
I fully accept and acknowledge that I'm complaining--I know it's not the best attitude to have. It's certainly how I'm feeling, though.
Then you will need to be very flexible with your job hunt. If it's a federally qualified health center then you look in every state with openings. If Mr. Man doesn't want to go better you learn that now before married with kids......NEXT
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.
Actually, I've found it much easier to find employment at a small hospital in a rural area as they usually have a shortage, not many people want to move there and are willing to train new grads. I've found it harder to get a job at a big hospital as more people apply there, so they can choose from the more experienced nurses that don't need as much training.
almostnurse, there is some good career advice on this thread for you to return and read. However, I think you should ignore the advice to dump your fiance, the future of your relationship is for you and your fiance to determine.
You haven't even graduated yet. You cannot work until you pass the NCLEX. I graduated last May. I accepted a job the day before I graduated contingent on my passing the NCLEX. I applied to only nurse residencies that take new grads and train them. You are required to stay for two years, but it's worth it. I have learned so much since July when I started. Also, I got hired directed into ICU days. I am in the Orlando, Florida area. Good luck to you and do not give up. You will make a fantastic nurse.
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nurseinthezoo
89 Posts
You could join the military, pretty sure they're looking for RNs.