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.
There are so many avenues for nurses. Do not panic! Apply for intern and externships, state jobs, community service boards say that you need experience in mental health but you don't. Dialysis or out patient surgery centers. Orthopedic centers or home health. A lot of people feel overwhelmed when they first get out of school but don't give up!!!!
First things first. Get rid of that fiance, no matter what you do. There will be worse situations in life and more choices to be made and he will threaten to leave you every time it snows. You don't need that kind of person in your life. Then clear your mind and make good decisions. Sometimes, not so desirable areas are just what people think of them. Once I moved to one of those places because that was the only work option for my spouse. Fell in love with the small town and have the best memories of bringing children up in the mountains. There will be other men who will come into your life. Who will love you enough to understand your problems. Sorry if this was harsh.
First off,get rid of the stress called your fiance. He is tearing down your self esteem. Not what you need right now. Second apply at a skilled nursing facility or jail. You have the degree that will put you in an administrative position in 6 months. Third, defer your payments for loan for 3-6 months. This will also lower your stress level. Try going to work for the Indian Health Service they will pay some of your loan for you. Go back to school and get your masters in nursing open a family or womens clinic. There are plenty of jobs out there for good women who have applied themselves to become angels of mercy. Please don't lrt a man come between you and your dream. You will regret it in 5 years. Get a plan, pick yourself up and move on with your career as the person you know yourself to be. Good Luck to you but you already have that.
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.
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!
What a great offer to make her in looking over her resume. Studies have shown people take about 5 min when reviewing resume's. When I am looking at resume's for hire, I tend to put away those that job hop often in my pass bin.
First, take a deep breath and quit stressing. You need to take one step at a time and quit running toward something you haven't even achieved yet. Like the other have said, you aren't a nurse YET. First thing you should be worrying about and concentrating on is taking your boards and becoming an RN. Once that happens, you will see the doors of opportunity open. Many employers will not hire new grads now, because it's time and money when investing in something that is not a sure thing. Many have obtained jobs and then not passed their boards, so then employers are stuck with employees who were hired for an RN position but could not obtain their licensure. Most employers want to bank their money on the sure thing--- someone who is licensed. So, take your time and concentrate on those boards first and foremost.
Second, once you obtain your licensure, you will find many opportunities. However, they may not be in the area you want or the field you want. EVERYONE HAS TO START SOMEWHERE! Employers want people in specialty fields who have experience, unless you live in Pittsburgh, PA...then you can go right into the ICU, CCU, ED as a fresh grad.
Third. The boyfriend. First of all, this is your life and your career. Do you make demands of what he should be, where to work, and with which employer you want him to work for? I would say, he sounds more like a father dictating to his child. I can only tell you the same thing I tell my daughters who are probably around your age..... You need to do what is right for you and do what YOU want to do. Anyone can come into your life easily and they can leave your life as easily as they came. This leaves only you to ensure you can and will take care of you. You will ALWAYS be the only person you can depend on, the ONLY person who can make you happy, and the only person who can make the decisions that are right by you. If he is already dictating where you work and giving you a set time frame to find employment, then he just might not be the right one for you. It might just be best to let him go. He is the one who is wrong in this regards. As the one response said, he is suppose to be building you up, not tearing you down before you even get the chance to get started. That does not make for a good relationship nor a marriage for that matter. Relationships are based off of helping each other and understanding. NOT TEARING ONE OR EACH OTHER DOWN.
Fourth. This may sting a little, but I am a hard person, yet very passionate about nursing and my patients. If you are ready to quit before you begin and you take that step already, then I personally would not want you as my nurse or a coworker. For one, you have to be a good patient advocate as a nurse. I would prefer having someone who is a "fighter". One who fights for what they want and what they believe in. If you don't do that in your own personal life, how can you do this for your patient? Believe it or not, nurses do have to fight with other medical professionals in order for their patients to get the best and appropriate care.
If you truly have the passion for nursing, then stick with it. Many do enter into it for the wrong reasons and unfortunately the patient is the one who suffers. From what you said about having the passion for it---if you truly have that passion and you feel it is who and what you are, then do not give up. Grow a little backbone and stick up for what you want to do. DO NOT let anyone dictate how you should live your life before you even start it. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get out there, pass those boards and be the best nurse you can possibly be.
Believe me, finding a nursing job is not difficult. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. Right now, you need to concentrate on finishing school. Study for your NCLEX and pass. That's not too difficult either. Usually when you complete your schooling, the school will have you do an externship. Do your best there and continue to learn. It's very possible that they will offer you a position after it's over. If not, I still don't want you to be discouraged. If it's just a job you need, ANY nursing home will hire you. Take it, start making some money and get some experience. You say you should have your BSN when you're done. OMG, the opportunities you will have !! You can go anywhere and do anything. One day at a time. Good luck and keep us posted. P.S. I'm a traveling nurse in OB. Been traveling for 8 years, been an OB nurse for 10 years, been a nurse for 21 years. I'm finally doing what I want to do. (Had to get the kids raised first.) You can do it too.
On another note, I took 10 months away from nursing after about 10 years. I spent those months in an RV park in Key Largo. When it was time to really go back to work, I put my resume online to Monster.com and was contacted by BUNCHES of agencies. But since I hadn't worked in an acute care facility for the last year, I couldn't travel as a nurse. I really wanted to work in OB but wasn't trained for it. I was contacted by a permanent placement agency who offered me the choice of 3 places. I interviewed with all 3 on the phone. The agency said that all 3 wanted to hire me... FOR OB !! And they were willing to train me..!! I flew to Brownsville, TX and interviewed in person, car rental and plane fare provided by the agency or the hospital, I don't know, but it didn't come out of my pocket. I thought the place smelled really bad, didn't know Spanish and decided against it. They then flew me to beautiful, Lake Havasu City, AZ, interviewed, stayed at The Hampton for 5 days, and decided I'd take it. So I didn't bother going to Roswell, New Mexico for that personal interview. They gave me a sign on bonus and a moving allowance. It was a scary prospect for me too, but I met some great people, built my skills, and can go anywhere I want to now. My husband is retired and we have an RV, so we go. I have homes in 3 states, and depending on the time of year it is, we are visiting family, or vacationing. I still work everywhere we go. It does help to be licensed originally in a compact state. Then you can work in 25 states in the union on THAT license. The other states, you will have to get before going. A traveling agency pays for all your certifications, licenses and CEU's. They also pay you per diem as long as you have to travel farther than 50 miles from your home. For me, that's just the other side of Houston.
250zRN, I hear where you are coming from. I agree--there's no use in complaining! I admire that you pushed through, even when things were tough. I was coming from a difficult place prior to nursing school. I worked hard to get there. But, that doesn't mean I shouldn't be grateful for what I do have--and you're right; I should look at a scholarship as a blessing, even if the terms are challenging!
Not everyone has the same area-dependent requirements as you, so telling everyone to not become a nurse doesnt really make sense. Idk what the conditions are but maybe you can get out of your obligation through a lawsuit if you are truly unable to find work. Im sure you can get through this challenge if you persevere and think outside the box. Good luck! Sorry you're going through tough times.
I read more of your comments and understand your situation better. Please know, the end of nursing school and the months that followed were HELL for me. I could not find a job that wasnt somewhere in east bumblechuck pennsylavia. I was stressed about money, paying loans, and my career. I ended up moving out of my parents house to my boyfriends, i had no job, and no car. My boyfriend was supportive at least, but i had to really think about where i could get a job. I only have an associates rn! I applied everywhere. Whether they were hiring or not i sent a resume that also listed any skills i learned during clinicals. I would see small nursing homes or really any healthcare related place while out and about, and immediately look them up online and shoot them an email. I eventually got one to bite! I went through bad times, but its 2 years later and it all worked out. It will work out for you. Be optimistic and be shamelessly persistent. Youll get a job.
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.
Whoa, chica. Slow that freakout roll. Keep putting out apps, then remember that most likely you won't get calls till after you sit the boards. I had several interviews before I sat NCLEX, but nothing really stuck until a month after. It still took me a few years to get back to the specialty I originally wanted to start in, and I'd argue that detour has made me a much better and wiser nurse. It's hard to speculate, but I wonder if I would have been ready to be on the floor as a new grad.
Also realize depending on your degree (ASN vs. BSN) and location, you may have to re-locate to get the job you want.
dje5418
71 Posts
There are so many avenues for nurses. Do not panic! Apply for intern and externships, state jobs, community service boards say that you need experience in mental health but you don't. Dialysis or out patient surgery centers. Orthopedic centers or home health. A lot of people feel overwhelmed when they first get out of school but don't give up!!!!