Nursing shortage? What nursing shortage?

[manna, BSN, RN]

I'm really feeling bummed about not having a job yet - I graduate in May. . I'm taking it particularly hard since I wanted so badly to work at one specific hospital.

At this point, > 50% of the people in my class have jobs, so it's hard to be

the one saying "I have no idea" when being asked by classmates, faculty,

friends, family members and random people in town whether or not I have a

job yet or where I'm moving after graduation.

I think I've avoided applying some places, partly because I wanted so

badly to work at one facility, but also because I'm unsure about moving away

from my family and hometown.

My parents and grandparents have been really supportive of me throughout

school, and now it's almost like they're giving me a guilt trip (?) about

moving, if I were offered a job out of town. They say things like "you'll

really need to think about that" or "have you applied anywhere around here"

(meaning within driving distance).

Maybe I'm paranoid. Maybe I'm confused. Maybe I need to figure out what

the hell I want to do. But not even being called for interviews at some of

the places I've applied is making my discouragement even worse.

Sorry for the rant, I just had to "vent" somewhere. I guess really

need some sort of divine direction here. LOL. :)

And I also need to learn to accept that I may not have my "dream job" starting out of school. I may have to settle for something less.

Thanks for listening, yall.

[manna, BSN, RN]

Wow, my poor pitiful thread doesn't even have any views! Waah! :)

Obviously, the pity party is still in full swing over here! LOL

[monkcat]

Nah, we've all just been waiting for spring break! Yea, it's here! Woohoo!

Okay, I can't be of much help in suggestions. I'm no where near finishing. I'm just getting started. But I do know that much of Mississippi has had an influx of nurses from New Orleans and that it has affected the available positions. So don't take it personally. Many of your fellow students may have more medical experience in general or may have made a few more contacts to help procure a job. Don't give up.

And if you explain to your family the whole situation, I'd bet they'll support you in this too.

Good luck!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Have you ever considered working at facilities other than hospitals?

I'm sure your services could be put to use at clinics, nursing homes, doctors' offices, schools, industrial factories, mental health facilities, home health agencies, private duty, and other non-hospital settings.

[Annabell43]

Hi!! What part of MS do you live?? I know there are several job openings around me at several different hospitals!! Some hospitals provide scholarships to students and they will get the jobs first but I know there are many, many more out there. Just hang in there you will get one :).

[manna, BSN, RN]

I live in the east central part of the state - but I'm applying all over. Jackson, Starkville, Columbus, Tupelo, Meridian. I'd really rather not move much south of Jackson... :)

I did get offered a job at the local nursing home, but I'm not so sure I want to work in LTC. I'm going to go shadow a nurse there to see what an average day is like...

[BANN45]

Everybody Calm Down And Eat Some Chocolate. Sometimes Getting Hired At A Hospital Is Harder Than It Looks. It's Not What You Say It Is How You Say It.

Try This. Take Any Job Offered, Any Shift, Any Area Even If You Don't Want It. Get In, Then Move Around In The Facility After You're Hired. Getting In Is The Key. Watch That Jubs Board, Network, Make Friends, Impress Then Land That Position You Want.

[manna, BSN, RN]

Update - I accepted a job today at my top choice hospital today on my top choice floor! The waiting paid off! Only thing I'm not so happy about is the hours - nights (7p-ya), but I'm a new grad so that's to be expected! No more pity party, here! :)

[-=Brandon=-]

Congratulations. That's great to hear. Let us know what it's like if you have time.

[ms_orion]

I can empathize with you. I let my lack of confidence as a new nurse direct my decisions. Looking back...I would have been more persistent. The place I wanted to work for initially, "had filled their quota of new nurses". Nothing available. I settled for a job elsewhere because they hired me. I ended up really enjoying the place I worked and the people I worked with, I don't regret that at all. I do regret that I let myself get comfortable. Initially , I planned on working at this place until I did get a position at the hospital. I didn't ever check back with them. I advise....continue checking in with the place of your dreams.

[manna, BSN, RN]

Thanks! Will do. Also plan and try to update my former student-nurse now graduate-nurse blog! :)