Oh how much has changed in over a year!

I just wanted to give some hope to anyone out there who is feeling depressed by the job search. Things can change quickly and it does get better. I graduated in December 2013 and passed my boards February 2014. I thought the job offers were going to be pouring in. No such thing. I started working home health February 2014 so I could have an income and I just wanted to work as a nurse. I had a family member who helped me to get this job. But like many graduates I wanted that hospital experience.

Fast forward to applying for months and months. After praying and crying one morning I just decided to call a HR department which led me to get my first job in the hospital on a Surgical unit in September 2014. This hospital did not have a good reputation but I felt as tho the experience would be what I made it. I had wonderful coworkers. We were a family. The hospital however was a toxic environment. Sometimes we were really understaffed which does happen a lot in many hospitals but combine that with no supplies and broken equipment and you have a complete nightmare. I tried sticking it out. One day I started having chest tightness at work and I realized it was anxiety related. I knew I had to leave. I would go home and feel down because I felt patients weren't getting the great care they deserved. I felt as though I'm a good nurse but I couldn't make supplies appear and when u have 7 patients and no nursing assistant, it's tough!! All of my coworkers would say they would never bring their loved one their or worst enemy. I wanted to work somewhere that I believed in!

So I started putting out my applications beginning of this year. One of my coworkers also landed a job and referred me when they asked for referrals of good coworkers. I am now going to start at the top magnet hospital in my area. I have my ASN too! This will have to change to a BSN in 3 years as a term of my employment. But just to show you nothing is outside your reach. All in all none of the jobs I got was from applying alone. Don't give up. If you are religious trust God and keep the faith. If you are in a bad situation continue to do your best every day and then search for better when you have had enough. I don't think my coworker would have referred me if I was the type who complained all day and gave lack luster care out of frustrations. Be true to yourself.

Oh how much difference a year will make!!