OK, so I am whining but....

teeniebert, LPN · Jul 12, 2010

Part of me knows that I have to keep looking to make a change, and part of me is tired of being disappointed. Part of me feels bad because I know there are nurses out there who dont have a job and I should be grateful for what I have.
Okay, anybody that can slap some sense into me, please have at it.

There may be others out there in a worse situation, but that doesn't change the fact that you're frustrated and overwhelmed. Go ahead and whine.

escapebigd · Jul 12, 2010

I'm sorry you are so unhappy in your current position. Something to be happy about is you are getting interviews at least. Is there anything in your current situation that you can change to make yourself happier, while staying in the same position?

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 12, 2010

Are you able to figure out why you aren't getting any of these positions you are interviewing for?

Sometimes, the answer lies not in going for more interviews ... it lies in changing something about yourself, your applications, your interview skills, or the positions you are applying for so that you can be the one chosen for the job. If you are getting as far as an interview, there is probably something "right" about your application. So what is "wrong" that prevents you from being chosen? Maybe that's where you should be investing your energy at the moment.

Maybe you should stop beating your head against the wall -- and focus on improving your chances for success before you try again.

SaltyNurse · Jul 12, 2010

I can see how you'd feel very discouraged. Don't give up. Keep at it. Things change, keep an ear out for leads- network- meet people. Also your net worth as a nurse grows with time and experience. Also the future of a better economy leading to nurses retiring, dropping hours, etc will lead to another nursing shortage. No doubt about it, you will inevitably be a very valued resource. We just don't know when, so hang in there. Maybe even try getting into a different unit within your hospital. Even that can make a world of difference.

I've been there. Pep talk everyday before work. Rallying my spirit listening to Red Hot Chili Pepper's "Fight Like a Brave" on the way to work. Hang in there.

qaqueen · Jul 12, 2010

Are you able to figure out why you aren't getting any of these positions you are interviewing for?
Sometimes, the answer lies not in going for more interviews ... it lies in changing something about yourself, your applications, your interview skills, or the positions you are applying for so that you can be the one chosen for the job. If you are getting as far as an interview, there is probably something "right" about your application. So what is "wrong" that prevents you from being chosen? Maybe that's where you should be investing your energy at the moment.
Maybe you should stop beating your head against the wall -- and focus on improving your chances for success before you try again.

First I would like to thank all posters for your kindness and support!

Second, I would love to follow the above train of thought...

I am not sure what changes I can make to improve my chances but I can tell you what I have done so far. I dress professionally for interviews. I take extra copies of my resume. I do not speak badly about my current position, management or facility. The only thing that I acknowledge disliking is the drive to and from work (2+ hours). I have taken, on my own, an EKG and ACLS class to improve my marketability (and because I enjoy learning). The organization that I work for loves to ask the personality interview questions; "tell me about a time when...", the one that I have the biggest problem with is "tell me about a time when you have gone above and beyond for a patient". The truth is, I try to do that with every patient, I do my best to make an unpleasant hospital stay as bearable as possible. I guarantee you, this is NOT the answer they are looking for:rolleyes:.

I am open to any reasonable suggestions.

Again, thank you all, you are terrific.

Jules A, MSN · Jul 12, 2010

I think you have gotten very good advice and all I would add is that getting dressed, answering their annoying questions and doing yet another interview might just be the one that gets you out of your present position. Don't stop trying!

leslie :-D · Jul 12, 2010

the one that I have the biggest problem with is "tell me about a time when you have gone above and beyond for a patient". The truth is, I try to do that with every patient, I do my best to make an unpleasant hospital stay as bearable as possible. I guarantee you, this is NOT the answer they are looking for..

bolding, mine.

it seems you have answered your own question.

if it was me, i'd be thinking of that unique situation where you went above and beyond.

actually, think of 2-3.

tell them what they want to hear.

find some faith and keep it going.

wishing you the very best.:)

leslie

RNDreamer · Jul 12, 2010

I'm sorry you are feeling this way. You said that you have been looking within your organization. Are you willing to look for employment outside of your organization?

belgarion · Jul 12, 2010

See if you can find a job coach to check your interview technique. You might be accidentally letting your unhappiness show through even if you don't bad mouth your current employer.

As far as the above and beyond question goes, I hate that one two. Keep in mind it doesn't have to be something mind blowing. It could be something as simple as sitting with a patient while waiting for the Xanax to kick in. Ever answer a call light after you have given report and are trying to go home? Heat up a patient's food for them after it sat on the cart too long? It's the little things you take for granted that the patient remembers.

msn10 · Jul 13, 2010

The organization that I work for loves to ask the personality interview questions; "tell me about a time when...", the one that I have the biggest problem with is "tell me about a time when you have gone above and beyond for a patient". The truth is, I try to do that with every patient, I do my best to make an unpleasant hospital stay as bearable as possible. I guarantee you, this is NOT the answer they are looking for:rolleyes:.

They want specifics. For example, "I assisted a patient in talking to her family about her DNR wishes." And go onto discuss specifics about how you helped.

You are experiencing what is referred to as "behavioral interviewing." It has become a very popular technique among interviewers, especially in the medical/nursing field. Most employers don't want to hear about where you think you will be in five years, but they do believe that you will behave in your new job the same way you did in your old job, and there is a lot of research to back that up. After interviewing hundreds of people in my career (not exaggerating) I would suggest putting "behavioral interviewing" into Google and see what comes up. There are a lot of great websites that give suggestions on how to answer those types of questions.

A very inclusive website Complete List of Behavioral Interview Questions - The Emurse.com Blog

does a great job of giving you every and any behavioral interview question they will ask.

Good luck!!

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · Jul 13, 2010

You're in a bad situation. You're open to suggestion so you don't meet my definition of whining. To me whining is the person who complains about a situation and has an answer why every suggestion wont work. You're asking for help, appropriate. NOW; I've seen managers join ranks when one has a position that's hard to fill and keep a person there from progressing. All the others have given good suggestions. I'd suggest seeking work with a new employer. You might find the job of your dreams. A few calls to HR for references may also motivate your current employer to hang on to you.