Old grad = no job = depression

Published

Its been over a year now and no job opportunity yet. People that are close to me can't believe that I dont have a job yet because im an RN. I dont know what to tell them. I try to tell them its hard nowadays esp for new grads. They look at me kinda different. I hope they dont think im lazy or something because im trying my best to get a job. I hate this feeling. Its not my fault. Most of my family and friends are not in the healthcare field and they all have jobs. And me, nothing! They expected so much from me while I was in nursing school because Im going to be an RN. A steady secure good paying job???? Where is it? The media doesn't think that nursing (RN, LVN) are hurting in this recession. As a matter of fact, the media portrays that nursing is a recession proof job and encourage others to go into the field of nursing. Why give the public a false reality??? New/Old grads are becoming more saturated every year. And its going to be worse for all of us soon because the competition is going to be very high. Those people who graduated with an ADN degree will be hurting more because hospitals preferred BSN graduate nurse. And those who graduated over a year old will face a tougher time to land an interview because its been too long already. My self confidence dropped to an all time low since seeking employment has become a nightmare.

Specializes in Pediatric Cardiology.
And for those of you wanting to post these types of comments: Maybe your standards are too high? What kind of specialty are you looking for? Are you willing to relocate? Have you tried travel nursing companies? If you have been out of school and working for more than 2 years, our current situation does not apply to any of you. EVERYONE is requiring at least one year of acute care experience, travel companies, agency nursing, LTC, rehab...ALL of them.

Thank you! I can't believe some of the comments I have seen.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Add me to your list. I graduated in December 2009. I work for a hospital but in the laboratory part. Everyday, my co-workers ask me if I got any calls...there's none even from the hospital that I worked for almost 3 years now...They require a GPA of 3.5 and unfortunately, my GPA is only 3.0 - I was devastated when they sent me an e-mail regarding the minimum gpa...They did not even bother giving a current employee who's in good standing, who comes to work when someone calls-in even if I had finals, even if I was scheduled to be off a chance for an interview.

I e-mailed everyone I could to be considered for an interview, but I do not have an answer until now. My only fear is not knowing what to do after attempting to apply everywhere. Does that mean I'm not going work as an RN? I don't know what to do anymore but pray...I'm thankful to the Lord that I still have a job.

GOOD LUCK to all of us...I just hope that the hospitals will have hearts and open their doors to give new graduates that are willing to learn and eager to work a chance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED.
No need to be a cashier!

Check this out:

GoArmy.com Nurse Corps Officer (66)

Medical Professional | Careers | NATIONAL GUARD

Healthcare Bonuses and Loans | Medical Professional | NATIONAL GUARD

Both the US Army Reserve AND the Army National Guard have said they take ADNs!

This could be a big bonus for you, as you'd get a stable job, some very solid work experience as a nurse, and perhaps educational support so they'd pay for your BSN or MSN degree!

Have you considered calling up a Healthcare Recruiter for either of these branches? :)

this is awesome im gonna give them a call :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

are u kidding me?! this is so sad :(..

this doesnt put much confidence in me starting nursing school. This recession/economy is so a$$ backwards.

i hope u find some work soon :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatric.

MAY 2009 NEW GRAD HERE

I have been applying to EVERY type of job imaginable. At first, when I first graduated I was niave and I told myself I would only take a job in a hospital. Now, after almost a year, I am scraping the bottle of the barrel and I have been applying to some unattractive jobs for a new grad such as working at a Planned Parenthood or a Meth Clinic. I am not bashing on those types of jobs for RN's- I bet the experience you get there is amazing, but it isnt the ideal place for a new grad to begin...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i'm in the worst boat :( i'm a foreign 07 grad. i passed my nclex last august 09 and i am still jobless. i think depression is getting to me. it's sucks having to stay home all the time, and have these "households chores and driving" all for me since i'm the only one who has the time for it. i tried every single facility there is.. nursing homes, SNF, rehab, hospitals, home care. but i can't even get close to an interview! i would follow-up with them every week but it's not working =( i seriously do not know what to do any longer :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh how I feel your pain. I also graduated May 23, 2009, almost a year... My parents are on me about finding a job so that I can pay for my own health insurance and they really don't understand how hard it is. I have my 2nd in-person interview at Cedars-Sinai for a new grad position this Friday. I need a miracle!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello all,

I just wanted to share an email I received from one of the many hospitals i've applied. I received many of this kind of emails before so i'm used to it by now. However, I dont think the economy for us new/old grads are getting better anytime soon. You be the judge of this. Hope you all will share your experiences. Here is what they have to say:

We would like to thank-you for expressing an interest in ** **** Medical Center. We have filled all of our New Graduate Registered Nurse positions for our upcoming August 2010 New Grad Program with internal transfers. We were unable to accept any external candidates.

Due to the high volume of applicants (over 1400) we are asking that you please do not follow-up with an email or phone call.

We will keep your application/resume on file for the future, should we have an opening become available.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

After more than one year, I would seriously put effort into areas that have opportunities for relocation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
After more than one year, I would seriously put effort into areas that have opportunities for relocation.

Of course we have tried this already.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in being a Credible Source.
We would like to thank-you for expressing an interest in St. Jude Medical Center. We have filled all of our New Graduate Registered Nurse positions for our upcoming August 2010 New Grad Program with internal transfers. We were unable to accept any external candidates.

Due to the high volume of applicants (over 1400) we are asking that you please do not follow-up with an email or phone call.

We will keep your application/resume on file for the future, should we have an opening become available.

I shake my head when I hear the "go in person / call the manager" lines. While I can't argue that that can work on rare occasions, in most cases that I've experienced, you just get bounced back to the website.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
I shake my head when I hear the "go in person / call the manager" lines. While I can't argue that that can work on rare occasions in most cases that I've experienced, you just get bounced back to the website.[/quote']

I agree.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion