LizzieB_RN

Thanks everyone, your comments are absolutely helpful. I shold probably mention that I'm in GA, and moving to another state isn't really an option for me, unfortunately.

I'm so discouraged, its been over a year since I graduated nusing school and after moving to a new state and getting licensed in 2 states, I'm STILL unemployed. I now live with my wonderfully supportive parents, and I know many 20 somethings are doing the same so I don't feel so alone. I've barely been able to get nursing and non nursing interviews. I supported myself in college and I just really, really want to be able to provide for myself again. I worked hard for this degree, I'm ready to start my career and serve in medicine! Should I just, pursue something else? Go back to school (my mother even suggested paramedic school)? I've been told the longer a RN is unemployed the more difficult it is to get a job. Ugh, its been such a low day. If anyone has words of encouragement or helpful suggestions I would love to read them. Thanks

Thanks everyone! Ann that sounds awesome! Actually the cardiology office never called me so I'm sure they found someone else to fill the position. No big! I'm glad you commented Ann. E because I may have another amazing clinic opportunity that sounds much better suited for me. They have an amazing reputation, have several branches, and they even told me they enjoy training new grads and that their doctors love to teach! How great is that?! Of course I welcome any nursing opportunity, but I have to admit that I've never really felt compelled to work in a hospital. It's just not my thing, at least as far as I can tell. I honestly just said "yes, I'm looking to work in a x/y/z floor" because I thought that's where new grads were supposed to go for first jobs. I've learned that I have to follow my own path in my nursing career and listen to my gut.

I'm a new grad too! I have an interview for a pain clinic this week and I'm so glad I found this thread. I see the interview was a long time ago, but do you have any tips or advice for me? I haven't been able to get a job for a long time and I would really love a position like this. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!

Meant to add this to my last comment: I hope no one misunderstands me, I certainly do not think of LPNs as "beneath me" in any way. I just didn't know how much it would matter, as far as licensing goes on paper, with training another nurse. The most valuable knowledge comes with experience after all!

Thats good to hear, thank you! I've met LPNs in clinicals that were absolutely wonderful, one was more helpful than the RN. Licensing is necessary to do certain jobs, but to me experience is way more valuable. That eases my anxiety a little for sure.

I think there's at least 1 LPN. I didn't think about that because I know RNs have a little more certification than LPNs so I assumed an RN would have to train me(?). My understanding of the exact differences between LPN and RN isn't very clear, but I'm pretty sure its not very much. That and the office manager asked me how I would feel acting as a leader to staff, so....there's that.

Ok, so, I got a call from a cardiology office. They don't have a RN on staff and called me to express interest in me. This terrifies me because I have 0 experience and there aren't any other RNs to train me. Help!! If offered a position, should I even take it? I'm just not sure if it would be safe, especiag since its been a long time since graduation and this would (possibly) be my first job.

Whoa, new grads can work a job like that? I was taught only experienced nurses can/should work home care. I'm sure you're awesome at it, I just want to clarify.

Thank you everyone, your comments and advice are very helpful. I appreciate them! To be honest I turned my nose up at LTC/nursing homes because I know without a shadow of a doubt it is not what I want to do, ever. On the flip side, I am open to new experiences and will certainly pursue those positions. Who knows, I may actually like it! This "black hole" is absolutely terrible, but as my mother keeps telling me it is only temporary, my job is coming. I won't give up either! Most of this post-grad time has been rough and now I'm rip-rarin' to go! I'm trying to look at it as my psyche/spirit/whateveryouwannacallit's way of giving me a break before working a full time job. Now when I look back in my journals that I kept I realize I definitely needed it. In the state I was in last summer, I wouldn't have performed at my best, not even CLOSE to good (not kidding here y'all). I needed to get myself in order. It may sound stupid and whiney to some but I think we all know this as nurses: if you don't take care of yourself you can't take care of others.

Hi everyone, I'm having a very low moment and looking for some encouragement. I graduated in April 2013, passed NCLEX the following September, and decided to get my GA license a couple months ago since doors weren't opening for me in AL. Needless to say, its been awful having gone this long with no nursing job. I've been applying but I feels like it'll NEVER happen. Who in the world would hire a new grad who's been unemployed for over a year?? I know I am more than capable of the job, its just been really hard to stay confident. I went into a pretty deep depression for most of last year because I felt worthless, which I know is illogical, but I still felt it. Has anyone else been through something similar? If you have any advice or shared experiences I would welcome it. Thank you so much.

I'm so glad you posted this terri8 because I'm also in the process of obtaining my license by endorsement to GA from AL. Tomorrow will be a very busy day for me: buying transcripts, getting fingerprints done, getting my application signed by a notary public (I think that's the correct phrasing?). This was very helpful! Btdubs, I checked out that position at Grady for out of state RNs and it says the job posting is no longer active. Totally blows, it was only opened on March 8 . Looking at Northside as well! I'm sure you're doing this, but the best advice I can give y'all is to apply EVERYWHERE, not just hospitals. Any interview will be great experience, plus it increases your chances of getting hired as a new grad. I read somewhere that some hospitals prefer for you to already have your state license as opposed to just in process, so it would be best to call each hospital's HR department and ask first. And definitely include that information in your cover letter and contact HR like alainaRN, the student coordinator, recruiter, whatever about the situation. Things haven't been working out for me in AL so I'm taking that as a sign to return to my home state, which I should've done in the first place. I'm still continuing to apply here because there are some great opportunities in this state as well. Hopefully we'll be employed soon!

Oh thanks that's great to hear! Believe it or not it does actually fit well on one page in Word, but I'll definitely shorten it a bit.

Great point. This one is modeled after the resumes we drafted in our practicum workshop, but I did feel like it was pretty wordy. Thanks!

I'm in the exact same boat!! Its definitely frustrating, I completely understand. Good luck in landing a job in a nursing home! Personally, I have absolutely to work in that setting and I know I would be extremely unhappy if I did. Its not beneath me in any way, I just know its not the place for me, but it could be for you. It truly is a calling and I have the utmost respect for the amazing people that do work there! One thing I've learned in job hunting is that networking is key. Its all about who you know and who they know. Go to career fairs, mingle with people in (or not in) your industry. Ask friends, family, really anyone. Most people know of at least 1 person in healthcare, especially nurses. Even my friends and family have been sniffing around for me and out of the blue our family doctor offered himself as a reference! My sister's friend from her old job happened to know someone who works in HR at a hospital at which I'm applying, so you just never know who has connections. Another thing I've done is joinmy local Red Cross chapter. It'll get you involved with people who have similar interests and there's probably a nurses chapter as well. My Mom told me helping someone else is the best way to boost your spirits and its totally true. We became RNs because we wanted to help others, right? Volunteering is great for a resume because it shows you're willing to and enjoy offering your time, efforts, and your means without compensation simply out of the goodness of your heart. Check it out! There's also an RN on YouTube called EmpoweRN. Her channel is awesome, and she's super helpful if you email her for advice (I did! Her email address is on her Facebook page). She even sent me a link to her book on RN success that you can buy online for a penny! Another idea: if there's nursing professor you trust, maybe shoot them an email asking for guidance? Or consider your school's career center for help with your resume, interviewing, etc, or any other facility that offers services like that. It couldn't hurt! I know its tough, but stay positive. Keep us updated on your job search! There's a job waiting for you (and me), promise :) *so sorry for this novel! haha*