"The Graduate"

Published

so i am one of the many new grads (or casualties) of the poor job market. Guess I just need to vent. I got my BSN with honors, et cetera, but now I am wondering why I worked so hard for these credentials that barely matter. When I got my AAS, I landed a full-time job at a hospital but left because I got a full ride to get the BSN, which was very much encouraged (and still is...)

Now, as a new grad again, I am at a limbo. I have received rejection letters, one after another. My honors/awards embarrass me because they haven't qualified me for a hospital job. Ive recently applied to ltcs and rehabs, but my phone never rang. Ive started doing volunteer work, but there's a good number of new grads at the facility, and i was quite stunned how we'd even 'fight' for the volunteer hours. To bide my time, I decided to apply for health-related internships and other volunteer work, but the organizations as well state that theyve had an overwhelming number of applicants.

Ive applied out of state (3 states) , but also got rejected....

Ive seen my peers now in law and medical schools. Some landed jobs in prestigious firms, and some fellow nursing peers landed their dream jobs. I wonder what's wrong with me...Am I in the right field? I am not smart, after all, et cetera...

I keep thinking about the job I left behind. I havent established connections there, since I left too soon. Why is there a demand to raise academic standards in nursing...I see a paradox here...sigh.

Rationally, I try to see that I am still fortunate, that I should keep my head up and be open to anything, but sometimes I just have these feelings.............

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CCRN, ED, Unit Manager.

Interesting. I'm interested in what positions you're applying for?

And what area (state, w/e) you live in, too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU.

I know how you feel. I graduated in December 2011 from an accelerated program with honors and at the top of my class. You would think employers would be lining up to hire someone with my acedemic record. Well unfortunately that wasn't what was happening and I began to feel very discouraged. I started to wonder why I had worked so hard and sacrificed so much to be rejected by so many employers. I saw other people from my nursing program get their dream jobs (some with no previous health care experience) and as happy as I was for them, I couldn't stop wondering what was wrong with me. I even got an interview for my dream job (CVICU) at a top hospital in the US and thought things were turning around for me. I did not get the job and I became even more discouraged. I kept remembering though that nursing was my passion and I didn't work this hard to just give up. I kept sending out applications, calling HR recruiters, and praying! I ended up getting an interview a month after my first one in another CVICU (in another state) and this time I was offered the postition! I start next week! The funny thing is after being offered this position, I have had calls from two other hospitals wanting to interview me! I really think when it rains, it pours-even with good things! I am glad that I didn't give up! I am also glad that I realized that I was going to be a great nurse and any hospital that hired me would be lucky! You have to continue to believe in yourself or no one else will! I even had a lot of close family members and friends tell me that I might have to look at other areas of nursing just to get my foot in the door and then pursue my dream job sometime down the line. I completely understood that they were still rooting for me but that the job market is tough out there-especially for new grads and new grads wanting an ICU position. The thing is I knew what my passion was and how badly I wanted it and I was determined to get a position that I loved! Was the process to getting to this point frustrating-absolutely! But I am glad I stuck it out and never gave up! I wish you the best of luck in your search for a job! You didn't work that hard in nursing school to give up now! Keep trying and believing in yourself and someone will see the great nurse that lies within you and they will be lucky to have you on their team!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Why did you stop working to finish your BSN when there are so many RN to BSN programs designed for the working nurse?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion