RN... Feeling Bad

[mmm9986]

I graduated in May with my BSN knowing the economy was terrible. I took into account that I wanted to get into neonatal nursing I've limited myself. I've broaden myself to pediatrics and still cannot find a job. I graduated pretty high in my class. I know the deciding factor is that I do not have any experience. Throughout my schooling I was unable to take a job due to my mother's illness. She had a nurse that was with her 5 to 7 days a week. After my father took a severe pay cut we decided that I was capable of doing the same thing her nurse was doing. Now I feel that I"ve made the biggest mistake of my life, because I have no experience. I'm not sure how to gain the experience I need to get the job I want:(

[neonatal_nurse]

Hey, don't feel so bad.

So you had setbacks. That's okay. Sometimes in order to get where we want, we need to take the long road. There are no shortcuts contrary to what others may think.

If you really like peds you can still apply for this specialty in hospitals. The economy is not good, so you may not end up in this area so be prepared if you get a job that puts you in other areas like medical-surgical wards. Do not limit yourself. Your high grades may be good but be aware that as the days go by, this profession of ours is becoming more and more competitive. There are thousands graduating every few months!

Check online for openings, ask your friends, because most of the time word of mouth is how things go around. There may be vacancies but sometimes companies do not advertise.

Start from there. Then the rest will follow.

Good luck. And remember, you are not alone. :)

[iRN86]

i'm in the same boat..apart from clinicals, not having any work experience relevant to nursing i think is making it harder for me to get hired. I just cry in frustration because nobody will give me a chance. i mean what can i do, we all had to start from somewhere. nobody was born having nursing experience. I tried for an extern program while in school but didn't get it.

[lsm332]

I don't think there's anything you can do right now about not having had any experience during school, so try not to get too down on yourself about that. You may have to start applying to jobs that aren't in neonatal nursing or pediatrics just to get some experience.