So bitter? So soon?

[CP2013]

In this lack of a nursing shortage, I'm angered when I see timid, unprofessional, new grads getting jobs and then complaining they don't want the job because they deserve more money.

I have joined all the nursing associations I can afford, gotten all the certifications I can manage, have CNA/PCT experience, and glowing recommendations from preceptors and instructors. For what? To be unemployed?

Sure I may move out of state to land my first job, but it's frustrating that I have to leave, bear the expense of moving, start in a new place where I know no one, know where nothing is, and be unfamiliar with my surroundings and my job.

When these new grads are landing their jobs because they got lucky, all I can think is, they're in it for the wrong reasons, will leave in a few months, and make it hard for the next new grad who applies. I'm bitter that these are the people getting hired! Is that so wrong? I'm graduating in August but the people landing jobs don't even want to be a nurse. It's a means to an end and they're looking to be on these units, get into critical care so they can leave to be a CRNA.

I WANT to be a nurse, the kind that works in a hospital for whatever they give me, advocate for my profession and my specialty. I WANT to be hired into ED because I don't want to leave a unit short and make it tough for another new grad.

Sorry, I just needed to vent. I'm going back to school for an EMT and paramedic license. Nursing just isn't what I want - unemployed and in debt. I want to work. Obviously I'm never going to get a job as a nurse. So why bother fighting it?

At this point, I hear about shortages in other states, not even sure I have the money for endorsement. So back to school, more loans, more debt, and hopefully a job that will welcome me and not put me out no matter my commitment.

This is why patients complain about their nurses. You discourage the dedicated, hire the ones just looking for a check, there's no compassion on these units. Everyone is getting bitter, not better! And here's another bitter new grad, who will never get to be the nurse she's always wanted to be.

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[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

So ironic that they still talk about the "shortage". Hope you find a job OP.

[CP2013]

I realize this was a vent, and I hope that it has served its purpose -- to shed some negative energy so that you can "fill up" with some good vibes.

Parts of your post are incongruous -- you state that your class does not graduate until August ... but you also discuss classmates who appear to be already working as nurses (complaining about the unit, the manager, etc.)

In some geographic areas the job market for new grads is nonexistent -- but since some of your classmates have secured jobs before graduation, that does not appear to be the case in your area. You said you have CNA/PCT experience -- are you currently working? If so, are you making the most of the potential for networking where you are? True, that may not be an ER or cardiac unit. But if I was 0 for 75 I would be looking for any and all ways to change my odds by changing the parameters of the game.

I gather from your post that you are a significant source of financial support for your parents, and that is an extremely tough position to be in. EMT certification which leads to work experience as an EMT may help you land an ER job in the future, but it is unlikely to provide enough income to put food on the table for 3 people.

Wishing you well.

They students I was referring to who are complaining did their Practicum on the unit they complain about. Further, I found that two students on the same unit told the UM that they wouldn't work on that floor if it was the only job in the state. I'm just saying, there is evidence these students were unprofessional in their student role, yet are offered positions.

I do feel more positive, and I think because I can never say the words to my family about how frustrated I am, I need some outlet. Apparently using AN is frowned upon by some people so I guess I will just keep it to myself from here on out.

I worked as a CNA/PCT before nursing school. We were living in a different part of the state and we had to move for me to attend school and did so with the hope that finding another CNA/PCT job would come and that an RN, BSN would help me get into the field. Neither of those things have happened. I have been living off loans, and returning to school is the only way to receive more since I am now overqualified or any job I apply to, but that's the reality of the situation.

At this point, I'm preparing to take NCLEX since I have already paid for it all, and I will be filing away my RN license under "lessons learned" and moving forward with finding another career. I figured I could at least do EMT and challenge the paramedic exam. Maybe not the most money, but since I can't land even a retail job, something is better than nothing. Essentially we need some income as savings are dwindling.

I have all the certifications I can afford and from the 2 interviews I have had, they said that my CNA/PCT made me overqualified for nurse extern positions, and yet, made me under qualified for nursing positions because the experience is more than 2 years old (before nursing school).

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[PeacockMaiden]

I keep reading many people say go 'out of state' to find a nursing job, but no one seems to know which states are hiring new and recent grads. I'm in California, and it's bad here.

[dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN]

Dude.

I'd venture to guess that a large percentage of nurse graduates who graduated after 2008 have felt the frustration and hopelessness that you're feeling now. I graduated in 2011 without a job offer -- and, god, I remember how *bitter* I felt towards my classmates who were graduating with job offers in hand. In the two months it took me to land a private duty job, I quit checking Facebook and basically became a hermit because I couldn't even hold a conversation with a nursing school peer who'd found a job without wanting to irrationally stab them in the face.

But.

For someone who hasn't even graduated, let alone taken the NCLEX, you're being awfully pessimistic. I fell into my hospital job during an "off" hiring season (November). Jobs do open up with people don't pass the NCLEX, or fail out of orientation, or just quit. Do you live in a small town with only one or two hospitals? (Curious has to how you know exactly how many new grad spots will be open and when!)

You've mentioned several times about wanting to be a hospital nurse. Are you only applying to hospital positions? If you're truly in dire need of money and a job, you might have to bite the bullet and start looking elsewhere. I did private duty nursing for about six months before I landed a position in the burn ICU of a hospital.

I'm just completely baffled as to why you're giving up before you've even really gotten started. Yes, your peers who have jobs lined up pre-graduation probably have contacts that you don't have. But once you are licensed and pass the NCLEX, you'll be an all-new sort of marketability.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

This is a good place to blow off steam.

dirtyhippiegirl is right though. You are being way too defeatist. A lot of people just will not look at you until you pass NCLEX. Way too early to burn the license!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

This is a good place to blow off steam.

dirtyhippiegirl is right though. You are being way too defeatist. A lot of people just will not look at you until you pass NCLEX. Way too early to burn the license!

^This.

OP, you WILL find a job, and find your niche in nursing.

I entered nursing as an LPN when the organization I worked for (and thought I would retire from) when they phased out LPNs in acute care...talk about doors shutting! I looked elsewhere, and landed two jobs...a rehab nurse and a pediatric private duty nurse...I had my niche in two specialties, one of my goals. When I returned to school, I knew that my desire to make a change was challenging...and this was about 2009 when I entered my BSN program...during the height of the recession. When I graduated last year, it took me about 150 rejections to get a job and as I look for another job, it's looking like that as well, even as I have started getting the "RN experience". I had experience prior to my LPN and my RN positions. The transitional part as a nurse can be as difficult as a new grad, especially as a hybrid of experience-beginner.

I was not looked at or considered for any position until I got my license. My advice to you is to be prepared to get a job. Network with the clinical sites, get to know HR staff. Cast a wider net to get experience. The building blocks of YOUR career pays big dividends in the long run. Prepare for the NCLEX. Center yourself amongst the stress. I understand your position regarding your parents. I was taking care of two households at one time when I entered nursing school, and the cost and delay of an increase in financial relief was very challenging. I'm still chugging along...and it's getting better, and for you, it will get better.

[Nonetheless]

Dude.

You have not even passed your NCLEX or finish nursing school yet, and you feel hopeless???

Seriously, the majority of nurses did not get offered a job before graduation.

If you really need money, then find something to do while job hunting. There ARE jobs out there for nurses, but they don't come easily. Some people take 6 months to a year after the NCLEX to get their first hospital job.

HANG IN THERE! BE PATIENT! PERSEVERE INSTEAD OF GIVING UP!!!!!

You can work as an EMT, CNA, etc while searching for your first nursing job, but don't give up if it is your dream! YOU HAVE TO BE PATIENT AND PERSEVERE! DON'T GET SO EASILY DISCOURAGED! YOU CAN DO IT!

[OCNRN63, RN]

It's really nobody's business why someone goes into nursing. There is no right or wrong reason; as long as they do their job well and are competent, that's what's important.

[nyteshade, BSN]

OP, I think you are writing nursing off way too fast. How will you ensure going EMT will get you a job? Many ambulance companies are also cutting back. There are immature students everywhere I'm pretty sure about that. I'm no new nurse, and I can tell you the key to landing a job as a new grad is networking and endurance. It's a sucky time right now...but I understand your need to vent.

Like many other posters have already stated, most people don't get job offers before school ends. Most hospitals will reject apps with no license, because you wouldn't meet the minimum requirements.

[CP2013]

While I appreciate everyone's advice and words of wisdom...in my area, job offers come before NCLEX, pending results. We all know that the new grad market varies by geographical location and I am very aware of mine. Those with job offers have already don't physicals, drug screens etc and have start dates for September.

I was unfortunately not selected for any interviews and I have spoken with recruiters regarding open positions for the next cycle of new graduates.

Because my odds don't look good for that either, I have selected to change paths towards EMT because my cousin runs a private ambulance company, so I will be guaranteed a position. He knows that I need the income to support my ailing parents. I am lucky I even have such a connection because I don't qualify for anything. Retail, fast food, etc - I am now over qualified!

I'm not saying that those people are incompetent or that they somehow don't deserve to work, I'm simply venting that I too deserved a chance and would have made sure I was successful in doing so. I have worked in hospitals for about 6 years, and after a while you start to recognize the new nurses who didn't understand what nursing was, because let's face it - nursing school does not prepare you for that reality shock.

Thank you all for your time, I will keep my vents to myself from now on. I just thought it would be nice to have a place to vent since I can't tell my parents how bad things are right now. I will keep to myself and move forward with what I have to do for my family. All the best to the struggling new grads out there!

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[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

OP, things change, and circumstances change in such a tight market. There is a nursing surplus of new grads, no doubt about that, regardless. I hope that you choose to take your NCLEX, utilize your experiences as an EMT ....both will be an asset in getting you a future nursing position, and WILL get you the niche you are looking for. Life would be certainly dull if it went OUR way, lol.

Best wishes in your decision.

[Camwill, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, APRN, NP]

RNs can work in EMS. They do where I am. Maybe that is possible for you.