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.
