Starting to feel like my ADN was a mistake

Published

Just graduated this past May.

Took and passed my board in June.

Currently unemployed.

Have sent out NUMEROUS applications with nothing in return.

I feel like my hard work; all of the long clinical days, hours studying, off-days getting together with classmates was for nothing.

I live here in Madison, WI.

I LOVED my clinical experiences at Meriter hospital. 9T, 11T, and an IMCU Preceptorship.

It seems that they don't want me though. A: I'm a new grad. And B: I'm an ADN, not a BSN.

I feel like these past two years have been a mistake. The sad thing is, all I want to do is nurse. Meriter or any hospital is my dream. All I want to do is help people.

I'm 22 years old, and a male. All I want to do is help; but I can't even get a damn interview to express my feelings.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

chin up, brother, your time to shine will soon blossom. apply to all known hospitals and skill nursing facilities in your area. Call them and ask HR about new grad RN position. I have been applying for the last 3 weeks and only give myself 5 minutes each day to let the negative emotions out. Negativity you see will spread very quickly, like a fire in a dry forest. stay positive brother. we are not too different, ADN and proud of it.:) on a good note, i just got an interview for an OR position at a hospital 50 miles away.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in GI.

Patience. This is what I tell myself. I am on exactly on the same boat as you. I graduated in May top of my class, passed the Boards with flying colors, am licensed, have a BS in Biology and am bilingual, yet no one wants me. And like you all I want to do is help, I didn't get into nursing for the money or because their wasn't anything else to do. And like you can't even get a G-D interview to express my feelings. I get emails for nurse job fairs around my area, but all of them explicitly state that no new grads will be considered. So frustrating:mad: I'm sure you are tired of hearing this, but the economy is bad for everyone. The days of getting a job right after graduation are over. Apply apply like mad. Apply everywhere....home health, nursing homes, etc. Have a plan B and a plan C. Apply to a flu clinic. It's temporary but at least you'll be doing something related to nursing and your skills won't get too stale. Good luck to you! I feel your pain and frustration

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is a repeating pattern in all 50 states...no new grads are getting hired whether you have ADN or BSN its the same. Few facilities have the staff or money to train, plain and simple.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Very true, it's not only 'me' it's happening to. I'm not trying to be selfish or anything.

Life is just very disheartening right now. After such an accomplishment with passing nursing school and the NCLEX, everything was going great.

Now I'm just stuck (along with many other graduate nurses).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i understand your pain. I am an LPN nursing student, getting set to graduate in August. There are 0 jobs where I live and I dont know what Iam going to do. It is frustrating to go to school, learn hard, and have nothing to look forward to.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You only just passed in June - give it more time. Apply to new jobs every day, something will eventually come up for you. If you can afford it, enroll in an RN-BSN bridge and include it on your resume.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

I SO understand where you are coming from, but don't give up. I am job hunting, too, and I also just graduated with my ADN. There are many frustrating moments and days, but I truly believe that when you have sincere motives for chosing your career and have worked hard, life will reward you sooner or later. Keep the faith and keep trying!! I live in Milwaukee, and although the job market for new grads isn't great, it sounds like it is better than the Madison area. Can you relocate here or commute?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can definitely commute; and just finished filling out some apps at some hospitals in Mil-town!

"Fingers crossed."

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Peerless, I know how you feel. I too graduated in May and passed TX board in June. I have sent out so many applications online. I right now have done approximately 20 apps. per hospital in DFW area. I want to work for Parkland hospital in Dallas, Texas SO bad!! It is the place to learn as a new nurse! As others have stated it is good to stay positive, and I am also reading a book on staying positive to give me a boost! I will be thinking positive thoughts for you!:up::nurse::up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OB/GYN, Psych.

I'm so glad you are applying in Milwaukee!! If you haven't already, check out the Aurora website. Several new postings every day, and just today they posted a generic posting for several med-surg openings they have throughout the city. GOOD LUCK!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I'm so glad you are applying in Milwaukee!! If you haven't already, check out the Aurora website. Several new postings every day, and just today they posted a generic posting for several med-surg openings they have throughout the city. GOOD LUCK!

I tried FROEDTERT Hospital today with two applications, and already got the rejection letter.

Now I am on to Aurora...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion