Super discouraged

Nurses Job Hunt

Published

Hello everyone,

This is a very frustrating time. I wish more people spoke about how discouraging post grad life can be, especially as a new graduate RN where every hospital wants experience and the only hospital jobs willing to train a new RN want to take advantage of your vulnerable position.

I have been officially looking for around 2 and a half weeks now and nothing seems to be leading up. I know I should have patience but its honestly so hard to keep a positive mind through this tough time.

I feel like I'm at a HUGE disadvantage because:

1. I live in Miami (super saturated area)

2. I only have my ASN as of now, I already applied for BSN but its not a degree earned.

3. I have no experience hospital related (didnt work as support ever, have clerical experience)

I thought of working home health while I wait because some experience is better than no experience but so many people say its not good for a new RN with no experience because my assessment skills are not great, but I'm gonna start to get desperate soon.

I honestly feel so lost and discouraged and its driving me a little insane. If anyone can share their experience, have any words of encouragement (insight), or is in the struggle with me. Please comment down below, I would greatly appreciate it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I totally get it. But honestly 2 weeks is not long of a Job Search. I had to get a job immediately due to finances. But most of my classmates held out for awhile for a residency or dream position. And frankly I am quite jealous of them, because their patience seems to be paying off. Some of them will not be starting their residencies until 6 months after we graduated but they got into really well organized hospital systems that are very supportive of their new grads. My personal advice is hold out for residencies if you can. Be willing to move. If you can not hold out, take what you can get and stay there for a year to get that crucial first year- that is kind of what I had to do.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Two and a half weeks of job searching is not long in the grand scheme of things. Now when it turns into two and a half years, you have something to be discouraged about. Not saying this in jest, some people go a long, long time without work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your encouraging words. I think we are in the same situation, I put enough money away but its starting to run out and I'm starting to get desperate. A couple of my friends got jobs but they had connections and have been forced to sign three year contracts. I just dont know anymore.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah I understand. I just pictured post grad life a little different.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.

I can relate to your frustration. It took me 18 months after graduation to get 1 interview and luckily I was offered the job. Two weeks is not a lot of time, especially in a saturated area. I limited myself by applying to new grad programs in large hospitals. I suggest thinking outside of the box and applying to outpatient or community positions. I wound up in dialysis and it is a booming area with a large need. The big companies have training programs and it's a good way to get into nursing. It can be stressful, but I learned valuable time management and prioritization skills. Dialysis patients are getting sicker and sicker and present a great opportunity for your to hone your assessment skills and knowledge of pathophysiology.

One day at a time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I can relate to your frustration. It took me 18 months after graduation to get 1 interview and luckily I was offered the job. Two weeks is not a lot of time, especially in a saturated area. I limited myself by applying to new grad programs in large hospitals. I suggest thinking outside of the box and applying to outpatient or community positions. I wound up in dialysis and it is a booming area with a large need. The big companies have training programs and it's a good way to get into nursing. It can be stressful, but I learned valuable time management and prioritization skills. Dialysis patients are getting sicker and sicker and present a great opportunity for your to hone your assessment skills and knowledge of pathophysiology.

One day at a time!

Yes thank you so much! I had someone call me earlier this week and im thankfully in the interview process. Very scary how this is. I have heard how dire dialysis now a days and I think its such a great field.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Dialysis.

Best of luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

I understand in your situation 2 1/2 weeks feels frustrating but look around here on AN and you'll find a ton of threads from new grads that are months and in a few cases years that are still job hunting post graduation. Two weeks of job hunting isn't a long time even for an experienced nurse looking for a new position.

Used to be you could walk into the place you'd like to work, hand the nurse manager your resume and maybe even get hired on the spot. Now most everywhere requires a long online application form that gets filtered through the system by some unknown algorithm before a hiring manger even sees it. I know it sounds like common sense but make sure when filling out those long online applications you complete them thoroughly, even one missed or misplaced checked box can put you out of the running. Make sure your resume is formatted correctly when it's uploaded to their system and make sure the attached cover letter is individualized to the position. If at all possible find out the name of the hiring manager for each position you are applying to and direct the cover letter to that person. I know that's not always possible but when it is that little bit of a personal touch can't hurt.

Best of luck on the Job Search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment