This site a gift and a curse

Published

I have received so much information from this site. It can be such a blessing and a gift...but I also think at times it may be a curse...or alot of truth? Not sure......

Daily it's post on new grads who can't get a job....it makes me wonder why is vesting 2-3 years into this degree a smart thing....I don't know this site is a gift and a curse....

thanks Joanna!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

It's not just new people here who get discouraged. I think people contemplating going back to school to advance their nursing education may be wondering if the time and money invested in it are worth it especially when we're older and want to develop our talents and interests in more than one area, want to travel or whatever.

I mentioned on another thread that a huge factor is my decision to pursue nursing instead of graphic art or a foreign language study or any of the other things I was interested in was that the field was wide open and hospitals competed with each other to attract new grads. I didn't want a job that had 399 other people vying for it!

I think what we (and I include myself in that) need to focus on if we want to continue despite the fact that a job is not an immediate guarantee, learn to use positive self-talk, seek out every opportunity to pursue excellence while still in school, and realize that a statistic can't predict how you as an individual will perform or what your job search will look like.

Even though it is discouraging to read sometimes, I know this site is a place to vent, to share and even to share our successes! I like having a window into a place that really is nursing "where the rubber meets the road" despite it's drawbacks.

From time to time a person who is a frequent contributor here will be struck with a sudden personal tragedy or a crisis in their lives. Many times it comes with "no one else understands" or "I can't talk about this with anyone yet but. .." I wouldn't trade anything for the feeling I get from reading all the posts of overwhelming support as well as their appreciation (and sometimes surprise) at the strength of bonds that form just by people flung all over the world typing at their keyboards.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Alzheimer's, Geriatrics, Chem. Dep..

I like the advice about getting a job as a tech or CNA while you are in nursing school. #1, you have a good reference that shows you are interested and motivated in the field, and #2 you could have a foot in the door in that facility.

You may also end up taking a job that is not your ideal, but a year later be able to get a better one because you have experience.

And you might find that the job that is not your ideal IS your ideal. :) You never know!

Don't give up!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

don't be discouraged... new grad here, i'm employed in 2 rn positions. graduated in 2010, all of my classmates are gainfully employed. employers like those who are persistent and go-getters; you have to do your footwork. i don't post on the site much because of the amount of negative and "ventng" posts. good luck to you, things always work out for those who really want it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Ortho.

I joined this site when I was taking my first semester of basic English, psych, remedial math. I never thought I would make it to basic algebra. Then I have posts on here regarding taking A&P 1 and A&P 2. Then I was trying to choose a nursing program, and waiting for a response the first time I applied. I remember all the encouragement when I didn't get in. Then the second app, and posting how happy I was that I was actually in a program.

I then switched boards from prenursing to nursing school or something like that. I had so much support from others who were in the same boat, and not sure we would make it out alive. Then I graduated and was a real nurse.

I remember reading posts from nursing and thought they are mean, bitter, bad nurses and I will NEVER be that kind of nurse. I never got that it was nursing in general. I thought it was just that specific nurse that had a problem. I have been a nurse for a year now, and I get it. I wish I would have gotten it soon, and I don't understand how I missed it. The majority of the things you read are true. If you don't like it then don't become a nurse. If you read it and still want to be a nurse then at least you know going in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I just wanted to say (Being a new grad in May 2010) that I graduated with a class >100 in BSN and almost every single one of us has a job now. I'm not saying it didn't take some a few months and many many applications, but you will find a job. I got a job lined up prior to even graduating in my choice of field (Pediatrics!). Get good grades, work as a tech in the hospital you want to be an RN at, and get your BSN!! (I mainly just lurk on this site, but felt I should post having been a new grad and finding a job, prior to even graduating!)

Thank you for sharing your experience and congratulations on scoring such a sweet first job. Even back in the day when jobs were plentiful we were encouraged to start making contacts, get our resume in order and apply for positions way before graduation. My hospital has already interviewed and will be offering positions to aprox 60 student nurses that will graduate this spring. Those that wait until July before looking will have a difficult time of it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
it's not easy to find a job in ANY field now.

Very true ... I have a friend who just got her first teaching job after spending seven months looking for employment. She is now about to get laid off due to HUGE budget cuts in TX. It's seems like everyone is either looking for a job or despises the one they have. It's hard all around.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

im a new grad rn, so i recently experienced what you feel in a way. let me tell it like it is, its hard getting a job anywhere with any major nowadays. you still have 3 years, so hopefully things change then. it took me 5 months and 6 different hospital interviews until i found my job now. be flexible with where you end up working and you will find something a lot easier.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.
don't be discouraged... new grad here, i'm employed in 2 rn positions. graduated in 2010, all of my classmates are gainfully employed. employers like those who are persistent and go-getters; you have to do your footwork. i don't post on the site much because of the amount of negative and "ventng" posts. good luck to you, things always work out for those who really want it.

i totally agree with you. if you set your mind to it, you can make it happen. you have to be positive positive positive! even after creeping on sooo many posts about how new grads can't find jobs, i never became discouraged and after graduating in december, getting licensed 1/31, and after one interview on a medsurg floor two weeks ago at a wonderful hospital, i was called with a job offer yesterday. you just have to believe in yourself! good luck to all! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks everyone for your responses!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion