Thought I would have a job by now. Getting depressed

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I have been scrolling here and there on this website and I am sure this has been discussed, but I will ask for myself. I am a May graduate with my ADN and I am currently enrolled in the BSN program. I really thought by now I would have a job. I have applied to over 40 positions and I have even applied in the DFW area and still have not landed even one interview. I am really scared. I got into nursing school when I was 29, and here I am 31 now with a young child to care for and I can't get a job. If I go in person, they tell me to apply online. I leave my resume and nothing. I was top of my class and have experience and a trained phlebotomist and our instructors told us of this "nursing shortage" which I am realizing is either not here, or just bologna. I am starting to feel depressed as my student loans will be due to start in October and I just want to work. Any advice? I have applied to every single hospital within a 150 mile radius, 20+ nursing homes and home health agencies. I am starting to feel like you will not become a nurse unless you personally know someone who can hook you up, which is ridiculous!

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This is the reality. THERE IS NO NURSING SHORTAGE!

Every school in the US has cashed in on the nursing thing, spreading lies about the shortage to get more and more students. Hundreds of nursing schools seem to pop up overnight. They know there are no jobs, but it's all about profit.

People considering this career: Don't do it unless you really want to be a nurse! The old "You'll never be unemployed, can work anywhere, sign on bonuses are thrown at you" crap is over. There is a huge OVERSATURATION and it's sad to see people with tens of thousands in loans and no job prospects.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Yes, the nursing "shortage" is over, been over for years.

Keep looking. When your loans are due, request a forbearance while you are unemployed. It takes ADN nurses up to 2 years to find work, BSN nurses 1 year in most areas of the country, even if one relocates. Keep your eyes peeled for new grad residencies, get hired at flu shot clinics. Whatever it takes to put your foot in the door. Good luck.

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I graduated in May and no job yet either. I Googled the word "medical" and sent every single place that had an email address/website my resume & asking if they have positions for new grads. I have put in well over 100 applications to every place in a 70 mile radius from my house. I am starting to get phone calls from places I applied to months ago, so it is looking up. The key is to be patient and persistent. Every day(literally), I check the hospitals career pages for new postings, as well as indeed.com and careerbuilder.com. I always heard of the "nursing shortage" and am trying not to become discouraged about the truth behind that story. Something good will happen soon. :) Wishing you the best of luck in your job hunt!!

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The nursing shortage fluctuates. Right now the shortage is non existent BUT it will get better in terms of jobs. I graduated in May with a BSN and my debt is 6 figures so I'm stressed about that. I'm grateful for the job I got and I know I'm very lucky. My suggestion is to contact people where you all did your capstone clinicals. Contact your instructors and even the SON admin. People can help you just have to ask. I know it's frustrating but it will get better!! Hang in there!! Make those contacts!! Best if luck to y'all

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Specializes in critcal care, CRNA.
I have been scrolling here and there on this website and I am sure this has been discussed but I will ask for myself. I am a May graduate with my ADN and I am currently enrolled in the BSN program. I really thought by now I would have a job. I have applied to over 40 positions and I have even applied in the DFW area and still have not landed even one interview. I am really scared. I got into nursing school when I was 29, and here I am 31 now with a young child to care for and I can't get a job. If I go in person, they tell me to apply online. I leave my resume and nothing. I was top of my class and have experience and a trained phlebotomist and our instructors told us of this "nursing shortage" which I am realizing is either not here, or just bologna. I am starting to feel depressed as my student loans will be due to start in October and I just want to work. Any advice? I have applied to every single hospital within a 150 mile radius, 20+ nursing homes and home health agencies. I am starting to feel like you will not become a nurse unless you personally know someone who can hook you up, which is ridiculous![/quote']

I sent you a PM about an actual hospital that has positions. Not the most desirable city in the nation but low crime and I really like the hospital.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

First, it's only been two months since you graduated...new grads are taking at least 6-12 months or more to snag that first job nowadays. It's pretty early in the job hunting game for you.

Second...you are in the DFW area, which is highly saturated with nurses both new and not-so-new.

Last...you're an ADN. ADNs are great--I'm one myself. But when you're hunting in markets where BSN is the preferred degree, it makes it tough to get a job.

Going back for the BSN is a great idea. In the meantime, just keep applying to everything that you can. Get into a facility any way you can, even if it's part-time or per-diem.

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Specializes in telemetry, ICU.

I moved from CA to get a job in Baton Rouge, LA after 250 applications and 6 months of looking. There are jobs here if you can relocate.

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I'm really scared I'll be in the same situation. I graduate in September, but have no previous medical experience.

I did get hired at a hospital as a transporter, but they keep putting off my start date due to low census (and me being a PRN). I'd like to think that being an employee there would help my chances, but I'm not holding my breath.

Im in Tampa, and will relocate pretty much anywhere. I've always wanted to be a nurse, and I know that Im in the right profession for me, I am just so scared I'm not gonna be able to get that first job.

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You can defer your loans.

Have you tried hospices? Dialysis? Doctors offices? The VA? Insurance Co.?

Also, what about LabCorp or similar since you have Phleb. skills - it would be something.

The job market is tough for new grads AND those w/experience. Apply for any job you are remotely interested in - whether you meet the requirements or not. It will happen but as others have posted - depending on the area you live - it may take a little longer.

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I also graduated in May and nothing yet. I have applied to over 100 nursing positions---many of them designed for a nurse with no experience. I had one phone interview and one "we will call you to schedule an interview" that never called. I have 1 year of LPN experience and 3 years of nurses aide experience. Never thought I would have this much trouble finding a job!!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

It has been two months. I know of some new grads that looked for almost a year before getting a job. Calm down.

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