Unemployed for 18 months now.......

[HeatherGurl84]

I have been unemployed for 18 months now and it seems like every interview I go to, it seems very positive, then a week or two later I get a rejection email or phone call

I left my last job as a Public Health Nurse due to an emergency surgery that took my out of commission for several months. I LOVED my position and had only been there 8 months. It was my first real RN position since graduating from nursing school. I function better as a clinic/doctor's office setting nurse vs. hospital.

I am just depressed, expenses are piling up. Any advice? I know the only thing I can do is keep applying and interviewing. Will it ever end?!?

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

How frustrating. As cliche as it is I'm going to say don't give up and something will come along ( because it will happen! ). I'm sending good thoughts your way. Good luck :)

[salliesue]

I hear you! I had same experience of being off except, I have lots of experience as a nurse. Trying everyday for a job. Now i'm starting to say "just forget it!! but that's just my hurt feelings. I have never ever had trouble getting a job. I honestly don't know what the hold up is. I get rejection letters an average of two months after applying. I don't even get calls for interviews. Just e-mails two months later. weird!! somethings up! I think Hospitals and clinics are holding apps until the Obama care plays out.

[paki nurse]

Keep on the search, you can do this

[InformaticsRN.MA]

Are you willing to relocate? That would be my first suggestion - you will have a lot more opportunities availablee to you.

You could also try to (professionally) ask the person that interviewed you if there was a particular reason that the position went to someone else. If that person had more experience than you, then you can't really change that, but you might get some helpful feedback about the way you interviewed, or something else that got the other nurse the job. If they won't tell you why, I'd tend to agree with the other poster and wonder if you should change your list of references.

Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions-

[mmrfs2000]

Hi Elprup, I am in the same boat as many other nurse graduate who cannot find a job. I am so eager and have the desire to work and put what I have learned throughout my nursing education years into practice. I even willing to volunteer or even apply as a tech. Anyhow, I do have license and have been applying to so many hospitals throughout the state of Florida, but I am having no luck. I like your idea very much about the "quick note". Will you also share with me what you wrote, Please.

[sunmaidliz]

To the OP:

Naw, you don't need phlebotomy experience. The role is an RN supervisor and they do train you in blood draws, but it's a leadership position. Paperwork, monitoring for adverse reactions, ensuring proper blood collection techniques, liaison with the site if you are on the bloodmobiles. GIve it a thought.

[crynyce]

I think Agency work can help you with the bills until something more permanent comes along. All you need is 6 months experience and they will hire after you complete your paperwork, most don't even formally interview you. I recently relocated to a new state so I understand your frustration. It's hard to even get excited about an interview because you almost already know the outcome. I've been working with a few agencies for almost 2 years now and it pays the bills. Mostly RN's are needed for per diem hospital work but school nurses and long term care nurses are also needed. Good luck. I'm not sure where you are located but NurseCore, Nursefinders,Maxim, and Medical Staffing Network are some of the big ones. And I'm sure there are plenty of Home health agencies in your area. Good luck and stay positive. O yea Craigslist is great 2!!!!

[Leonardo Del Toro, RN]

I know this is going to sound so hoky-pokey but sometimes when you are so desperate and 100% needy you might create this void where nothing comes to you. I was like that for almost 2 years and one day I gave up, not kind of gave up, really gave up. The moment I trully gave up in my heart I got a job...it's funny how things are.

[Art_Vandelay]

I know this is going to sound so hoky-pokey but sometimes when you are so desperate and 100% needy you might create this void where nothing comes to you. I was like that for almost 2 years and one day I gave up, not kind of gave up, really gave up. The moment I trully gave up in my heart I got a job...it's funny how things are.

How did you get a job after you gave up? Did someone contact you that you had previously applied to?

OP: For what it's worth, you're not alone. When will this economy turn around?

[PRNQueen]

Here is what has worked for me. Get back in touch with anyone you know through social media, email, however. Let them know that you are looking for a nursing job preferably _______ (fill in several options) but do not say "i'll do anything!!" That makes you seem too desperate. Ask employed nurses who to contact in HR or their department. Be open to PRN positions, psych, immunizations, and volunteering at free clinics. If you can afford an ACLS or PALS class take it and make a point to network with others there. Unfortunately, some of the biggest opportunities in nursing may require doing work in high turnover areas (inpatient psych at night).

[LaRN]

someone told me to go and introduce yourself to people who head the depts, sometimes that may open up some doors in the location your seeking.

what? just drop in out of nowhere and say hay?

[Lilfeet]

Yes, I've heard that this works as well. Are you only looking in the same field or have you tried different specialties? What exactly is a Public Health nurse? Good luck and chin up!