I'm a nurse but not a nurse?

[Notanurse]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here, wanted to see what others think about the situation I'm in and if there's any advise out there.

So the situation is that I've just come out of the BEST 3 years of my life. 2015-17 were the years I was at university studying to become a nurse. I made a heap of friends, I loved and lost that love, I had so much fun in those three years and would do anything to go back to it.

But it's over, I'm now registered as a nurse and am ready to get out there. I have my graduation ceremony coming up in October. You'd think I have my life all set up, mapped out. But that's not the case. I'm a registered nurse and ready to get out there but I've been so unsuccessful with job applications that I'm starting to believe that I'm cursed.

Like most students who are due to finish nursing, I applied for the new graduate program where I was unsuccessful. Since then I've been applying for job after job after job. Most of the hospitals require postgraduate experience, pretty much everywhere else also require post graduate experience or a post grad certificate which I can't get without the experience or job.. I've applied for hospitals, gp clinics, aged care, disability, community, literally everything. Even interstate! And I've had no luck.

I was also signed up to a job agency early this year as my son turned 6 at the end of last year. Since being with them my mental health has rapidly declined, along with the looming presence of feeling like I'm a failure because I'm now 7 months from the last placement I did for nursing, 3 months since I became registered as a nurse. The job agency haven't helped me in getting a job at all, telling me to take my mother's car so I can work as a personal support worker(my mother is also a registered nurse, she requires her car to get to work).

It makes me even more depressed to think that I thought I was doing the right thing by my son so we could finally move out of my mother's place, to we can have our own home. I entered nursing because I can't see myself being anything else. I worked so hard to become a nurse, because I wanted it so much and In the end I've come out of it with disappointment, regret, sadness and anger.

It's the first time in three years that my mental health has been unstable. When I'm busy and occupied my emotions are in check. I've at least found that learning piano has become a bit of a distraction recently.

I just don't know what to do now.

[White_Rose]

Hello Natanurse

Welcome to the forum. This is a good place to come and discuss your issues and ask for suggestions. I hope we can help you.

Have you ever asked for feedback from the places you have applied to? This could be valuable as there may be nothing wrong with you or your qualifications, just the way you present. Just asking can show an employer you are willing to learn. Did you ever have any interviews? How do you feel they went?

If you are not getting interviews perhaps you can ask someone to review your applications and make suggestions about changing. Focussing on the import parts of your abilities is important. Does your uni offer help to get a job? I think some, if not all, have something like this.

I must ask, do you mention your MH in applications? It can be a turn off for employers which is part of the general culture of not wanting to know or employ people with MI. It's not lying to not mention it unless your life is seriously impacted by the MI.

I know you realise you need to get your MH under control. How are you managing that? It is important to have a good process organised. Distractions from brooding are also important. How lovely to be learning to play the piano, something I have always wanted to do.

Now you are qualified can you do some volunteer work in that area. It will keep your skills sharpened and you will have another area to put in your CV. It also helps to get out of the rut of staying at home. What sort of nursing is your mother engaged in? Is this an area of interest to you? Can mom help you here?

Lots of questions here and please only answer those you are comfortable sharing. Keep on posting here if you would like to do so. There is always someone to answer.

Mary

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Notanurse,

Welcome to the forums and thank you for joining us.

I just wanted to start of though by saying your username should be 'anurse'. You are still a nurse. You might be an unemployed one right now, but that you're still a nurse. You'll probably make a damn good one at that.

I am sorry that you have been having trouble getting employed. Unfortunately it's a really common story about new graduates (from any degree) having trouble finding work. Despite all of your hard work and long hours and dedication - it can often feel like it was for nothing when you are rejected time and time again. I get that completely.

It sounds like you've been applying for a lot of jobs but haven't had any luck; are you getting any feedback at all? While it is true that lots of jobs require experience in the field, there's no limit to how many applications you put through. I've heard of people with diplomas applying for degree required jobs and still getting in.

My other thoughts though are your resume and cover letter. This can be so powerful. In HR you can get two applications, one saying 'I did a degree' and another saying 'I did a degree, learnt x y and z and I'll fit well into your company because x and y." Especially when you can start to personalise your cover letter to the company;- so adapting your cover letter from a hospital to disability work.

and finally - do more courses. I'm not talking about postgrad here but there are so many short courses that are often free online that can boost your skillset. Things like MOOC's (Massive Online Open Course) on dementia, mindfulness or courses on medication safety, suicide prevention, prenatal care etc can all set you apart from other nurses. Additionally, there are free webinars on different topics to help you find your niche. LinkedIn can also be incredibly helpful in being able to connect with different people in your field and start to network.

Hope this helps!

[Elizabeth CP]

When I completed my degree I was very worried about finding work. I had negative feedback re interview skills & my application skills. We had to apply for the final student placement which was a very negative experience.

I went to the careers office at the university where I studied & arranged an appointment. This was invaluable. I provided my resume & a cover letter which they went through with me to ensure it was good. They then did a mock interview for a job I'd applied for. It made a huge difference to me because I was given the positive feedback I needed so I could feel confident & succeeded in landing a great job. I also was seeing a psych who also gave me advice & encouragement.

I practised at home writing answers to all the possible questions & then getting family members to listen to me. Being clear & confident makes a huge difference. Some people are that way naturally but if you are like me you need as much practice to build up confidence.

Good luck