DONE with interviews and indecision - it's depressing

5 I've been on more interviews in the last few months than I care to count. The thought of getting dressed one more time, answering the same questions - again - being told there will be a second interview or whatever - again - is more than I can take. I was trying desperately to avoid having to drive 48 miles one way to a job I started a few months back but ALLL of the others I've interviewed for I've either not heard back, been told there is a hiring freeze and they will be in touch or, one of them, I accepted only learning afterwards I would be orienting 80 miles one way from my house for 12 weeks! So, that one was out for me - I have a family and though I absolutely need to work - a job - for me - will never come before them. At any rate, ALL of the positions are advertised - all over - and yet, nurses, new and old, can't seem to get a job or if they do it's not what they want or thought. I have become so down about nursing, how it's changed, to the point the anxiety and depression have begun to effect me to the point I am actually going to see a doctor tomorrow to discuss medication...and all I read about antidepressants is they may or may not work - but I can't seem to pull myself out of this nosedive of sadness and career blues. I never thought I would end up feeling this way about being a nurse. I can't move because I can't afford to. I feel stuck and overwhelmed. There are few options for nurses outside of healthcare if that's the only degree you have. Thanks for listening. I'm just done!
I understand what you are going through. I've been through the same ordeal. I'm depressed and highly anxious too and even doubt myself now. My confidence is shot. I feel like I have lost all of the knowledge that I obtained from nursing school and I just graduated last year! Take a breather. If you need to talk to a doctor, you should. Antidepressants don't work for me so I don't know how to fix my high anxiety and low confidence issues. Especially with no medical insurance. Things will get better. Once you stop stressing, the calls will probably start coming in. That's usually how things work out. If you haven't already done so, call and make cold calls to hospital floor managers; don't just go through HR. What about long-term care? Don't stop looking and sending out those resumes after your breather though.. something will eventually come through for you.

I'm sorry you're going through this right now I was there two months ago too. The rejection letters, getting no response, 150+ applications, etc. After 4 months, I went into a bunch of LTC facilities and dropped off resumes in person dressed in business attire. One of them asked me to interview on the spot. It was not my top choice (actually, it was my last choice!) but I'm getting a paycheck and the drive is 20 minutes from my house. Since then, I was called by my first choice and have had 3 consecutive interviews for that position. I'm just waiting for my phone to ring one last time for that offer... Don't give up just yet! The market seems to be looking up at least here in the Pacific Northwest.

You sound JUST like me. At this point I would accept any nursing job just to be DONE with the interviews and filling out 56904860948 apps a week! I dread interviews more than anything. D/t my last job which ended in termination I have to explain over and over again what happened which is just painful and reminds me over and over again. Sorry this wasnt more positive but just wanted to let u know your not the only one!

I have problems with depression and anxiety to begin with. This kind of prospect is going to do me in. I have applied to our local nursing program and should hear next month. I am an older student with a family. Maybe a rejection would be a good thing if more woes are down the line. I don't know. Should I try to be positive or realistic? Am I trying to be a square peg in a round hole? I just have to sit back and wait for that email. I can't do anything else before then. I'm going away for two weeks and will take my laptop and check daily. What a life!

Sounds like to me that you should have sucked it up and did the driving. It was only for 12 weeks and then you would have had an awesome job close to home.

Quote from PugglepersonSounds like to me that you should have sucked it up and did the driving. It was only for 12 weeks and then you would have had an awesome job close to home.

I have been an RN for 5+ years. After moving with my family last year, I have applied for countless jobs (even out of the medical field)...after 9 months finally got a prn that I don't even like, but I have to help suppport my family. It feels awful to start a job, dreading it from day one, with no idea how many hours I will get to work. I am thankful to get a few hours, but also feel so trapped!!!

Quote from PugglepersonSounds like to me that you should have sucked it up and did the driving. It was only for 12 weeks and then you would have had an awesome job close to home.

Hello All, I'm sorry that you all are experiencing the blues about finding a job. I dread that part too. I graduated from LVN school May 2010 and haven't set for my boards yet and that's bugging me to death! I'm one those who lost motivation and just could not quite get into study mode. I am, however, happy to say that I am back on track with my studying and will "sit" come July. BUT enough of my woes. I just wanted to give you some positve feedback and let you all know that most of my classmates have found jobs. It was sixteen of us that graduated and nine have found jobs, so it'll come just be patience and keep giving it your all. And if you're a spiritual person, try and find comfort in that. Good luck with all you're endeavors!

The one who surmised that I wasn't even a student nurse was right. I have thought and overthought this whole thing. It's driving me crazy. I'm doing biofeedback to quell my fears. I am sorry to give you such a bad impression.something will work out. I have a lot going for me in many ways.

Quote from violin9The one who surmised that I wasn't even a student nurse was right. I have thought and overthought this whole thing. It's driving me crazy. I'm doing biofeedback to quell my fears. I am sorry to give you such a bad impression.something will work out. I have a lot going for me in many ways.

I feel sad about your situation. If you really want to be a nurse, persistence usually will be rewarded. It is very difficult when you are "in a hole" and feel like there is no hope of climbing out. Many people in nursing and other professions are having trouble finding a job, in this lousy economy. One thing is for sure, the nursing field is full of Baby Boomers who are gradually aging out of the system because of our own personal health care issues and retirement. As we leave, new jobs will be opening up. The economy will eventually recover and as it does, more jobs will become available. There are members who are new grads who are finding jobs as evidenced by entrys on this site and even at my own facility, new grads are being hired. I pray you find a job soon.