when to just give up on the dream?

1 Just looking for some outside advice, I'm an older nurse of 2 years stuck in a job I absolutely hate (addictions) I took it because, well, have to pay the bills. Since graduation (2012) I have continued job searching, on Indeed literally few time s a day, went in person to hospitals to drop off applications, paid a pretty penny to get an expert to do my resume', went back to school for my BSN, have taken some certs. I have done everything possible to increase my chances of getting a job. I did LTC right after graduation a for almost a year per diem, horrible and dangerous place, I do some school nurse subbing ( pay is a joke). I went back to school because I truly have a calling deep in my soul, I am an excellent nurse, it saddens me when no one will give me a chance. I have had interviews but...no calls, ever. My passion, the light in my heart is slowly burning out. I know to accomplish your dreams it takes hard work, I get that. Then to see other nurses get hired who either are #1 younger and #2 KNOW somebody, where does that leave me? It leaves me in a job that I'm extremely unhappy in, I don't use my skills, and I'm not gaining anything by working in addictions, nothing that will help my resume. It's throwing me into mindset of...why even bother, I'll never get a decent job. The thought of staying in this job until I retire is absolutely depressing. I used to get excited while applying for jobs, but after all the rejection, I don't even get my hopes up any more. Sorry for the rambling, just had to put this out there looking for a tiny tiny glimmer of hope, but not feeling hopeful, just want to cry most days. Thinking why did I even go back to school, dreams are crushed.
That sounds very frustrating. I am certain there is an opportunity out there for you, and it sounds like you have been working hard towards something different. Your BSN degree does open the door for more opportunities, and you're right, a huge factor in getting the job is who you know. Start with that and use it to your advantage; start networking. What area of nursing do you want to get into? Is the addictions job affiliated with a company/hospital? Try speaking to your HR representative, let them know what it is you want to do and maybe they can help with getting the connections you need.
Suggest extended care home health as a placeholder job while you look for something more suitable. At least that is a nursing job and who knows, you may find that you like it.
Quote from nursechrissyRNIt's throwing me into mindset of...why even bother, I'll never get a decent job.
Oh gosh, sounds like you're having a horrible day. I can relate.Are there job vacancies in your area? If so, have you looked at LTACs? In my area of the country, they provide a way for LTC / non-acute nurses to transition into acute care, because the clinical skills are so similar to that of hospitals.
thank you very much for the encouragement, My employer is a free standing non-profit organization, no where to advance, I would love to move out of this state, I've given it serious consideration but with 2 kids in High school, I feel it wouldn't be the right time. Home health requires experience also, which brings me back to my problem, every one wants experience, why isn't anyone willing to give a nurse a chance to get the experience.It just get me so discouraged seeing many nurses around me getting hired, makes me feel less than, not as good. My dream job would be LDRP, I've pretty much accepted the fact that won't happen, but I would also love to work in an OB/GYN office, high risk OB or IVF. They all also require experience. trying to keep pushing forward. Thanks again for the kind words.
You didn't mention your exact age, just that you're "older". Well I was 36 when I graduated with my ASN, with Honors to boot. I moved to three different states chasing after that elusive first nursing job. Could not get hired to save my life. Meanwhile, several of my classmates who are knee-deep in their 50s got hired on the spot, right here locally, one of them in a pilot ICU program (a mistake in my opinion to start new nurses on that floor). Go figure. I did, a year and half after graduation, get a job in subacute care and yes, it is hard and often dangerous at times. I'm grateful for it. It was all I could get for now, but it taught me a lot, not just what to do, but what not to do. My advice, take a break from applying for awhile. Just like they say a winning attitude shines through, so does a depressed, desperate cloud hover. Just take a breather, keep doing the job you're at to keep the bills paid and to show nursing longevity, it does count. Once you feel your ambition coming back, which it might after a break, try applying again. Aim for med-surg. I know there are those lucky few who get their supposed dream job right off the cuff, but most of us have to do our time in med-surg. And it's not so bad, it's the foundation of all nursing practice. I just got hired at a hospital on a med-surg floor, nearly two years after graduating. I'm in my 39th year now, so if that's old, then I guess I'm old lol.
That's very frustrating. Are you able to relocate? I don't see where you are, but I just checked the job postings at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND--they have >50 positions posted! I didn't click on every position, but most of the ones I did click on say "hospital experience preferred, but not required." That included ED, ICU, NICU, and L&D positions, and they're a level II trauma center. That's just one hospital; it happens to be the first one that came to mind.
Quote from Here.I.StandThat's very frustrating. Are you able to relocate? I don't see where you are, but I just checked the job postings at Trinity Hospital in Minot, ND--they have >50 positions posted! I didn't click on every position, but most of the ones I did click on say "hospital experience preferred, but not required." That included ED, ICU, NICU, and L&D positions, and they're a level II trauma center. That's just one hospital; it happens to be the first one that came to mind.
There are home health agencies that will hire the inexperienced and give a good orientation to the job. Extended care is more suited for a newer nurse until you get your bearings. Quite frankly, sometimes an extended care case can be very, very routine. But like I implied before, it is nursing, nursing experience, and a nursing paycheck. One client, one nursing note for the shift, and that is it. Rarely do you get involved in a change of condition, an emergency, or a case that requires a lot of interventions. You can work at night and spend most of the time, sitting in a rocker, watching your patient sleep. May not sound like much, but they hire nurses to provide respite at night, so there you go.
Nursechrissy, I feel your pain. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but never dreamed it would be this hard. I have applied to hundreds and hundreds of jobs and now apply less often and feel I am just pointlessly applying because I no longer expect any calls.A couple of months ago even though nothing came of it I would at least get excited when my phone rang. Not anymore. I'm glad you at least have a job.
Just a thought.. Have you gotten/asked for any feedback from any interviews you have gone to? Your resume may be great, but is there something perhaps you are doing/saying in person that has been a barrier?
Can you look at moving? Is it an option? Some places right now are offering relocation assistance. I have gotten multiple offers from other places in the country (unsolicited) with a sign on bonus and relocation assistance. Granted, I work in an extremely specialized area of nursing and have 2.5 years of experience there. I know my current employer offered to train me in an extremely specialized area and offered to pay my relocation. I did have to sign a 2 year contract for the training. The time flies by. It's not all sunshine and butterflies, but I love working with the physicians I work with, and most of my coworkers are great. More days than not, I love my job. I know my facility hires RNs - newly licensed and new to the hospital on the Clinical Nurse 1 position. You just have to be willing to look a little bit, maybe take a chance and move. I moved for my first job in nursing and then for this one. You never know, you might find something you never imagined because you take a chance and apply (I did). Hope this helps. Best wishes and good luck!