Job search

I wrote in my profile that I am already a nurse. That is not quite true. I am still technically a student for 18 more days. Then, I will be a graduate nurse, and eventually, will take the NCLEX exam and be an RN.

However, this soon to be RN does not have a job and will be working at a recreation facility in the main office. Now, this is the job that I have had for 2 years and absolutely love, but I can't believe that I will be working there again after I graduate from college. No one believes me when I say that I can't find a job as an RN or a graduate nurse. Well, it is true. I have applied to 15 hospitals and over 25 positions. I have had no interest so far. I am not the only one though, which makes me feel a little bit better. Out of our graduating class of about 120, I only know of maybe 20 people who have jobs lined up. The rest of us are still trying to find something to do.

So, the plan is to keep looking and hope that someone will find me interesting and at least call me in for an interview. I have a feeling that it might get better once I pass the NCLEX in July. I think that the hospitals won't be as worried about us not passing and wasting their time on us. I am just scared about what will happen if I pass the NCLEX and can't find anything by August. The recreation facility is a non-profit and they can't afford to keep me on after the summer season.

Somewhat related... I can't believe that I am graduating from UConn in 18 days. It has gone by so fast. I remember crying so hard the night before I moved in for freshman year, I was scared and didn't want to leave home. Now, I know I am going to cry when I have to leave! I had some rough times, but also some of the best times of my life and made the best friends who I know I will stay in contact with for a long long time.

Monday was my last day of my last clinical rotation. I had been working in a maternal-fetal ICU, which also housed the labor and delivery unit. I had some amazing experiences and everything I learned was so invaluable. I will eventually tell some great stories about things that I saw (while not violating HIPAA!) I know that I will most likely not find a job in maternal-fetal nursing at first, but that is my absolute goal. I also eventually would love to go back to school and become a certified nurse midwife and possibly a lactation consultant.

I have a lot to work on if I want to achieve all of these goals!