It can be a harsh world out there for a newly qualified nurse. There are so many of us: fresh faced and eager to please, all prepped for interview and armed with the interview skills to impress. Unfortunately there simply are not enough jobs to go around. So it becomes a little dog eat dog and a little disheartening.
Some newly qualifieds are in a position to spread their wings and fly away to posts in different lands. Some managed to secure posts before they finished training, or before their registrations were even sent away. This leaves a pool of disappointed but keen newly qualifieds who start wondering why they are the ones to be left behind, why they are not drowning in job offers.
It is very difficult not to lose heart at this junction. After such difficult and intensive training the high upon completion is euphoric. To be then followed by a lull where the anticipated barrage of interviews does not appear is somewhat disheartening. The inevitable self doubt creeps in: what am I doing wrong? Is it my personal statement? Have I missed the boat, am I too late? Am I too early because my pin is not ready yet? Is it me?
All the plans which were laid down to be completed once qualification was achieved continue to sit on hold as each day increases the despair that you have not yet acquired your post. Meanwhile friends and colleagues start to collect their start dates and you feel left behind, bereft. You meet people socially and they ask what you do. you tell them you are a nurse and they ask where you work. Suddenly you feel like you were lying. Well I don’t have a post yet. It feels like you are saying I’m not really a nurse yet. Then there are the fears that you will start to forget how to do your job. It is all very frightening.
But keep one’s head up one must. This is a temporary phase, it will pass and a post will be found. Once that is secured the rest of your career can be kick-started. This too shall pass, as they say. This down time and waiting around is difficult and it is disheartening but it is part of the process and shall one day be a mere memory. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself.
Nurse Vendetta 