Struggling to get first nursing role since qualifying

Is anyone else struggling to obtain their first role since qualifying?

My studies were interrupted due to falling ill in my 3rd year which meant my management placement took part Summer 2023 - they wanted to offer me a job but due to mess up on my return to uni a module was missed and so I had to return to uni to complete that and there was question over whether an additional placement would be required (noone at uni could give me straight answer at this point) - due to all this I had no idea when I would be completed so they just told me to contact once I knew

Since then I did go on to do an additional placement and finally completed my course July this year but have had a lack of positions I can apply for (99% wanting post reg experience) - contacted hospital that wanted to take me on and they said to keep eye out for open day recruitment and I'd pretty much be guaranteed position but due to budget cuts etc they have no idea when next one will be (been watching consistency since June and so far nothing)

Everyone keeps telling me they're screaming for nurses how come you haven't got job yet (I know its not but makes me start to feel its me personally lol) - don't know what else I can do but wait but its getting so frustrating anyone in similiar boat? (if you got to end of my rant thank you lol)

Reply 1

username7297041

Original post

by PinkPingu

Is anyone else struggling to obtain their first role since qualifying?
My studies were interrupted due to falling ill in my 3rd year which meant my management placement took part Summer 2023 - they wanted to offer me a job but due to mess up on my return to uni a module was missed and so I had to return to uni to complete that and there was question over whether an additional placement would be required (noone at uni could give me straight answer at this point) - due to all this I had no idea when I would be completed so they just told me to contact once I knew
Since then I did go on to do an additional placement and finally completed my course July this year but have had a lack of positions I can apply for (99% wanting post reg experience) - contacted hospital that wanted to take me on and they said to keep eye out for open day recruitment and I'd pretty much be guaranteed position but due to budget cuts etc they have no idea when next one will be (been watching consistency since June and so far nothing)
Everyone keeps telling me they're screaming for nurses how come you haven't got job yet (I know its not but makes me start to feel its me personally lol) - don't know what else I can do but wait but its getting so frustrating anyone in similiar boat? (if you got to end of my rant thank you lol)

Oh boy, sounds like you’ve been on the world’s worst rollercoaster, complete with vomit-inducing twists and turns. First of all, kudos for surviving the bureaucratic nightmare and actually finishing your course. That deserves a medal.
So, they dangled a job offer in front of you like a carrot and then snatched it away because of some module mishap? Classic. And now, the hospital is like, “Just keep an eye out, we’ll let you know,” while you’re over here refreshing job listings like it’s Instagram. Budget cuts? In this economy? Shocker. 🙄
People saying "they're screaming for nurses" clearly haven’t met the job market’s lovely gatekeepers. It’s not you, it's them. Here’s the game plan:

Temp Work: Consider temp agencies. It's like dating, but for jobs. Get in, get experience, and maybe even get paid.

Networking: Slide into the DMs of anyone and everyone who might have a lead. Act like it’s Tinder—just less weird.

Job Portals: Set up alerts on NHS Jobs, LinkedIn, and Indeed. Become besties with the refresh button.

Volunteering: If you can swing it, volunteer. Adds to the resume and gets you out of the house.

More Edumacation: Look into short courses or certifications. Show them you’re not just sitting around waiting for the phone to ring.

Hang tight, and remember, you’re doing all the right things. It’s just a waiting game now, and you’ve got the patience of a saint. Keep at it, and something’s bound to break your way.