Surprise Surprise

I didn't get the job. What a surprise. Or not. It went to someone who worked bank on the ward. I got good feedback, the interviewer said I interviewed well, answered questions fully, appeared confident and that she noticed that I'd done my research into this area of nursing, however, I did not have any experience in that area of nursing, even though she could tell I tried to tie in relevant experience to fit in with that ward. For example, I did a placement on a day surgery unit and the interview was for a day surgery unit, but ENT as opposed to general day surgery, so whilst I could talk about procedures, protocols, things like that which are all very relevant...I hadn't worked on an ENT ward so simply didn't have the experience.

Now I'm sure I've asked this question before, but, if specific experience is an 'essential requirement' in the job description, then surely it makes sense not to offer someone without it, an interview? As it stands for this job, it was under the 'desirable requirements' but even so, if that is what is going to prevent me from getting the job, why put me through the stress of an interview? I'm not having a go at the interviewer as I'm sure it wasn't her fault, but it's clear that sometimes the job already has someone's name on it, and they must just get extra people to interview to fill their quota? Basically, I didn't stand a chance before I even got through the door.

This makes me so annoyed. I've got friends who have done both adult and mental health nursing, and the majority have had no problem finding jobs, which is excellent, and I really am happy for them :) It's just child branch that are having trouble, whether it's because two hospitals have recently merged, or because they need nurses with experience as a qualified, or simply because us newly qualifieds are rubbish (!) but whatever it is, it's utterly depressing. From my course, there is only me and one other who hasn't got a job yet, out of 7 on the course (though one was seconded and so had a job ready to walk back into) that doesn't sound too bad, but I've heard the other courses (March & September) are having the same problems I'm having.

Ah well. What can you do? I think this has been the 6th rejection, it's getting expected now, water off a ducks back! I'll have a cry, get some sleep then pull myself into a positive mood and try again. I don't even think I'd take it so badly if I had a job, any job, so at least I had some money coming in! As it stands I can't even get a care assistant/shop assistant/admin/working with kids job or anything! I think people see the nursing qualification and know as soon as I get a nurse job, I'll be away, so over look my application. I've decided to take my nursing bit off my CV, then at least I might get any kind of job!

Anyway, there are plenty worse off, just gotta keep smiling :)