I am officially un- unemployed!!!!!

March 3rd. The day that will go down in history books (or at least this blog) as the day a miracle occurred! Ever since Jacob and I moved to Minnesota, I have been searching for a job. With the 1 year mark almost coming up, I have to admit I was at times, beyond discouraged. I had applied to every hospital within an hour's radius that I was aware of as well as nursing homes, clinics, etc. The job that I finally received an offer for came by quite a surprise. We always hear the phrase, "It's all about who you know." I never really believed that statement was applicable to nursing because thus far I had made contacts with a Director of Patient Care, Vice President of Patient Care, Director of Surgical Services, Vice Chief Medical Officer, a CEO, and a number of RNs, LPNs, CNAs, etc. and making these contacts had proved to make no difference in my hunt for a job.
However, one day I was given the contact information for the Director of Nursing at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina. Jacob's bosses (Dan and Brian) both came to know of her through business they had done with her brother. I contacted her, she agreed to meet with me, she interviewed me, put in a good word for me, and the rest is history. She opened the doors for me at Fairview and allowed me to get interviewed. The reason I know she made the difference between me getting and not getting an interview, is because I was told on several occasions that the number of applicants per ONE position opening is around 300+. With odds like that and NO RN experience, I was not even getting considered for interviews. I had applied for 22 jobs within Fairview and had not received one call for any type of interview. It was with her help that I was able to get in and really sell myself.
I was interviewed on March 2nd and offered a job March 3rd! I begin orientation/working on April 18th. Here are the details:
-med/surg float pool (includes 5 different units)
-56 hrs/pay period
-8 hr shifts
-days/nights (goodbye sleep,.. oh how I love you)
-2 days on call/month
-some holidays
-some overtime
-pay is great!
On a more spiritual note, I thank my Heavenly Father so much for this opportunity and know that He has been aware of my needs and of my struggles all along. Before I was even offered a job, I came to a realization of the lesson I was to learn from this whole experience. For me, I feel that having to wait for something so long has truly taught me patience and gratitute. I know that I would not have been as grateful for a job, had I been handed one right after nursing school. Now, more than ever, I want to be an nurse and want to work to truly make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It's going to be great!