u/cheeseladyrara

For those of you who have recently graduated or are to graduate soon, I'm curious to know, did you have any idea you might find it hard to find a job when you graduated? Did the unis sell the course to you in terms of you'd have job security when you graduated? Feeling really bummed out seeing all these student's graduate only to have no jobs to go to. I graduated 2 years ago (Tassie) and everyone from our course was offered a ttpp. Nursing is definitely shifting and not in a good way I feel...

What is going on with the hiring crisis in nursing? The lack of jobs...too many nurses and not enough jobs? Doesn't feel like I have job security anymore as the unis are pumping out so many nurses and then so many international nurses coming over. So much competition now when it didn't used to feel like this?

What's happening and why?

Hi

I have been an rn for 2 years now (aged care) I like it for the most part but ultimately I'm not sure now I see myself doing nursing for the rest of my career (I'm 38). I tried ward nursing and absolutely hated it so I know that working in a hospital environment isn't for me. I would consider community nursing (however wasn't sure if I have the skill set for community nursing?),or mental health nursing, and have recently signed up to do my graduate certificate in mental health nursing and I've always been fascinated in human behaviour, the mind and mental illness.

Ideally I'd find a job where I can do a 9-5 type hours (just no late shifts or nights as these trigger my insomnia and then everything goes to shit), happy to work weekends and holidays as no kids. Happy to do a bit more study but don't want to do a masters. I did think of doing my cert IV in training and assessment to be able to teach carers and support workers but still trying to find a course and sussing out the job market for this.

Thoughts I have so far include;

Case work and/or case management, NDIS support coordinater roles, aged care needs assessor, advocacy, working in supported living for NDIS,...? And what would I need to do to get into these roles?

What jobs are out there that I can use my nursing degree in that aren't necessarily a Nurse role? Id love a job that's still very much working with people rather than stuck behind a desk all day...

Please help!

Bit of context

For my first birthday I celebrated with my partner (32) he was wonderful and we'd only known each other a month at that point. He made me birthday breakfast, took me on a beautiful bush walk 2 hours away, then out for dinner, and got me flowers, chocolates and things from lush. He made me feel so special, and I loved most of all the thought and time that had gone into the day.

My second birthday together rolls around last year and I received nothing. No card, no flowers, no birthday breakfast or gestures. He said he had a walk planned close by and I could pick myself a bunch of flowers. Needless to say we had a big argument as I was pretty hurt and upset, especially after he had set the bar so high the first time. I explained this and how it hurt because it seemed like he had put in such little effort this time.

My third birthday (38) rolled around last week, and to try and avoid the disappointment of my second birthday I had explained to my partner several times (gently and calmly) that I would really appreciate at least a card this year on my birthday, and explained to him I didn't want feel like I did last year.

So my birthday came and went last week and no card. nothing. Again. I genuinely don't understand why when I explained several times how much it would mean to me to get a birthday card that he chose not to?? I feel so upset and disappointed over something so small and like I'm over reacting, but also because it's something so small that he could have done that I told him would mean so much and he still couldn't do it... I have told him I am very disappointed and asked why he didn't do it like we discussed and he hasn't answered the question yet. This isn't about money, I don't want or need or ever ask for expensive things or gifts, I don't ever ask him to buy me things or spend money on me. It's about thought, or the complete lack of in this case.

He had explained before my birthday that he has something organised for the week after when he gets paid, but it's not receiving something as basic as a card on my actual birthday like we discussed that upsets me. It would have cost $5 and taken no time to get and write. I still have the very first card he got me as I am sentimental and keep small things like cards and mementos.

It feels like complacency? Like if it was up to him he wouldn't do anything and that he's only saying he'd take me out the week after to get me off his back.... anything we do now (not that I'm holding my breath) would feel forced and performative. I want him to want to celebrate me on my birthday but I dont know if this is being a brat...?

Am I overreacting for being upset over this?

Is there currently a lack of nursing jobs? Been applying for a month and nothing, this is the longest I've gone without a job since I started nursing 2 years ago

Getting worried