Its been almost three months since I graduated from nursing
school, and just over a month since I passed the NCLEX making me officially an
RN. (YAY!) My days have consisted of sleeping in, exercising, eating, swimming
in the pool, watering our many plants, applying for jobs, cleaning, laundry,
etc... It was super nice and fun at first. I enjoyed the free feeling of not
having to study hours on end for upcoming tests, and worrying about writing
care plans or care maps.
As the days have been going by, and application after
application has been filled out, my confidence in myself and my ability to
become a "real" RN have wavered more than I'd like to admit. You see,
every job I've had until now has practically been handed to me. I never had to
stress over the endless hours that job hunting entails. I had no idea how hard
it'd be to get a job, or even an interview, until now.
A few people from school have landed jobs, most had some
sort of connection whether through a friend, volunteering or networking. These
days, its all about WHO you know. So, I used some of my resources. Not too much
luck there. Last night I realized I needed to up my game. Our instructors told
us that along with applying online for positions, we should go onto the floor
and introduce ourselves to the manager/supervisor. A face to go along with a
name and resume speaks much louder than a "pile of papers".
So, in my prayer last night I made a deal with God. I told
him that I would work harder to get a job. I would put more effort into obtaining
what I have been so badly desiring. A job would not only help financially and
give us insurance, but I would finally be able to do what I have worked SO hard
for these last couple years. Well, God pulled through for me today, and I'll
share 4 examples.
1) He healed me. I slept horribly last
night, bad stomach ache. Pretty sure it was food poisoning mixed with nerves.
Not quite sure. I tossed and turned. When I finally woke up, I couldn't talk I
felt so nauseated. Kyle gave me a blessing, and although I did not feel better
immediately, I did get better. (throwing up usually makes the tummy aches
vanish!). After doing that, I felt much better. Had some crackers and apple
juice and was on my way to an interview at 10 am. (How grateful I am for the
power of the priesthood, and for a wonderful husband who lives worthy to use it
in our home!)
2) He restored my confidence and blessed me with a
job. I had an interview with a company my friend currently works for.
Not hospital, and not the best pay an RN would usually get- but hey, still much
higher than any other job I've had. By the end of the interview, the manager
told me that he hadn't planned to hire me, but just wanted to get the process
over with. (He wasn't the one who set it up, and the guy who did was out of
town). However, he felt compelled to offer me the job. Throughout our
conversation, I knew that this would be a good job to accept if the offer was
made. So- voila. I got a job this morning. The flexibility it offers works
great for my schedule now, and will work great for when I do get my goal of a
full-time hospital job.
3) He taught me patience and assertiveness. My
friend Kristin and I tag-teamed and went to a few places to drop of resumes and
introduce ourselves to different managers and departments. I was terrified to
go alone, having no idea what to say to them. We figured if we at least went
together once it would help us overcome that hurdle. After driving around town
for a few hours, we were wiped out. The heat was horrible. Only got to talk to
one manager, and everyone else told us "Uh, that is all just done
online". You see, it IS done online. To be considered you have to
officially apply online. However, those who make the extra effort to go in and
speak with the manager usually have the upper hand. It put a damper on the
mood, we were so pumped to get out and make an impression... and that didn't so
much happen. I was exhausted and just wanted to climb back into bed.
4) He taught me to persevere. Saturday I
applied for a job that I wanted. Badly. It was close to home, full time,
nights, and would be a GREAT place to start. I knew I needed to go in, but was
so nervous I kept talking myself out of it. On my way home, I talked myself
into stopping. If I didn't, I would regret it! Besides, what's the worst that
could happen? They'd say sorry but its filled, or direct me to online again.
haha. So, I went in, introduced myself, and the manager redirected me to the
senior manager. Spoke with her, told her of my interest and that if the job
hadn't been filled that I would love the opportunity to have an interview...
and she agreed! So, I have a scheduled interview with her. (No guarantees on
this job, there is some competition stacked against me.) I admit I'd be bummed
if I didn't get it, but hey I already got a job offer today. That was AWESOME!
And all I can do is prepare for the interview and pray. I know that what
happens now is in the Lord's hands.
I am grateful for tender mercies. I am thankful to know I
have a Heavenly Father who knows me, and loves me. I am thankful for the
lessons He teaches me. Faith is not just a belief in God, or believing that
things will just "work themselves out", it is action. It is putting
forth every effort I can muster to accomplish my goals and dreams, knowing that
the Lord will bless me and make up for my shortcomings and weaknesses only
after doing all that I can. God is Good.
"By small and simple things, are great things brought
to pass"
-Alma 37:6
