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I can't find a nursing job!

Whatever happened to the nursing shortage? These new grads can't find jobs, after months of searching.

Dear Obama, Please help the nurses!

The reality of the job market hit me after attending a nursing convention in New York City.

Hundreds of inexperienced nurses waited on every line. My résumé qualified for the "new grad" cardboard box. Online ads require a bachelors and/or one year of experience. I graduated in May 2012 with an associates degree.

I thought to myself, "New Jersey will hire."

But New Jersey had the same requirements. I looked for mentorships, externships, anything "-ship". I looked for any nursing position all over the U.S.

Desperately, I did something against all advice. I complained on LinkedIn with hopeless, sad things. I cried so much because I was saying goodbye to nursing.

Then something happened. I read other posts about people who volunteered as I have, traveled cross country, and are in debt in order to pay for more nursing certifications.

I made a petition on the White House website asking President Obama to help new nurses out. I wanted to send a message to all the nurses in despair. We should not give up. We are registered nurses!

Now it has more than 500 signatures.

Did you earn an advanced degree that did not lead to a job? Was it worth the debt? Send your story to annalyn.kurtz@turner.com.
  @AnnalynKurtz - Last updated January 14 2013 10:17 AM ET

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