Hi, I’d be happy to share my story as an RN who didn’t get a grad program and would like to be involved in the series of interviews.
Amazing thanks Holly! Can I start by asking which state you are in? And when you graduated did you apply for grad programs?
Western Australia. And yes I applied for grad programs through gradconnect like all of my peers in our final year.
And were you offered any interviews or positions?
Yes I was offered an interview and was not accepted after that. I was awarded distinction when I graduated and had a course weighted average of 87% along with a scholarship and the interview went really well, had a 12 page resume and portfolio etc etc and no grad program. Was absolutely devastated (mainly angry because I had just spent 5 years at uni putting 110% into everything and came out the only friend without a grad program). I applied for jobs for months and months after that and not one place would even offer me an interview because I had no experience. Until I got one interview at a GP Practice, got the job, and have been there ever since! That was June 2019, I graduated end of 2018. I asked for feedback after the interview, personally phoned the grad coordinator of the hospital, and was told there was “nothing I could do to improve” and that there were just “too many applicants”. Most frustrating time of my life so I would love to be able to help share my story to help others feel less lost and alone like I did at the time.
Wow that would have been so frustrating that you were suitable for a grad program but there just weren't enough positions! Do you think at uni there was discussion around alternative career paths or what to do if you don't get a grad program?
The entire degree was based around getting a grad program - it was only when I graduated without one that I started googling “didn’t get a nursing grad program” and started seeing how many people don’t etc. There was no support offered from the uni for students who didn’t get one and no info re different pathways etc.
So what did you do next?
I just applied for jobs continuously for months and months until I got that one interview and have been at the GP practice ever since.
How did you find starting out in GP nursing. What was the support like?
It is a very busy practice so I did get thrown in the deep end inevitably and had already anticipated that. The overall support from other nurses meant that it was an environment where I was able to ask questions and escalate to them in situations where I was unsure etc. Within a few months I had developed my confidence and was really enjoying the job. The frustrating thing is that my union and any resources I had from uni all centre around hospital-based nursing so in terms of external resources for assistance with workplace policies, rights, wages etc have proven exceedingly difficult to find at times.
What is your favourite thing about GP nursing?
The autonomy and independence. I consult one-on-one with a huge range of patients in either the treatment or care plan room and every day is different to the last - from immunisations and preventative health education to wound care, procedures, health assessments, care plans with allied health referrals etc. I love having the opportunity to work in preventative health and educate patients to optimise health outcomes before they are at a point of needing hospitalisation. I think this is so important in alleviating strain on a hospital system that is already at full capacity. It’s a rewarding career.
Primary care is so important! What do you see for your future in nursing?
I would ideally love to further my studies and work towards a career in women's health within the community. I am interested in reproductive health education and preventative health in young women as well as post natal health and pelvic floor recovery etc.
Wonderful! And in the long term do you feel that you have been disadvantaged by not completing a grad program?
Without a grad program you definitely have to work A LOT harder to get your foot in the door initially. However, long term I don’t think employment prospects are affected.
And if you could tell our future students and new grads who might be nervous about getting a grad program one thing what would you say?
Try and enter the workforce with an open mind and not necessarily expect to receive your first preference of employment. Instead understand that the more experience you gain in different fields, the more employable you will be in the long run. Also, if you don’t happen to receive a grad program, remind yourself that some of the most intelligent, hardworking, caring nurses I have ever met didn’t get one either. I work with them every day. Sometimes there is nothing more you could have done and it was the system that unfortunately failed you, not the other way around.
Amazing thank you so much for sharing 
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