Nursing after SNF RN position

vicky3269 · Aug 6, 2009

Hmmm, as a new grad I was wondering the same thing. However I have been told by a few people (including a nurse recruiter) that generally hospitals don't like to hire RNs after working in a SNF as I guess they just don't consider it acute care experience.

If this economy ever gets back to where it was however, I am sure there will be a HUGE nursing shortage and they will probably take whoever they can get. Good luck!

Vicky

jmCARing4u, BSN, MSN · Aug 11, 2009

Hmmm, as a new grad I was wondering the same thing. However I have been told by a few people (including a nurse recruiter) that generally hospitals don't like to hire RNs after working in a SNF as I guess they just don't consider it acute care experience.
If this economy ever gets back to where it was however, I am sure there will be a HUGE nursing shortage and they will probably take whoever they can get. Good luck!
Vicky

I really hope hospitals will still hire nurses that started out at SNFs... I just started last month at a SNF and I really don't want to get stuck where I am. :banghead: This is why I didn't want to start at a SNF in the first place, because I really didn't know if my experience there would still help me get hired at a hospital later on... but yes, hopefully they will hire whoever they can get later on.

D_NiceRN · Sep 26, 2009

I heard that after a year of working at a SNF some hospitals consider that as experience. That's something that I've been trying to look into. Can anybody confirm this?

mlok · Sep 27, 2009

I am also considering SNFs. I would think that hospitals would want a SNF nurse over a new grad. They have learned awesome time management and organization because they often take care of up to 20 patients.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2009

If you can get into sub acute rehab that would be better than just straight up long term care. You as RN's are more desirable for the sub acute rehab position than LVN's because of the whole IV thing. Don't count yourself out for hospitals just yet. Hospitals DO HIRE SNF RN's.

What you need to do is to get your skills and hours at the SNF to meet the requirements for RN II. That usually takes a minimum of 1 year. Once you get those hours, then start applying to med surg units at the hospital. Which is almost the same except they get less patients and most of the time, those patients either go home, or they get transfered to the nursing homes. Again, look for sub acute rehab positions. From what I know, most nurses in the SNF don't want to work in the sub acute rehab. Take that opportunity. If you want to get those hours faster, then I suggest trying to get a PRN job at another nursing home. Good Luck!

Oranges3420 · Oct 1, 2009

Hi guys:

I graduated last year and have been working in SNF since January. I have spoken with many recruiters and only one told me that SNF was a bad idea. A lot of the recruiters are familiar with the job market right now for new RN grads and are sympathetic. I was told by a CHW recruiter that they would consider someone with 1 year SNF experience for the med/surg floor. Another smaller community hospital told me the same thing. And now I just got a job at a small hospital for med/surg. They told me in the interview that they were "delighted" that I went the SNF route: it's a great way to test your time management and organizational skills!

Just don't get too comfortable. One of the LVN's at my facility, who used to work for Sutter, told me that the hospitals are more concerned with the nurses who have been in SNF for years: the hospitals feel these RNs are set in their ways and it will be harder to break their habits.

Hope this helps.

There is is hope out there... just be patient but diligent. Even after you get a SNF job, keep applying EVERYWHERE!!!! :nurse: