Yesterday evening, I found out the regional hospital wants to offer me a position! I don't know any details about pay, when I'll start work, not until I speak to HR on Monday.
I had such an affirming, open, and positive interview there about a week and a half ago. I was just astonished they called me only a day and a half after I dropped my resume with them, and wanted to talk to me post-haste. But then at the end of the interview the nurse said she sees passion in my eyes, and a professional attitude, and desire, so she was recommending me for hire! I walked back to my car floating on clouds, LOL.
The hospital building is 6 or 7 years old, everything is state-of-the-art; the Senior Specialty Unit I'll be on delivers rehab care to non-dementia seniors over the age of 70. It is a progressive, experimental program only 2 years old. Everything is high-tech, hands-on. For instance, patients can do PT on a Wii; everybody charts on handheld computers; patients are given music at night to sleep to, instead of sedation; all patients get their meds reduced to 5 by the time they depart. There's more, I just don't want to go on forever! :)
They also have a great benefits package with tuition assistance, hooray! I'll work 3-on, one week, then 4-on the next, every other weekend, 12 hr days. Probably holidays as well, since I'll be the new person.
I did my CNA and PCA training over the summer. I had a year of experience already, as an "Elder Caregiver", which helped me get this job.
But I have probably put in my resume 50 times in many places, and have had about 10 interviews. I figured the odds got better with each hit, so I just kept going.
I have been laid off twice since 2007. I am SO glad someone wants me, is confident in me.
If you are still looking for work, do what I did and just canvas everybody. The odds will end up in your favor, the more apps and resumes you put out there, trust me.
And thanks to everybody here, also, for the encouragement along the way... allnurses is great!!!
