Changing specialties

[nurse_lm89]

Hello all,

I have about 1 year of experience working as an RN in an acute inpatient rehab unit at a teaching hospital. I have been considering changing specialties to either a Telemetry Unit, Step Down Unit, and ICU. So far, my applications within my hospital have been rejected. When I search for jobs at other hospitals, most of them require at least 1 year of experience in the specialty.

Does anybody have any advice with how I can change my specialty? I do have experience with floating to a Tele unit from time to time - does anybody have advice on how I can indicate this on my resume?

(Please keep negative comments to yourself thanks)

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Have you tried getting in touch with the nurse manager in your specialty of choice? Even though you're in the system and applying within, making those connections with the managers goes a long way. Possibly try contacting the unit to have a shadow day.

I with you though about changing my specialty, I'm not there yet but I look forward to trying a different unit.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Take them at their word that you need a minimum of a year (not "about a year") of experience. People really look dumb when they apply for jobs for which they do not meet published qualifications. Oh, yeah, I know, once in a blue moon that works out for some people, but most of those apps go directly to the circular file with a muttered, "Whassamatta, can't you read? The position ad/listing/post says ..."

Feedback is a gift; have you asked why your transfer applications have been rejected? Did they tell you to reapply later when X, Y, Z ... ? Find out what they are looking for, achieve it (it may take time, but what else are you doing, anyway?), and reapply. You'll at least have more seniority in the place by then.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Contact HR and see if you can shadow on the units of your choice. It is a great way to meet managers and they will keep you in mind when they are hiring.