Dear Nurse Beth,

Let me start off by telling you about myself:

- I graduated with my BSN 6 months ago.

- I had a 3.8 GPA and have volunteered a lot in the past, I have also been in leadership roles for different student associations.

- I currently work as a per diem nurse at an outpatient facility that is not affiliated with any hospital.

- I have applied to 100+ hospital jobs.

- I have had at least 5 interviews over the past couple of months that have lead to a dead end.

- I have read your book, which is amazing, took all your advice and put it into practice.

I am very conflicted. Recently, my nurse manager asked me if I would like to work full-time at my current job. I do like my current job at the outpatient facility, however, I feel like there is not much to learn. For example, the only nurses allowed to do IVs are the charge nurse and the nurse manager, so I can't even practice that. All in all, I feel like a well paid medical assistant most of the time.

What I would really like is to be working in a hospital and gaining nursing skills that the outpatient facility will not help me acquire. The problem is that for some reason it's very hard for me to get my foot in the door at a hospital. Should I just work at the outpatient facility full-time for a year and then look for a hospital job?

I am also in the process of obtaining licenses in 2 nearby states, so I hope applying there after I get them lands me a job. And unfortunately, I can't move too far from home, because it would inconvenience my family.

Dear Trying to Stay Positive,

Working full-time is better for a work history than working per diem, so I would strongly consider changing to full-time. Obviously they like you and your work to offer you full-time.

Network and persevere- You already know that applying to hospital after hospital doesn't guarantee results. Contact your nursing school friends who landed hospital jobs and let them know you're looking. Ask them to put in a good word for you, and to let you know of any openings.

Focus on interviewing- If you have had 5 interviews, it could mean that your resume is effective, but you are not closing the deal in your interview. After an interview, call the recruiter and ask what you could have done differently to improve your chances. Many will not give information, but some help will, and it's valuable feedback.

Consider sub-acute as a stepping stone and an environment where you could put more of your skills to use.

Please do try and stay positive. You are only 6 months out, and your dream job may be just around the corner.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

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Managers do consider time spent at another job as an asset, continue to get experience and then apply. Honestly, any one can learn skills such as inserting tubes and lines into bodies. In the grand scheme of nursing scope, skills are a small part of what we do in nursing.

You are still leaning and implementing skills such as assessment, prioritizing and time management, and I imagine critical thinking. Those are far more important skills to learn.

Try after a year of full time and see if you have an easier time with getting in

OP:

Take the full time offer. Starting an IV is only a skill, it is not defining of a nurse or the job of a nurse. You will be surprised at what you may learn with full time employment. The manager would not offer you a full time position if they did not think highly of you. A well paid medical assistant cannot do the job of a nurse. Meaning, you have the education to perform assessments, education, clinical knowledge. Any other task such as IVs is only a task, a minimal job. Try and switch your mindset from equating a task with the role of the nurse. I have been a nurse for 12 years, and have only started 2 IVs, maybe. Don't really want to, I would much rather be proud and secure in my assessment skills and understanding of disease pathway as it relates to my patients.

The full time employment offer may lead to more exposure, a full time experience on your resume.

You never know who you may meet while working, see if there are conference opportunities and consider joining a professional nursing organization that may broaden your horizons.

There are many forms of nursing skills you can sharpen. What I look for when I am hiring people is critical thinking skills. I can teach anyone a skills, including patients and their families.

What state are you in? I live in Las Vegas, NV and the job market here for new grad RN's is awesome!

You say you were active in student organizations and volunteered a lot. Do you have any nursing contacts that you can use to find another job? Maybe reconnect on Facebook and LinkedIn. If you see a job opening and that someone you know already works there, reach out to them and see what it's like there and let them know you're interested in applying.

Otherwise, yes, take the fulltime job in the meantime. You say it's the "rule" that only the charge and nurse manager can start IVs... well, there are few hard and fast rules in nursing. Talk with your manager and let them know you are REALLY interested in mastering that skill. Since you will be there fulltime, they may be willing to work with you and train you. I encourage you to speak up. It may or may not work, but open communication will give you a chance. Obviously, they see you as an asset and want to keep you around.

Good luck!

Take the full time job but continue your other projects about your license and keep applying at the hospital. Discuss with your manager your concerns about nursing skills. If they have any mind at all that you might be able to step into one of those roles in time, you will need to have those skills and should be amenable to you practicing them there. Heck, they might be relieved to have another set of hands that can help. You never know until you talk to them. "I would very much consider going full time but I have a few concerns about my nursing practice getting rusty. Can we talk about how I can increase my role in the clinic?"

I have had interest in moving to the Las Vegas area once I graduate, which areas would you consider for a new grad? Thank you!!