I was completely taken back today when I finally recieved the job offer of my dreams! A JOB IN A HOSPITAL! :yeah:Now I know this may sound silly, but I have been working in a skilled nursing facility for almost 2 years now, and have applied to every hospital for about the same amount of time WITH NO LUCK. I was so discouraged at times, and questioned if I would ever get a chance to prove myself. Where am I trying to go with this post? To all the people out there that are still searching. You may have to get a job in LTC/SNF first...but with a little dedication and determination...it can happen for you too! Just keep applying...the best advice I can give to someone who may find themselves in the same boat I was in. Good luck to all of those that are still in search of their dream jobs too! Never give up!!! :)

:ancong!:

Yep, congrats! Bask in the joy of a dream finally fullfilled...you ROCK!

Thanks! It's definitely been a LONG time coming ;-)

I recently lost my job in a bank and will be applying to a few nursing programs this fall. My fear is to graduate with absolutley no experience and have a hard time finding a job. Like you my dream job is to one day work in a hospital. My question for you is how did you get a job in a skilled nursing facility? Do you have your cna? Any tips you may have that may help me i would greatly appreciate. Thanx

Congrats! Eyez on the prize! Now the prize is yours!

Congratulations!!

Congratulations!!! Being a new grad, trying to get experience, I understand how frustrating the journey must have been. You earned this!!!

Cognratulations *high fives ya*

:dancgrp::ancong!:

Nurse LoveJoy love the animation

Thanks everyone! Vanny: Most nursing homes are long term care, combined with skilled nursing/rehab. A lot of these facilites take new grads all the time. Problem is, be picky about which one you choose. Generally speaking...in my area anyways...LTC/SNF's are the way to go as a new grad because it helps to get you "feet wet" and gain the necessary experience to get into a hospital. Only problem is, the patients are not as acute as what you will see in the hospital setting. When you finish school, pick out a couple of nice facilities in your area (I recommend seeing what they scored on satisfaction surveys), and apply. And remember, they are interviewing you as much as you are interviewing them. With that being said, just make sure you ask all the right questions i.e. nurse/pt ratio, orientation phase of employement, challenges they face, why the last nurse left, how long the position has been vacant, etc, etc...and choose wisely. I hear a lot of horror stories from pt's who have transferred from other facilities and it's unfortunate. Anything else you'd like to know...just ask

Congrats!