[AnnaNurse]

Hi Everyone.

I hope someone can help me with this. I'm in an interesting sort of dilema. I started work here in Boston back in June, but had such a terrible experience with the job that I ended up leaving in late August. The resignation was completely amiable and my old supervisor has been giving me great references. BUT...

It seems my unique educational background, which has been an asset to me in the past, has now become a liability. I have a BA from a rather prestigious school but then went back to school to get a AAS in nursing. Additionally, I only have a total of 9 months med-surg experience (not even a year!), and only 2 months in another subspecialty (hardly enough experience to qualify for jobs in that subspecialty).

I am having a TON of difficulty finding a job at a Boston area hospital on a med-surg floor. I'd take anything at this point. Fulltime, part-time, per diem, whatever. I'd prefer a hospital vs any other venue only because I really want at least a year's experience in a hospital setting! Essentially, I'm not a new grad, but most people don't consider me experienced either.

I am a nice, personable, friendly, intelligent person, but I've been unemployed for over 3 months now! I've applied to over 15 places, most in Boston, and the general consensus I'm meeting is that I need to have my BSN. That or there just doesn't seem to be a shortage in Boston.

My plan wasn't to go back to school (to get my MSN) for another year or 2, but should I pursue it now? I'm really at a loss. Any advice on education, networking, job hunting would be REALLY appreciated.

Thanks so much.

[lveroflife]

I feel your pain!!!
Don't give up because for me after several months, i finally landed several interviews and a position at a big hospital in boston.
I know it is hard, but try to stay persistant and determined and join groups, ask anyone and everyone you meet that works in a hospital if they know of anyone you could talk with about positions. Is there a specialty you are looking into or just adut med surg?

Keep calling recruiters and check for local job fairs which can be useful for networking. apply, apply, apply and follow up. Some days i felt really sad and bad about the situation but with 9 months experience I know places would hire you!!
don't give up and feel free to PM me and i'd be glad to help you in any way i can.

good luck and I know you'll find something soon!!

[AnnaNurse]

Thanks so much for the vote of confidence.

I do have Centrus Homecare in Newton interested in me for some per diem things, so that's a start I guess.

In terms of subspecialities, I ultimately hope to go back to get my FNP in order to get into women/children/family health to do some work abroad; maybe with Peace Corps, Doctors Without Borders, or the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Australia. But I see msyelf as still needing a lot more experience and in the meantime, continuing with med-surg for another year or 2 is my preference.

I'll follow your advice. Initially I was calling some recruiters, but I often would just get HR messages saying no one could speak to me personally because of the "overwhelming response" of applications for a position and that I'd hear back if someone was interested, etc etc, blah de blah. I'm optimistic though. I'm not giving up and I'll keep checking in. Thanks again.

[jam2007]

I know you stated you want med/surg expereince..but given your interest you may want to try a community health center. Some are associated with hospitals, so you could always transition after a year.
Good luck!

[AnnaNurse]

That's a really good idea. I actually don't know too much about community health centers. Are they like Dr.'s offices? How would I find out about one in particular? (Or about any?)

Can you recommend any?

Thanks so much.

[jam2007]

Community health centers are like MD offices..except with a wider focus. Many focus on underserved populations so locations are usually more urban. Some are larger than others and may have urgent care centers, etc. A good web site is www.massleague.org

Best of luck to you..I feel your pain

[Sweetooth EMT-P, RN]

have you tried looking outside of Boston?? Also you may want to really look in january as some hospitals may have a new grad program, as some schools graduate in January. I know you are technically not a new grad; however hospitals will probably look at you in that sence because you have less than a year of experience.

I bet you would have better luck outside of Boston.


Sweetooth

[AnnaNurse]

I have tried looking out of Boston. Initially, I actually looked all over the country. And I had some good leads and some promising interviews, but no offers. I don't have a car and money started to run out so I'm not exactly sure how I would get from point A to point B unless it was by public transport.

Basically I need a place to work that's accessible by T, bus, or walking and, preferably, doesn't require the commuter rail.

It's a good suggestion though. A bunch of people have recommended looking outside of Boston, but transportation became a concern and I don't have enough cash for a car right now.

As for the January suggestion, that's a good idea too. I'm hoping to get much better leads by January. Just within the past few days, some places I've been trying to reach have started to respond. August through November must be the really dead time in terms of hiring.

Thanks.

[Sweetooth EMT-P, RN]

There are plenty of cities and towns outside of boston, even well outside Boston that have buses and trains. Good luck

Sweetooth

[st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3]

It might take sometime to get what you want. In the meantime, you could try a SNF. Or, do what I did, relocate.