[oneLoneNurse]

Goto a university hospital where tuition might be free for you son. Find any job you can, that doesn't involve lifting. I do psych, though I don't mind lifting. I hear horror stories from med/surg. And please keep applying and don't worry too much about not having the clinical experience, someone should give you a chance since the field seems desparate for warm bodies. Just don't take a position where you feel uncomfortable clinically speaking.

Originally Posted by salt&pepper

Hi everyone!! Best wishes in your specialty. Hope someone can help me out here... I'm older (50 yrs.), got my BSN l3 yrs ago., practiced a whole 3 mos.-found myself high-risk pregnant on spinal cord unit, so resigned. Didn't return since didn't need to at time and didn't know if I wanted to. Now, I want to, took R.N. refresher (not really enough). Having difficulty finding "new grad" positions to apply for, and have had to have a hip replaced, so am concerned about units where lifting is more commonplace. Need decent pay to get my son through college in a few years. Anyone out there have any suggestions? Do I hang it up, take out a loan, and go to school for something else. I have so little clinical/working experience, it is making even a doctor's office position less available.... HELP!

[gr8rnpjt]

Forget case management, UR or insurance company jobs. You need experience "in the trenches" before you can get these jobs. But someone else mentioned home care. I think that would be an excellent way to get your feet wet without being overwhelmed. Start out per diem or part time, and work up to a full time schedule. Good luck.

[salt&pepper]

Hi everyone who was able & kind enough to reply - I truly needed a pick-me-up! Thanks Tweety for moving my post to where it would be seen - I'm learning the ropes of this great chat board!

I've just been turned down for a couple clinic and hospital positions desiring more experience, but the one will give me an opportunity to interview in a month or so for a new grad. residency position - which would be just what I need! I also saw an ad I'm pursuing for a "Health Specialist" at a Jr. High (want an RN, but not the pay scale) the pay is "o.k.", would prepare me for an "official" school nurse job, and would work with my having a l2yr old yet... but would limit my experiences for home health or clinic nursing later.... we'll see...

I'll keep on trucking, for that right position. THANKS SO MUCH and good luck to those of you who are "nurses in the works" - we need nurses who care and support eachother. And it's great we have such of variety of ages going into the field!!!

[ArmyMSN]

http://www.rnceus.com/triage/triageframe.html

Telephone triage is a good gig - and being used by outpatient clinics- doesn't require physical/manual labor. Requires computer use and someone who is personable.