[marymary937]

Here's my deal: I recentely graduated with my BSN in May 2007. I took a job at a community hospital that I had worked for as an aide for 2 years prior. It seemed like a good first job for me as it was very easy for me to get a job on the pediatric unit, I liked my boss and my coworkers, and I believed it would be a really good place for me to learn and get more experience in my basic nursing skills.

Unfortunately this has not been the case. Things have gone from bad to worse because of internal problems at the hospital. It has not been a positive learning environment for me as a new nurse and I have been put into many potential unsafe situations because of staffing. Basically, it is not a good situation for me right now and I am looking for a new oppourtunity.

My question involves how to go about getting a new position. I am not necessarily a "new grad" anymore but I have very little experience. I am unsure how to present my resume and cover letter to show that I am a qualified candidate without it looking like I am a quitter that only stayed at her first job for a few months. Should I include some of my college awards as well as internship experiences to show my potential? Also is the holiday time a bad time to get the attention of nurse recruiters in general?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Suesquatch]

Originally Posted by marymary937

Should I include some of my college awards as well as internship experiences to show my potential? Also is the holiday time a bad time to get the attention of nurse recruiters in general?

Yes to the awards and internships. The high GPA and awards and honor sorority got a friend a spot as an OR circulator from a guy who didn't hire new grads.

I think recruiters are busy right now so apply for open positions.

You are leaving because conyinuing staffing problems frequently left you in situations for which you were not qualified and you did not want to risk the safety of your patients. You say it nicely and gently with no finger-pointing or blame. You will be believed - this place's reputation is, I guarantee, known.

And Happy Thanksgiving, and good luck.

[st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3]

Originally Posted by Suesquatch

Yes to the awards and internships. The high GPA and awards and honor sorority got a friend a spot as an OR circulator from a guy who didn't hire new grads.

I think recruiters are busy right now so apply for open positions.

You are leaving because conyinuing staffing problems frequently left you in situations for which you were not qualified and you did not want to risk the safety of your patients. You say it nicely and gently with no finger-pointing or blame. You will be believed - this place's reputation is, I guarantee, known.

And Happy Thanksgiving, and good luck.

I agree talk yourself up. I started in a Nursing Home for a year and a half and ended up getting laid off from a Medical Surgical floor after three months of experience. Not what most hospitals are looking for, but you can find something. With the experience I did learn, I used that to get me where I am.

A hospital gave me money to move to there community. Now who would do that on a regular basis?

Good luck!