An 'experienced' nurse looking for a job

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in telemetry, ICU, cardiac rehab, education.

I am a new member of this site and I have found the posts very interesting and enlightening. My question is: have other nurses with years of experience (20+ years) found any trouble in job searching when moving to a new state? I have experience in ICU, Cardiac Rehab and most recently, teaching in an LPN/LVN program; yet I have had trouble even getting hospitals and colleges to respond to my resumes. I have called to speak to someone, left messages, left e-mails and...haven't had much response. I do have a job at the small hospital in the community where I am living in their ICU, prn. I live in a very small community so my prospects are somewhat limited. Ideas or comments? Thanks!

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The economy might be the main reason. Nurse hiring is on hold in many organizations and there's a lot more competition for open jobs. I don't know how old you are, but age, of course, can sometimes factor in. Of course, the employer won't admit that & can always find other reasons to justify not considering someone for a job. Finally, how long have you been out of acute care nursing? If someone's been out of acute care nursing several years, employers may quickly bypass such a resume as they've got dozens of applications from folks who are doing the job today.

Best wishes to you in your job hunt!

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Specializes in CCU/ICU/ER.

You're not alone in that for sure. I'm in the same boat with plenty of experience and had only recieved three responses out of about 20 online applications. It strikes me as ironic how these hospitals are so quick to tout themselves as caring and compassionate institutions where "people come first", but they are handeling staff and potential staff so poorly and without even common courtesy. The whole online job hunting thing is not an example of progress in my humble opinion. Good luck!!!

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I have less than half of the years of experience as you and am currently having trouble finding a job as well.

I have applied for over 40 jobs in the last month alone and and have had one interview of which I have heard nothing in the way of a job offer. I have had a good amount of rejection notices which I prefer to no response if they are not interested in hiring me. The other jobs say they are "reviewing my information" and a few say that they have sent my info to the hiring manager although I have not heard anything in the way of interviews.

I agree with ICUMarshall about the lack of common courtesy towards applicants seeking employment. Phone calls not being returned, no indication of whether they are actually hiring for the jobs posted in the immediate future etc. It is so discouraging and just seems so cold and heartless.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

I too am experiencing this freezeout. I've applied to at least 150 jobs the last 18 months, with only 3 interviews, one which resulted in a Per Diem night shift job. (it's very per diem, worked 10 shifts in last 6 months of total employment history with them). I've since returned to school to finish BSN (RN now with 3 years experience). It really is terrible. I think I'm joining the military with my BSN soon. Guaranteed pay and bennys. Good luck! To us all.

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Specializes in telemetry, ICU, cardiac rehab, education.

I hope you find a job you will feel good about. Good luck with school. I once considered the military and I think it's a good option but be safe!

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