Impossible to get into another field of nursing! Advice pls!

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Specializes in med/surg.

I've been a med/surg/tele nurse for 3 years and am tired of the hospital environment and the stress of the unpredictability. I want to move onto something like pre and post op care, Pacu, or even ambulatory nursing where its a bit more streamlined and predictable but it seems like all the job postings require specific experience first. Any suggestions? I work in California by the way.

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Specializes in geriatrics, IV, Nurse management.

Even if they require specific experience - it doesn't hurt to apply. The worst they can do is say no and tell you why. Then you can work on the why part.

Have you done any upgrading continuing ed related to a new field?

Good luck OP:)

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Specializes in Pedi.

Apply anyway. What's the worst that could happen?

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Show the initiative to join the local AORN chapter, and start getting some of their CEUs. Then when you apply you can give evidence that you're really interested in the specialty, not just, ummm, looking to get out of med/surg...

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Specializes in med/surg.

Thanks for the advice. I do apply but the problem is that online applications don't see the interest. I think it automatically kicks out resumes one you hit the button that shows you don't have experience in the area. That is the problem nowadays when everything is computerized. I'll keep trying though! Thanks!

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Specializes in Aesthetics, Family Medicine.

Apply anyway. If you feel your applications are being "kicked," contact a nurse recruiter and introduce yourself and let them know the situation. I've done it so many times and they've always been helpful. Never hurts. Like all the posters said, what's the worst they could say?

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Specializes in pacu.

Hi Jujubeee,

I am a New Grad who landed in ambulatory surgery last year and work as PACU RN. I love your recruiter advice, and I am going to run with it!

Here in SoCal the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) jobs are lucrative because Med/ Surg RNs get in and don't leave. I am trying to get out! It's Per Diem work, and I'm not learning anything new-- my patients are coming out of light conscious sedation and I have them out the door in 15 minutes... Not your highly advanced PACU RN critical care going on here.

You are so smart-- thank you so much!!!! My resumes are getting "kicked" all over the place, and I desperately want to get into a hospital, hopefully critical care, full time. You totally made my day.

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Specializes in Aesthetics, Family Medicine.
Hi Jujubeee,

I am a New Grad who landed in ambulatory surgery last year and work as PACU RN. I love your recruiter advice, and I am going to run with it!

Here in SoCal the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) jobs are lucrative because Med/ Surg RNs get in and don't leave. I am trying to get out! It's Per Diem work, and I'm not learning anything new-- my patients are coming out of light conscious sedation and I have them out the door in 15 minutes... Not your highly advanced PACU RN critical care going on here.

You are so smart-- thank you so much!!!! My resumes are getting "kicked" all over the place, and I desperately want to get into a hospital, hopefully critical care, full time. You totally made my day.

GOOS LUCK!!!!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
Thanks for the advice. I do apply but the problem is that online applications don't see the interest. I think it automatically kicks out resumes one you hit the button that shows you don't have experience in the area. That is the problem nowadays when everything is computerized. I'll keep trying though! Thanks!

They will see the interest if you take some extra certifications for the field.

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