I can't seem to get a job in nursing, should I look into something else for now?

Nurses Job Hunt

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Specializes in College Health; Women's Health.

Hi, I'm an RN, BSN in the Houston area. I graduated in May but was applying for positions before that. Out the seemingly hundreds of applications I've put in, I've had only two interviews, neither of which worked out. At this point, I'm feeling pretty hopeless and really just need a job. I know I could get a nursing position if I were open to moving to a small town, but at this point I can't because my husband is an orchestra teacher and most small school districts don't even have orchestra programs.

My question is this: would I be throwing away my chance at being a nurse in the future if I took a job in a completely different field right now? In the few days I've been applying for other fields, I've already had multiple interviews in marketing and I'm certain I could get a job in that field. I really need the money right now, but I don't want to lose my chance at nursing. Help?

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Hello! I am also a new grad trying to find a job. I graduated in May with a BSN and moved to Florida. I could not find a job in a hospital to save my life. I have a strong interest in PEDS and OB so I actually applied to PSA Healthcare, got an interview and got a job. I will be doing private duty nursing for children in their homes. While a lot of people say that this probably is not the best thing for new grads I can already tell that my training will be better than most home health agencies. I am comfortable doing this and I am happy to have one on one patient interaction! You have to feel comfortable in doing emergency care if anything should go wrong but you get training on it. Maybe this is something you could look into? I know that I will not be getting the kind of skills that I would get in a hospital setting but SOMETHING is better than nothing in the nursing field. Plus it’s money to pay the bills :)

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It won't help you gain nursing experience which is what would make you more marketable as a nurse. However, if you need a job and think you would enjoy the position it wouldn't hurt to try it and then at least you could show you were a good employee, gain experience dealing with people, etc which wouldn't look bad on an application. Have you thought about substituting as a school nurse? Our district always had a demand for sub nurses.

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Hello! I am also a new grad trying to find a job. I graduated in May with a BSN and moved to Florida. I could not find a job in a hospital to save my life. I have a strong interest in PEDS and OB so I actually applied to PSA Healthcare, got an interview and got a job. I will be doing private duty nursing for children in their homes. While a lot of people say that this probably is not the best thing for new grads I can already tell that my training will be better than most home health agencies. I am comfortable doing this and I am happy to have one on one patient interaction! You have to feel comfortable in doing emergency care if anything should go wrong but you get training on it. Maybe this is something you could look into? I know that I will not be getting the kind of skills that I would get in a hospital setting but SOMETHING is better than nothing in the nursing field. Plus it’s money to pay the bills :)

Curious to hear how you're liking this experience. I am considering a position as an RN with PSA, but am a little concerned about doing home health as a new grad. Now that you've been doing it for a few months, what has been your experience with this company? What kind of patients do you take care of? Also, out of curiosity, how many hours/week do you work? Thanks.

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I ended up working with PSA for about 6 weeks. About 2 weeks into it I landed a job at a childrens hospital and decided not to continue with PSA. I was not that comfortable in the home as a new grad with no one to turn to with my questions. It was a little scary. But now... I have tons of amazing experienced nurses to turn to at my new job and I am learning SO MUCH! I love it. I do think that home health was what helped me land my hospital job though so it was not a waste at all :)

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BTW what is PSA? is that just in Florida or other parts of the country?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Hello! I am also a new grad trying to find a job. I graduated in May with a BSN and moved to Florida. I could not find a job in a hospital to save my life. I have a strong interest in PEDS and OB so I actually applied to PSA Healthcare got an interview and got a job. I will be doing private duty nursing for children in their homes. While a lot of people say that this probably is not the best thing for new grads I can already tell that my training will be better than most home health agencies. I am comfortable doing this and I am happy to have one on one patient interaction! You have to feel comfortable in doing emergency care if anything should go wrong but you get training on it. Maybe this is something you could look into? I know that I will not be getting the kind of skills that I would get in a hospital setting but SOMETHING is better than nothing in the nursing field. Plus it’s money to pay the bills :)[/quote']

Ironic...I started out as a new grad years ago with PSA. Best experience ever!

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Specializes in Education, Administration, Magnet.

Erasing my previous comment. Just read that you can not relocate.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
BTW what is PSA? is that just in Florida or other parts of the country?

PSA (Pediatric Services of America) Inc is a Pediatric Home Health Agency. I'm in PA, so yes, they are in other parts of the country. They have their own website. My office was new grad friendly, provided free Trach/vent training, and support.

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