Stuck in between a rock and a hard place as far as finding a job...

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

Long story, short, I got a job as a nursing assistant on a post ICU floor between my first and second years of nursing school. I only got the job because I knew I'd have a leg up when it came to getting a job after graduation.

Fast forward to march of this year, I get written up for "patient complaints." The compliants were really petty such as "he didn't seem like he wanted to be in the room" when I offered nothing but good customers service and "he shut the door too hard and turned lights on at night." Well either, way the situation was handled, I was disciplined and I completed the performance plan that was given to me (go to customer service classes, no more write ups, manager/staff follow up of my performance, etc...) with flying colors.

Fast forward to now, I've recenty graduated from a nursing program, and have already sent in the information to take my boards. Now, there is a graduate nurse position that is offered to internal candidates. The position was posted in Jan. I applied. I found out recently that I CAN'T transfer or even interview for any positions until six months after this write up occurs (which would be september, which is when the GN's start working on the floor).

So, now I'm literally watching my classmates that work with me get job offers while I'm stuck in my same position unable to do anything. I can't apply to "regular" RN positions until I have a license. I'm not sure as to what I should do... the only thing I can think of is applying to a lot of positions outside my hospital once I at least get an ATT from the BON. I haven't talked to my manager about it, but I plan to soon.

[Spikey9001, BSN, RN]

Bump.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Well I would start looke elsewhere as well. You don't want to be stuck without a job once you pass your boards.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Yup, sounds like you need to start applying everywhere.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Here are my thoughts on internal applicants below. Usually it gives you the leg up on the competition, but sometimes it hinders your chances of getting promoted to a nursing position:

The internal applicant has an advantage in the majority of cases because he/she is already familiar with the workplace, the culture, and the coworkers. However, the occasional internal applicant has hindered his/her chance of being considered for a nursing position after graduation because management has observed some undesirable traits or patterns. Some people are unable to view themselves objectively, so they honestly believe they've performed outstanding work. On the other hand, their coworkers and supervisors quietly notice some weaknesses that render the internal employee unsuitable for advancement opportunities.