Help!!! How can an experienced med/surg nurse get a job?

[Cathyd241]

I am so discouraged. I worked in a small hospital on med-surg for over 10 years. I had to leave for personal reasons, but thought I would always be able to find a hospital job again if I wanted to. I have been out for over 2 years now...I spent 1 year working in an outpatient endoscopy center, and then made the foolish move to go to homecare. I thought it would make my life easier, but it turned out to be the complete opposite! Furthermore, I realize that I really miss working in the hospital. Problem is, I just can't get a job! I have applied for over 50 positions among 9 hospitals within a 30 mile radius of my home, including the one I left. I have only been granted 3 interviews in the past year, and none of them offered me a job. I don't even bother applying to a couple of them anymore, as they now require a BSN, and I only have an associates. Many of them indicate that it is "preferred", so I still apply in hopes of being recognized for my experience. Med/surg jobs are few and far between, so I have applied for just about every department. Most of them "prefer" experience in that specialty. How am I supposed to get any experience in any specialty if no one will give me the chance? I am even applying for every shift, thinking they might be desperate to fill the off shifts and I can get my foot in the door that way. Nothing. I just don't get it. Meanwhile, I see the same positions that I applied for months ago still posted, or even reposted again and again. Am I that undesirable that they would rather have vacant positions than to give me a chance? You can't even talk to a live person in human resources anymore...they just want you to fill out their online applications and sit and wait. Meanwhile, I see new grads all the time landing jobs, usually because they know someone. It is so unfair! I don't know anybody. The one person I did know said she would give my resume to her manager, and that was the last I heard of it. I saw something on tv recently where a husband posted a billboard with his wife's picture on it and it said "please hire my wife". It actually worked! I am thinking something like this might be the only way to get recognized, as I feel like my applications are sitting in a pile somewhere, or in someone's "inbox". A little crazy, I know, but I'm getting pretty desperate. Has anyone else had problems like this? I would like to know how you were able to get noticed and finally land a job. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[mhy12784]

New grads definitely arent "landing jobs all the time"

Its extraordinarily difficult for a new grad nurse to land a job in MANY areas of the country. And if they have an associates degree, forget about it. They better know the CNO or have some very embarrassing pictures of the nurse manager.

That said I find it bizarre that an associates nurse with 10 years experience is having a hard time finding a job (unless there are criminal issues involved or something)

The BSN thing is huge though. It might not be an ideal solution, but maybe entering a BSN program (the cheapest, easiest, online one you can find) would be the best idea.

Even if you draw it out over a few years.

I would have to imagine that with your experience plus being able to legitimately say that you are currently enrolled in a BSN program would be enough to put you over the top

[gcupid]

Sorry that you are experiencing this sad situation. There is no longer a shortage of nurses. These hospitals are getting crazier and crazier. For anyone reading, I want to warn you to always keep your foot inside of the door of an acute care hospital unless you know for sure (100%) that you won't want to return. Try to go down to prn. I refuse to let a nurse recruiter/HR tell me that I am not qualified because I stayed out of the hospital for one year or six months. It's gotten to the point that you can't even cross over specialties if it has been more than one year.

For example: if you have 10 years of medsurg and the two last years worked have been ER, you only qualify to work ER positions because you have been out of medsurg for more than 1 year.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You have hospital experience, endo and home care. You seem like a desirable candidate.

Are you certain you interview well?

I found many opportunities through agency, travel and contractor positions.

Good luck, keep us posted.

[zzbxdo]

Check the ca forums, your post will likely start a storm. New grads have NO experience, they must be doing something right in your area. Maybe enroll in a BSN program part time and emphasis your commitment to education. You've been a nurse for 10 years and only know 1 person? Edit :mhy hit all the points

[Nonetheless]

oh but there's a nursing shortage!

Seriously, do not even bother with hospitals any more. They are shrinking. Home health may not be where your heart is, but continue working outpatient. Hospitals are becoming more and more picky.

And new grad nurses are NOT getting jobs.

[Bubbles]

That's really crazy!

[RNshorty]

If I were you, I would personally bring my resume in person to the manager on the unit and show your interest in person. Don't let HR decide your future. I would also practice interview questions to be prepared.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

You may need to take a refresher course since you've been out of acute care for 2 years.

Other things to consider...

Taking ACLS

Going back for your BSN

Joining a professional nursing organization

Calling your former manager on the last unit you worked for

Revamping your resume

[mo16]

I recommend going to all the health fairs you know of or walking into the HR department and personally talk to a recruiter and hand then your resume. 1) shows them you're really interested 2) you won't be just some online application, they'll be able to put a face to your application . I also agree that adding to your certifications/education will show growth and make you more marketable. Good luck! And sometimes it's all about timing so keep applying!

[dspacc]

I had the same problem. It's not bizzare as one poster said. It's real!

ive been a nurse since 1995 worked in neonatal ICU left in 2008 after my daughter was born. Never thoght id ever have a problem getting back in with 13 years experience. I never left nursing, I continued to do homecare for pediatrics. I was a school sub nurse and a visiting nurse for peds. When I tried to re enter the hospital setting it was near impossible. I applied everywhere online/ even went outside my zone to all med surg. I got ACLs and PaLs certified.i started applying and got the dreaded email reply you were not a candidate selected. Apparently here is not a nursing shortage. Even with 19 years experience couldn't get in/ eventually I got an interview @gasp@ for a peds float pool position at a not desirable hospital. Long travel time, hospital in financial trouble/ I took it anyway, was thrilled to finally get a foot in: this past December I updtared my résumé and sent it directly to the NM if the hospital I was interested in/ a little luck, she was looking d

[dspacc]

For per diem. I took the job and have been happy since! It took a long time and it is very hard once you are out , you can't get back in.

I wish you luck, take small positions and beef up your résumé.

It's very hard! I will never leave the acute care setting again!