long hiatus from nursing - can't get a job

lynnintn · Oct 4, 2003

Vanderbilt is having a job fair on Oct. 9 at the Frist Center for the Arts. The information # is 615-322-2116.

Vanderbilt may be an option; they have some programs for new grads, and maybe some for someone returning after a long hiatus.

Good luck,

Kim

Brownms46 · Oct 4, 2003

This is what I would do. I would go to a Headhunter, and let them find me a position. This is what they're good at, finding a position, helping you negotiate a good rate, benefits etc. The more you get, the more they get. There are more and more agencies poping up that do just this kind of thing, and I ...you are one who could benefit from their expertise.

You need to find one with experience though, as there are those who just walked in the door so to speak. Look for one who you can talk with on a comfortable level. One that knows the area well, and talks to hospital HR on a regular basis.

Many times they will have temp to hire positions, which is a good route to go, as it allows you to check the place out, and them to check you out. So if you don't like it, you can walk, and if they don't like you, they can tell you to walk, no questions asked.

In any case, I hope you find something that works, just keep your eyes open. I have worked beside those who have come back into the nursing field, after being away for a while, and they were a breath of fresh air:).

Dancer3 · Oct 5, 2003

Thanks Kcwintn and Brownms46. Your remarks are encouraging, especially in regards to returning nurses being a breath of fresh air. I will check out the Vandy job fair. If nothing comes open soon, I will check into the Headhunter idea.

Dancer3

NICURNtobe · Oct 9, 2003

Dancer3, do you live anywhere near Tullahoma? Harton is in need of nurses. They have a re-entry program.

DJMLPN · Oct 27, 2003

I just finished a refresher at St T in September. I'm getting the same response to my 13 years off.

Obviously I'm no help, but I'm wondering if you made it to the job fair.

Have you checked with the new hospital, Stonecrest in Smyrna?

megjrn · Nov 4, 2003

Are you being provided with a reason why these places won't hire you? If it's because you've been out of nursing too long, but yet you've fulfilled the requirement to complete the refresher course, and your license is now active--I'd say you might want to speak with an Attourney about whether you are being descriminated against. You have followed the legal procedure to have your license reactivated, so you've done all you can do to meet the TN requirements to practice as a nurse reentering the profession. Also, a doctor's offce might hire you. I see little difference between hiring you or a new grad, and lots of new grads are older people, they are not all under 30!! P.S. Aggressive nurses are not what medical facilities want. They want "nice" nurses who won't make waves and who will just take the abuse..... :)

eltrip · Nov 4, 2003

Originally posted by megjrn
! P.S. Aggressive nurses are not what medical facilities want. They want "nice" nurses who won't make waves and who will just take the abuse..... :)

Heck, they don't even want ASSERTIVE nurses who can intelligently discuss and issue and make suggestions for solving the problem!

Doormats seem to be preferred. :rolleyes:

Dancer3 · Feb 1, 2004

Hi NICURNto be:

I did apply at Harton, but never heard anything. I now have a job at Southern Hills where I am being put through a good orientation. It has been pretty overwhelming, but I am getting more used to it. It just seems like I never get enough done. The staff are great, my preceptor is wonderful.

I hope you enjoy your job as a NICU nurse!

Dancer3

Dancer3 · Feb 1, 2004

DJM: Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner.

I did not make it to the job fair because I interviewed earlier with Vanderbilt. They just a couple of weeks ago wrote asking if I am interested in a few positions there. I began at Southern Hills in Nasvhille Thanksgiving week. They are putting me through a new grad orientation. I have two more days in orientation and then will be on my own. The work load has been overwhelming, but I am improving. The staff have been great and my preceptor is marvelous. She is an excellent nurse and has been very patient with me.

I have heard Stonecrest isn't interested in folks who need a longer orientation.

Maybe you could try Southern Hills if you haven't already gotten a position.

At any rate, I don't regret staying home for 20 years! I enjoy real nursing but don't know how long I can work full-time as it is stressful on the body and mind.

Good luck!

Dancer3

Dancer3 · Feb 1, 2004

eltrip, being assertive is something I need to work on a lot. I tend to be way too nice. While I don't think I need to be rude, I do need to state what I think and not just play along.

I will keep your remarks in mind.

I do have a job now at Southern Hills where I am being put through a good orientation.

Dancer3

live4today, RN · Feb 1, 2004

Originally posted by eltrip
Heck, they don't even want ASSERTIVE nurses who can intelligently discuss and issue and make suggestions for solving the problem!

Doormats seem to be preferred.

I'll second that eltrip! :chuckle

Welcome Dancer3! Keep on trying, and something will happen for you. I was out for five (almost six) years when I returned to nursing. I'm about to start my second job since returning to nursing, but I won't bore you with those ugly details.

I also know a nurse who was out of nursing for 20 years, and returned to nursing this past year. She went through a rn refresher course, started a job, left that job because they weren't mentoring or helping her enough, and now she is at another hospital going through orientation again. This time...so far so good for her. So, there's hope for you. Don't give up! :nurse: