Advice on how to get back into a hospital?

Nurses Job Hunt

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I see it is a common issue among nurses now. I graduated in 1995. I worked in a hospital on long island from 1995-2008. I left after my children were born. At that time, it was not too difficult to get a job. I did also work for a pediatric home care case, since 2002. So I have not had a lapse in nursing job. So currently i work in pediatric home care. I am desperately trying to get back into a hospital setting. I interviewed at 2 hospitals for the NICU only to be turned down due to the reason of being out of the hospital for 4 years. Apparently, hospitals do not see the homecare as being current experience.

Has anyone had similar experiences? I am pretty much devastated that i will not be able to work in a hospital again.

If anyone has advice I would love to hear your story and how you were able to re-enter the hospital setting

Specializes in Oncology.

I can't get into a hospital until finishing my BSN and even then my year in rehab nursing and year in public health clinic nurse isn't "acute" care experience so they treat me like I'm worthless. Have no money or time for a "refresher" course either. Nursing eats its young and its old I guess.

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Specializes in Nicu/nursery.

I had a similar experience! I graduated in 1997 and have worked in the nicu since graduation. In 2011 I went out on surgery and then was released from my hand surgery in September 2012, I applied to several hospitals and never heard anything! I started with an agency, have you tried that? Then, my second night at a hospital they asked me to apply and I am now working in the nicu. Just don't sign a contract, or you won't be able to work at that hospital. Also, do you have your bsn? Being out for 4 years shouldn't mean anything, I was scared being out for almost 2 years and it all comes back!

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Specializes in Nicu/nursery.

Oh, and hospitals are now requiring bsn! I am working on mine through Uta online.

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Specializes in Nicu/nursery.
Okay, I was in the same position, just one month ago. I have just got hired at Children's Hospital. Maybe do the same what I did:1. Apply for CPN you will qualify ( hospitals like certifications, plus you must have BSN.); get PALS.2. I did Case management at Peds Home Health and PDN.3. Applied for Case Management at the hospital Part-time ( apply only Part-time, it is easier to get in).4. It is good to know someone from inside or networking5. Sign for all the conferences and meetings at your hospital you want to work for.It will take 3 to 6 weeks, but it worked.In addition, I have listened to Donna Cardillo CD about interviews and hiring. I cracked the interview you with flying colors. They were so impressed!!Show them you are willing to learn and will do anything.
I will have to get that cd! I am not good at some of the bs questions! And, the hr experience is insane now, I went on a 30 minute hr interview and she asked me some of the most bizarre questions! Made me not want to work there!
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Unfortunately you need to alter your application to make it look like you have recent in patient experience. HR reps usually do not investigate enough to see altered resumes. Then you can prove your self on the job.

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To answe some of the above , I live on long island so there really are not rural hospitals. I have applied to all Hosptials on long island up to an hour away in both directions.

I did try going through an agency, but the ones who called back said I needed within 2 years current experience in the NICU.

I have applied to homecare positions through the hospitals also. I also applied to a pediatric long term care facility. I'm trying every avenue. I honestly feel like HR doesn't even look at these resumes they get. Has anyone had call backs from HR after submitting online applications?

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Please tell me how you would alter a resume to look current

I do have current homecare experience, but that is not acute care.

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Specializes in Nicu/nursery.
To answe some of the above , I live on long island so there really are not rural hospitals. I have applied to all Hosptials on long island up to an hour away in both directions.I did try going through an agency, but the ones who called back said I needed within 2 years current experience in the NICU. I have applied to homecare positions through the hospitals also. I also applied to a pediatric long term care facility. I'm trying every avenue. I honestly feel like HR doesn't even look at these resumes they get. Has anyone had call backs from HR after submitting online applications?
I really hate how they have gone to online applications, hr sits on them, I have had to call and ask what is up? what about internships? They usually have them 1-2 times a year for the new graduate or a nurse wanting to change positions?
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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Please tell me how you would alter a resume to look current

I do have current homecare experience, but that is not acute care.

What she may be talking about is a Skills-Based Résumé. I am returning to acute care after being out of a facility for 7 years (Worked on a Tele/Stepdown unit, as a PCT). This was suggested to me when I went to a career event and I spoke to a HR recruiter before I graduated.

I was able to group my acute care experience with my experience with a hospital-affiliated Rehab Hospital (as a LPN) and based my skills on what I did in home care, office work, LTC, etc. I landed the phone screen, the were interested, interviewed REALLY well, and got a new grad position as a RN. I have gotten more calls, emails, etc DAILY from tweaking my résumé, I feel it has been a better turnaround, from getting the rejections...much better!

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Is there examples on this site of this kind of resume? Would you email me a copy of your resume so I can see how it's dne?

Any help would be really great. My brother had made my resume, but it's more of a traditional resume. I'd be interested to see how it is done

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Is there examples on this site of this kind of resume? Would you email me a copy of your resume so I can see how it's dne?

Any help would be really great. My brother had made my resume, but it's more of a traditional resume. I'd be interested to see how it is done

I googled RN experienced résumé, and tailored it...here are a few examples:

http://www.udel.edu/CSC/pdfs/NurseResumes.pdf

The first one is how my résumé is set up. I am more than happy to PM my résumé sample to you over the weekend. :)

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Thank you those are very helpful. Maybe I can email you my current resume and get your opinion.

[email protected]

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