APRN applying for RN role in acute care

[PurpleReign]

Hello!

I am an APRN in TX (AGCNS-BC) who went to a MSN bridge program and I am having the hardest time getting into the acute care setting, despite being acute care trained. I have never worked in an acute care setting as an RN or APRN - due to circumstances outside of my control - and I have been applying for RN positions in the hospitals with no luck. If I do get a (rare) call for an interview it usually doesn't go further than that.

It is incredibly frustrating, because despite being completely transparent about wanting to step back into the RN role in order to hone my acute care skills and learn new skills (and being up front about being willing to commit to 1-2 years in the role, despite the pay cut), no one is interested. I've been told by a few people that unit managers usually don't want to hire APRNs or MSNs because they are afraid that they'll leave once a better position presents itself - but that is not my goal.

On the flip side, I can't get an APRN job because of my lack of acute care experience - feeling stuck and like I'm spinning my wheels. My current role is primarily research based but I am solely interested in patient care / teaching.

I'm smart, I'm capable, and I'm hardworking - all I'm missing is an opportunity. Has anyone else experienced this? Advice? I'm feeling especially useless now that there is a pandemic and I can't help - literally got turned down for an ICU RN role last week and as much as I don't want to be down in the dumps about it, it hurt.

[Enarra, BSN, RN]

Keep trying and yes you do need acute care exp before they will hire you as APRN. My first RN job as a new grad took about 450 unique applications so don’t give up.

[TXRNblue, MSN, RN, APRN, CNS]

Just curious if you have any updates? I am graduating with an AGCNS in May. I know the job market is rough right now.