Been a nurse 11yrs and can't find job

[NurseeNanceeLee]

I have been an LPN since 1994 and worked in the medical field since I was 17. I did take some time off to stay at home with my children, about 18 months. My last position was not in direct care.

I have been filling out applications everywhere and searching the web, if LTC facilities have a site to apply for employment, I have been doing that too but with no response.

I did have two interviews. They seemed to go very well until my references were checked and I got the "thanks but no thanks" letter.

I'm beginning to think that there might be a problem with my work history, maybe a facility is giving me a bad rap or something like that.

I can't believe that in the middle of this so called shortage I can't find a job.

The real kicker is I'm only able to work Fri and Sat nights and want to work every weekend. I thought every facility has staffing needs for weekends and night shifts.

Any suggestions?

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

The problem could very well be a perception that you will only be minimally available once you are oriented....

How about applying for prn positions and maybe finding a way to be more available during the week at least temporarily?

You might find more doors opening, and you might wind up working the hours you want to work, even though asking for that schedule outright didn't result in a job.

Good luck to you.... Also, have you considered school nursing? If your kiddos are school age, sometimes that's a schedule that works great....

[NurseeNanceeLee]

Thanks Chris,

Never looked at it that way-I always think the worst possible scenario.

I will keep that in mind should I get another interview.

As for the school nurse thing, my children are still very young and in the area I live you must be at least a BSN for those jobs.

It's very competative around these parts-too dang many nursing schools, employers are able to be extremely selective.