Big dreams with much disappointment ...sigh!

[Dreaming4acute87]

I graduated in 2010 with an ASN, I knew what the job market looked like. I knew I would have to "do my time" in an alternative work environment. Two and a half years later I have a 14 month wonderful son and long term care experience under my belt. I was excited and scared in the beginning, I was so appreciative to have my job. I have been supporting my husband while he finished grad school. I graduated nursing school with honors, excited to come into the world of nursing. I am so depressed going to work every day knowing I need more out of my career. A doctor stat is called at my facility and my heart jumps as a glimmer of what I loved in nursing school comes to life again. I learn a new skill here and there and hold on to it for the life of me.I find myself browsing allnurses, unable to read about those RNs talking about their new exciting acute care jobs because it hurts too much. Turning away from nursing magazines because my yearning for more is too frustrating I see student nurses come through our halls, look at them with a mix of jealousy and awe. I know I need to move on but I just can not catch a break having been looking very seriously since OCT,I now feel like a starlet trying to make it big in Hollywood. Even my VP of nursing has told me "girl you need acute care, you would be awesome...just keep applying." It has gotten to the point where I am embarrassed to say I am STILL looking for a new job to those always asking. I do not have many more days of PTO left, taking off work to shadow, interview only to have my emails and calls ignored for weeks at a time. I wish they would just say NO, pulling the band aid off quickly and swiftly. Not dodging me for weeks at a time. I look at coworkers who have made it into the hospital and wonder what do they have that I do not. I feel my application is sent to some cyber space with no one on the other side. I have been on quite a few interviews, mostly through connections hearing very positive feedback but it is just not happening. Either it is a "budget issue," or my ltc experience, my lack of a Bachelors, or maybe it is just me! I always hear the same feedback, "you did great in the interview...we really liked you but..." I do have a scheduling issue with some aspects of the weekend but countless of other friends have made it work. I have enrolled this week for my RN-BSN online. I am discouraged, sad, and just needed to vent.

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time and I know what it's like to have to settle for something other than what you really want to do in life. So many of us have been there and are there still. From reading some posts here it seems like some people really believe that the people who get the "right" jobs have something that the rest of us don't -- more drive, more ambition, smarter, harder working, bla bla bla. I have seen over and over how that is not true. I don't think there is one characteristic that employed acute care nurses have that the unemployed ones don't. I don't know why some people get in and others don't any more than I know why certain people get diseases and others don't. Not saying that not having the job of your choice is the equivalent to having a horrible disease, just that life can seem random at times and "not fair." It does not reflect negatively on you that you did what you had to do to move your career forward. The most you can do is to continue applying to jobs and to live with grace. Don't resent what others have, but don't be ashamed of who you are or what you've done. You are as complete a person and a nurse as they are.

ETA: If you are still ASN, though, I'd get to work on that BSN as soon as possible. There are plenty of online or bridge programs available. Would be ashamed to allow something so easily rectified to stand between you and the job of your dreams.

[bebbercorn]

Unfortunately hospitals are demanding BSN's only more and more. You have taken the right step by enrolling, congratulations! Keep calling and applying because when they see you are already enrolled you will likely have more luck! There is a lot of support here on AN for those of us on the job hunt (in very similar shoes as you, couldn't find work after maternity leave/moving). I finally found a job after a year of working per diem, retail, etc. You will find one, vent when you need to and don't give up!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I know how you feel OP. My advice is to keep applying and start following up with the nurse managers and recruiters. Applying online is not good enough anymore, time to get the stalking. It worked for me:)

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

Just a quick question, I was wondering what you are referring to? "I do have a scheduling issue with some aspects of the weekend".

[Mully]

I bet your resume could use improving. I would definitely include that you're in your RN-BSN program now if its not already.

Just keep working at it. You literally will get a job in acute care. It's just a matter of time. So buck the despair and keep trying.

[PMFB-RN, RN]

ETA: If you are still ASN, though, I'd get to work on that BSN as soon as possible. There are plenty of online or bridge programs available. Would be ashamed to allow something so easily rectified to stand between you and the job of your dreams.

*** I would suggest forgetting about the BSN. You have already interviewed several times and not been offered positions. To make yourself stand out I would skip over the BSN go strait to MSN. SHould give you a real leg up when applying to those hospital jobs.

[Guest343211]

Hang in there. You'll figure it out.

Unless you have a bachelor's degree in something else + the ADN, going right for MSN is a bit problematic, pragmatically speaking.

Keep looking for positions, and be open to nights and week-ends, and if possible, travelling a bit more than you are used to doing.

Join professional associations, so that you can network.

As I said. You'll figure it out.

It's also tough when your kids are little. Plenty of nurses have had to put their careers and educations on hold for their family--kids, sick parents, etc. Keep plugging away at things, and don't get discouraged.

Enjoy your little one, b/c the cliche' is true--their time as little ones passes by super fast, and you don't get that time back. Also, keep your relationship with your partner healthy. Take care of you.

Other advice: Try to see if you can get a per diem nursing position in something--doesn't necessarily matter what, so long as you get clinical experience/credit and a fair income for it.

Nurses must always have back-up jobs--especially in this kind of market. This is part of how you protect your livelihood. I;d say that the only exception to this is if you work at a place with a strong and sound union (one with real integrity), or if somehow you have been fortunate enough to get some kind of sound contract--signed off by your lawyer, of course.

One of the biggest things I've learned is the importance of protecting your livelihood. Being a good or even great nurse is not enough to protect it. There are too many variables and too many fickled attitudes and behaviors in this field. Protect thyself! Seriously.

Wishing you the best. Stay strong.

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

Bsn might be a great idea. I know some posters are skeptical when they think of only their experience but in some areas of the country an acute care job is nearly impossible without it . Especially in large metro areas or the magnet (@@) driven ones. Keep applying , if you have any connections use them . Also scheduling issues for weekends is pretty much a do not hire where i work . children or not everyone bas to work every other weekend. they are difficult enough to fill as it is .

[tnmarie]

Assess: At what point in the application process are you floundering? What are you doing to stand out from the potentially hundreds of other applicants? Are you networking and researching to find out more about the companies/hospitals you want to work for and the people who will be the ones potentially hiring you?

Diagnose: Are you getting call for interviews (sounds like the answer is yes). If not, review your resume and make sure your references are squared away. If you are getting interviews, your resume is obviously good to go but you are losing the job at the interview. Are you researching the company/hospital, researching your interviewer, preparing for the questions etc. or are you just "winging" it? Are you actively following up on positions in which you are interested? If not, you could be losing out to someone who simply showed their interest/stood out by following up.

Plan: Once you have figured out where you are losing the job, try to think of some ways to improve your chances. I would actually ask what I could have done differently to get the job when you get the dreaded "we went with someone else" spiel. At the very least, ask why they went with that person but only do the above if you can pull it off without sounding bitter or defensive. Ask outright if you would have gotten it if you had a BSN. If the answer is frequently yes, consider getting it. Call around/e mail and ask several local companies if they hire ASN vs BSN. A lot of "nos" to the ASN? Again, consider furthering your education.

Intervene: Depending on the "diagnosis" there are many interventions which include: revamping the resume, finding new references, better preparing for the interview, networking, etc. There are lots of great books on resumes, interviewing, job hunting etc for free at your local library if you need some fresh ideas.

Evaluate: I think you get the point by now. Remember the definition of insanity. Evaluate and adjust until you get the job you want. If you are just sending out a bunch of stock resumes to whom it may concern, your chances probably aren't very good. I'm sure you realize you may have to break in to acute care PRN or at the hospital everyone warned you about or both. If you are telling them you aren't available nights and weekends, that is probably where you are losing it. Arrange with hubby so you can work nights and weekends until you get your foot in the door and build up seniority. Otherwise, enjoy your stay in LTC.

Good luck. I really hope you get what you want! BTW, does your LTC facility not have a skill hall? Ours around here do and those patients are usually pretty acute and would be in a hospital in the pre-skill hall days.

[cardiacrocks, BSN, RN]

Just curious, where do you live, what city and state? Also, referring to your post I am under the impression that you can't work weekends, is that true? In acute care hospitals unless you work in the clinic you need to be available for at least every other if not every 3rd weekend. Good luck, just keep plugging away.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

((HUGS))......the economy stinks ......I think getting more education is the way to go these days. While you try for acute care and finish your BSN.....have you thought about an LTAC? Long term acute care? Check out the forum...Long Term Acute Care (LTAC/LTACH)