Breaking Through to New Settings?

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.

Hello All,

I have been wanting for some time now to break into a new setting of nursing for which I have been unsuccessful. While Im in the process of registering for classes for my RN, Im interested in hearing some suggestions as to how to break into a new setting. I have been in LTC for 4 years and keep getting turned down by "auto emails" saying "thank you but, we have decided to persue other candidates." I know the market is tight but do you agree that it is so tight, that you cant be fairly considered for a position? Im really interested in what "my community" has to say!

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Oh my, I have been experiencing the same thing, only as a CNA. I keep getting those same auto emails. How do they know they don't want to hire me when they haven't interviewed me or met me??? Yesterday, I applied for a newly posted position at the hospital and got the rejection email almost immediately. I am beginning to think that I have an unknown enemy in the personnel office...

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

More details would help - what type of setting are you hoping to "break into"?

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I don't know about the OP but I'm just trying to break into a JOB.

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.
More details would help - what type of setting are you hoping to "break into"?

Anything thats not LTC, bc its what I do. As long as it sounds interesting to me, Im game!:o

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.
I don't know about the OP but I'm just trying to break into a JOB.

Are you a LPN or RN? It doesnt matter to me honestly, Im just curious on hard things are for you. It's waaaayyyy hard here in Metro-Atl. Like I said b4, I can keep complaining for the next 2 years or I can work toward my RN for the next 2 years and catch the wind when the job market changes for the better!:)

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Are you a member of a nursing association? Great place to network

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Are you a LPN or RN? It doesnt matter to me honestly, Im just curious on hard things are for you. It's waaaayyyy hard here in Metro-Atl. Like I said b4, I can keep complaining for the next 2 years or I can work toward my RN for the next 2 years and catch the wind when the job market changes for the better!:)

Actually, as I said in my first post, I'm a CNA and starting nursing school. But every single job I apply for, I am getting the auto email rejection every time. The other day, it almost right away. I am wondering if I have an unknown enemy in personnel...

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Specializes in LTC/Sub Acute Rehab.
Are you a member of a nursing association? Great place to network

No. I honestly wasnt sure if it helped to belong to one. I have been considering it ALOT here lately though. I have been wondering if I just seem "average" on paper due to my lack of affiliations with any organizations or additional certifications.

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Specializes in NICU, Peds, Peds Office, Home Care, Sale.

Don't take it too personally. I think the current economy has a lot to do with it. I've been feeling the same way. I'm an RN with over 25 years of experience. Took a few years off (6) to be a SAHM and am just returning to nursing (or trying to). Most recent experience was 12 years in a busy Peds office. Towards the end of that 12yrs I was part-time and supplemented my income by subbing in local school districts and held a Pediatric phone triage position. Prior to that I worked 6 years in the hospital (mainly Peds and NICU) and held a management/sales/ clinical role in a home care company(5 yrs) .

Now I'm looking to return to the hospital. Not so fast... There is only one local hospital that has any type of reentry program for returning RN's. I was told by their nurse recruiter that they receive hundreds of applications per day! At one interview at another hospital (with a nurse recruiter) I was told they would not have the time/staff to train me. And it was suggested that I would have a lot of problems adapting to new charting (electronic) and medication systems.

OK, on to Plan B. Find an RN refresher course. Closest ones average 3hrs away. There is an RN Resident program about 1 1/2 hrs from here...but it is a year long program.

OK, Plan C. I did get hired per diem at my old Peds office. Even they started me @ "new grad" pay with the promise of pay raise to "experienced " level if I am up to speed in 6mos. Deep breath, bite tongue and accept offer because at this point I need to make some money. Try not to feel too bad...the new grad they hired 6mos ago was hired @ less than "new grad pay rate". Hmm...think I see a pattern.

I recently interviewed @ another Peds office in the group for permanent part time...they went w/another candidate who already worked in their office and wanted to increase her hours. Would not have to spend as much on orientation.

Not really sure where I'm going from here. Back to school (BSN)? Neworking...job fairs...open houses. At this point I'm going to start just applying for anything and everything, concentrating on postings that are open to new grads. At least maybe I'll be able to work on my interview skills :)

I do have a suggestion. Check out Donna Cardillo's books/website. I have both her books and used her tips on resume writing, job hunting and especially interviewing. I believe my resume got me the above interview (they were already planning to make the other candidate an offer) and I felt I did well in the interview. One thing she suggests, by the way is to join your local nurses association. Next on my list.

Good luck. On the bright side, everything is cyclical. The job market will have to improve at some point.

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