Busting out of LTC - advice please

[Nursjsh]

I am an RN with just under a year's experience (licensed for 1 year, working for 11 months at this point) and a currently working in LTC. While I truly enjoy my facility, co-workers, residents, family, etc, I am wanting to spread my wings and get into a hospital setting. I'm not sure I want to stay in geriatrics (as was my original 'plan') and certainly do not want to loose important clinical skills (IVs, etc). I've also discovered I have a strong desire to have more education opportunities with my clients.

My question is: What can I do to make myself more "marketable" for a med/surg position? I have my ADN, but will be starting my BSN this fall. I also have many years experience working as an Emergency Medical Technician. My resume and cover letters reflect all of this information... I just feel like I need to be doing something more.

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I'm actually surprised to hear that an EMT chose geriatrics. Wow! There must be true love for the elderly to accept such a change in pace. With your credentials coupled with a BSN program, I honestly don't believe you will have any problems securing a med-surg position or even possibly an ER position....unless you encountered some rigid BSN-only facilities who won't even speak to you without that degree.

[benegesserit]

Consider getting certifications, such as ACLS, that will be required in an acute care environment. Usually you'll have a certain amount of time after getting hired to get the certification, but already having it will make you more competitive.

Starting your BSN program will help. Many hospitals that prefer BSN will be fine with BSN in progress, because those candidates are highly likely to actually complete their BSN, while an ADN with vague intentions of going back to school someday is a bigger risk.

Look at hospitals with affiliated nursing homes. Get in the door on the nursing home side, and then you'll make connections, possibly have opportunities to cross-train, and be eligible for internal job openings.

Look for a nursing home with more opportunity for skills practice (I work at two facilities - at one I place IVs, draw blood, and do complex wound care. At the other I don't) or a Long Term Acute Care facility. A SNF with a post-acute rehab wing will generally offer you a bit higher acuity and more opportunities for patient education.

[brillohead, ADN, RN]

Have you tried applying and come up empty, or are you just being proactive?

My unit is currently orienting a dozen new grad ADNs, and I got hired on with only Private Duty and Home Health experience (also an ADN here). My facility requires BSN completion within five years of hire, but it's not required for hire.

It really just depends on what the hiring policies are in your area and what the job market looks like -- some areas have tons of nurses and no openings, other regions are just the opposite. But having a year of experience in any nursing field is going to be better than being a new grad...