Discouraged

[beachlily, RN]

Hi there. I've been an RN since 2011. Right out of school found a job at an insurance company. A year later was hired by a plastic surgeon as a perioperatiive RN per-diem. I was so excited! In the meantime I've been searching for a full time clinical nurse position. 2 1/2 years later I'm still unable to find a clinical position. I'm told I don't have enough experience and that I need acute care experience. I've had 1 interview and they decided to hire within. I'm completely frustrated and discouraged. I've decided to pursue my BSN, but concerned that I still won't be able to find the 'acute care' position. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Just keep applying. Try for OR, ambulatory surgery, or PACU possibly (Some want ICU experience).

[beachlily, RN]

Thank you for your response :)

[firstinfamily, RN]

Hey, I have so much acute care experience and they still are not interested in me!!! Yes, focus on your BSN, it seems most acute areas want nurses with their BSN now. Keep applying, you most likely need med-surg experience to get into the specialty units, but the specialty units have the highest turnover. Working with a plastic surgeon has given you some surgical experience so perhaps learning the OR would be a good choice. Don't limit your options to just the acute care facilities, there are more out patient services now and frankly, I think that is where the expansion of health care is going to occur. Perhaps a GI Endoscopy practice? Don't rake yourself over the coals!!! Acute care facilities are watching their bottom line more than ever before, and it seems they promote more from within even though they advertise to the outside. The trick is to not become stagnate. Improve yourself by continuing your education and your willingness to learn a new environment should come across. How about taking an ACLS course, that would also make you more marketable. Change is hard, but life is all about change!!

[toomuchbaloney]

It is a tough job in some markets for nurses.

As others have said, stay in the game. Even when discouraged find a way to keep looking, keep showcasing your resume.

Are you able to relocate? There might be more options in a different geographical location.

Good luck!

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I feel that sometimes getting a BSN after already being a nurse is a bit like pressing the reset button. Doors that wouldn't open before, open then. Having the degree along with the experience you already have is a very good thing....

[jtmarcy12, BSN, RN]

Sorry for the problems you are having, but I know that many many companies are now requiring BSN as the minimum requirement. You have to keep looking. God Bless.