Experienced RN cant find a job??? I thought there was a shortage???

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Hello I am new to this site and have a question for all those other frustrated unemployed RNs out there. I have been an RN since 1995, worked for 5 years and then took off to travel with my family. I always kept my licences current and worked every few years in acute care to keep my skills and practice up. The last time I worked was last year (Dec 2011). The only reply I had was a home health company that told me that since I hadn't worked in a year I needed to take a refresher course. I dont understand that as I have worked every few years.

Now I am permanently settled and looking for work but not getting any responses through the online application processes. Is there a secret to the online application system so that you are not "over-looked" by the computer. My daughter told me that the online application process is reviewed by a computer not a person and if you do not have certain keyword in your resume/cover letter you are "spit out". Any help or advice would be appreciated!!!

What is the agency you work for? Maybe they have a NY branch!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Bayada Home Healthcare

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Specializes in Critical Care, Medical-Surgical.

I have been trying to come back to ICU for 2 years now. No Luck.i had to wait a year to have an interview for a med-sug position in a hospital. I know a lot of people at bedside but I could not so far translate that into a good situation. I was out of nursing due to a high risk pregnancy. I was on bed rest and all. I am starting to feel bitter about it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Medical-Surgical.

Which Hospitals?

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

Experience is definitely a plus. The last nurse I hired has at least 20 years in. However, stability is also important. "Working every few years" is not a plus in the eyes of the recruiter. Why hire and orient someone who's not likely to be around very long? See if your resume can be tightened, and maybe consider agency work. Good Luck

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I thought I was the only one having this issue! I'm getting so frustrated and annoyed filling out these online applications, to just get rejected. I know I've been out of a hospital setting for two years but I was a nurse for a U.S. military clinic overseas, for about a year and its only been 9 months since I stopped working. Many times, these nursing agencies does not even consider my recent experience since it was not here in the U.S. I'm to the point where I want to give up but than I can't imagine doing anything else but nursing.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Medical-Surgical.

Philly is a strange place. I am looking for a position in ICU for 3 years now. I worked in a large university hospital for 3 years in SICU. I have to say that I was out out nursing due to medical reason for a year but my experience seams totally irrelevant in this market. I am happy that I have a job in the least 2 years but I really would like to come back to ICU.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Philly is a strange place. I am looking for a position in ICU for 3 years now. I worked in a large university hospital for 3 years in SICU. I have to say that I was out out nursing due to medical reason for a year but my experience seams totally irrelevant in this market. I am happy that I have a job in the least 2 years but I really would like to come back to ICU.

Some places have hiring freezes. One Heath system had a freeze lifted and just contacted me by email. It really depends. I say check the local Children's hospitals as well. I was hired as a new grad with a co worker who has Adult ICU experience...the rest of us had Peds experience.

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Specializes in Hospice, Case Mgt., RN Consultant, ICU.

That is crazy! I wonder if you are speaking with anyone with nursing experience! Or just a secretary or HR person. Have you explained the condition of your pediatric patients? Good luck to you. You sure should not need to waste money on a refresher course!

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I saw an agency ad that said not to bother applying if you haven't been working within a year. Another one said you had to have had 2000 hours within the past two years. Sort of the same. If that's a death sentence, it would be worth not being that picky the closer that deadline approaches.

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Job hopping and long gaps in resume are holding you back.

There are plent of jobs out there, they just might not be your ideal job. Keep applying, good fortune will come.

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I am on long island NY

Yes 13 years NICU and 10 years peds homecare =nothing around here

NYC/LI (any big city, really) is flooded with all types of Nurses. You'll have to get creative with your job search.

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