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I have been an RN for over 20 years here in the valley. I recently left a job due to ethical conflicts with office mgr. Now, I am pounding pavement without much success. I have vast experience in the in pt & out pt setting. I have found several opportunities (which I am very quilified for) in the hospitals. I submit applications but I am not getting even a call back for interview. Anyone else experiencing this? Is the nursing shortage turing a corner? Where are the jobs at? :icon_roll
Some of you have mentioned that "Why hire an exp. RN when you can have a newb do all the same work for less pay?" but I have to say this is not true where I work. We have a very well balanced "seasoned" RN to new-grad ratio. From my experience as a new-grad, even I had trouble finding a job, so I think this kind of contradicts that theory. I applied to so many places for Banner & CHW in ALL areas from Med-Surg to Psych. I didn't get any calls, and actually had to network with some people to use as a referral.
My suggestion, only because this is what I usually heard from my fellow MCC alumni that found jobs before I did, is to go to HR and find out who the CM/director is for the particular unit that you are applying for. Go to that unit and ask if that person has a minute to speak with you, just long enough to give an introduction and hand in a resume. Try to make a friendly impression, and stay on top of them while you are waiting for them to review your app. Call HR, call the unit. I know it sounds like you are harassing them, but this is how my friends got the jobs, and it's also the same way my mom got a job as a new-grad RN in Tele many many years ago when there wasn't even a such a thing as a nursing shortage. Persistency is key, and don't give up!
I, personally, think that any director/CM that doesn't value an exp. nurse's presence on a unit is foolish, and is only setting up their new-grads, as well as patients, up for failure. I am so thankful for the exp. RNs that help me in my everyday care. And being new isn't so bad either, because I know I teach them textbook stuff and the latest evidence based practices every now and then! It's important to keep that young and old balance in the nursing setting and it makes it fun.
Some of you have mentioned that "Why hire an exp. RN when you can have a newb do all the same work for less pay?" but I have to say this is not true where I work. We have a very well balanced "seasoned" RN to new-grad ratio...quote]You are absolutely correct. I did mention earlier on in a post that safe staffing would account for skill levels of the RN's available. This is actually something that JCAHO looks at as well. If you have every been part of an accrediation process you are well aware of the staffing questions they will ask. They are very interested in assuring that the nursing staff, for any given shift, is well representative of varied levels of nursing experience. I also agree with you regarding us "More seasoned" nurses have so many opportunities to learn from those of you fresh out of school. There is always room for growth & opportunities for new knowldege.
Hoozdo, ADN
1,555 Posts
Hey me too! I had an interview at CHW yesterday and was offered the job right on the spot!:w00t: