Experienced RN Looking to Transition into Acute Care

[BklynRN1]

Hello. I am writing on this topic to hopefully get some assistance with my journey. I am located in NYC and I have been an RN for 4 years. I currently hold my BSN. I have been working in outpatient setting for my entire career.

My first job was at a physician practice, second was at a women's health outpatient care center and lastly I am a RN manager at a dialysis facility. I am looking to transition into acute care in hope of becoming an NP after gaining experience.

I have applied to several RN fellowships and staff RN positions but hospitals do not show interest in my candidacy. I believe that a fellowship/residency would be better for my transition into an acute care setting being that I have been out of school for four years and I have lost skills and not gained skills that fellow RNs have retained being that I have been in outpatient care. Unfortunately most residencies want new grads.

I apply to Med-Surg units for staff RN opportunities but I never receive calls. I am not sure where to go from here. I want to get my hospital experience because I feel like my lack of hospital experience is holding me back from expanding my knowledge, critical thinking and basic skills that I have yet to obtain. I am aware that hospital experience is not needed to become an NP but I want to be as well rounded as possible before advancing and I lack confidence because I feel like outpatient care has not provided me with too much experience dealing with a variety of comorbidities and populations on a critical level.

I am considering an RN refresher course to gain more knowledge, refresh some skills from my clinical rotations and to possibly be more appealing to recruiters. I have also considered relocation although I prefer to stay close to my family. Any tips or suggestions? Thanks you for time.