Finding it impossible to get into peds.

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Specializes in Simulation.

I graduated in Dec. 2011 from a second degree BSN program. I have been trying ever since then to get a job in peds. I have tried everything inpatient, outpatient, offices, clinics, psych, local, and out of state. But no one will give me a chance. I can't even get an interview. I am wondering if it is because I am a 39 y.o. guy. There are girls from my program that got jobs right away. They are much younger, went to nursing school straight from their first degrees, and many have no previous work experience. I don't know what else to do. I went to nursing school specifically to do peds. But it is looking like it I want a job I am going to have to do adults. I don't know what to do. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Take a job working with adults. You can't afford to wait forever. While you are honing your general nursing skills and earning money ... do some volunteer work with children. Perhaps you can volunteer in a children's hospital or in a school, etc. After a year or two, you won't just be a "new grad." You'll be an experienced nurse with experience working with children.

If there are nursing organiations or charitable organizations that focus on children's well-being, join one of them. It could be a way to meet people who work in the field of children's health. Such contacts could lead you to a peds job someday.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Pedi.

I agree with the above poster. If the only nursing job you can get is with adults, take it. You won't have to stay there forever.

Pediatric jobs have always been hard to come by simply because there are fewer of them. My city alone has ONE pediatric hospital with a few general pediatric floors scattered at some of the bigger adult hospitals. The pediatric hospital has just under 400 beds while the biggest adult hospitals have between 415-nearly 1100. There are 5 university affiliated adult teaching hospitals in the city as well as several community or non-academic ones... the smallest of the adult hospitals is still bigger than the lone pediatric hospital. There isn't nearly as much demand for pediatric nurses- especially since it's rare for someone to leave peds for adults.

Perhaps you can get a per diem job doing pediatric private duty (once you've had a little professional nursing experience), try substitute school nursing or work at a camp or something over the summer that will give you experience with children.

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you can try pediatric home health

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I agree, try pediatric home health and also volunteering with kids. I worked as a camp nurse this summer (plus I have 2 kids of my own) and I think this definitely helped me in my interview for a NICU position that floats to peds. Good luck!

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Specializes in Simulation.

I just got a job at a peds office! It's seems like I won't be using a lot of my RN skills (like assessing, teaching, planning). But hopefully this will be a good start.

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That's great! good luck!

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I also have always wanted peds nursing..I am hoping for an interview for a school nurse job PT, I am going back to school to get my BSN this Oct, so it would be perfect! I hope I dont have to go back to the nursing home to work. I am figuring that what I want is some type of community nursing, that includes children, that would be great I think for me!

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