Finding a job without acute care experience

allnurses Guide · Aug 27, 2012

Unfortunately the economy isn't much better now than it was when you graduated. Keep looking. Perhaps something will shake down for you. You definitely have consideration above those with no experience at all.

sbostonRN · Aug 27, 2012

Try acute rehab or LTACs. I went from a nursing home to a LTAC hospital and it's very similar to acute care. I plan on working here for a few years before trying to move onto somewhere more acute.

WittySarcasm, BSN · Aug 28, 2012

Thank you so much for your comments. I'm gonna keep looking. And I'll add the long term acute cares to my job search and see if I can find anything.

JenLebRN · Aug 29, 2012

Try searching for new grad programs!! I'm in the same boat too.. I just graduated with my RN and I too have previous exp as an LVN in a skilled nursing facility for 5 years. They do not consider that experience at all unfortunately. Grad programs start up and fill fast! Gather up any letters of recommendations or go back and request them from previous instructors. Also have a few written by friends that you work with! Prepare this stuff now along with an updated resume so when these programs start you are ready to submit your stuff.

I just took a position back in a skilled as an RN Supervisor just until these programs open back up! I feel your pain because any skills you have, you are limited on what you can do:rolleyes:

Hope that helps you!

Jen:nurse:

rnsandilynn · Aug 29, 2012

I'm blessed that I went to a college connected to a large hospital. It's a teaching hospital and I was hired to the position I wanted immediately after graduating. Specifically it is Adult Medical Specialty or Medical Acute. I see it all and deal with it all. I graduated December 2011 and it honestly feels like I've been working forever! I started in February. I feel confident and experienced. It gets stressful but I'm very thankful for the experience this position has given me. The hospital I work at is GREAT about teaching. We even have a nurse residency program and I had 12 weeks training on days and 4 weeks training on nights. They really help you to learn. It's awesome. :)

RNGwen · Aug 29, 2012

I currently have about 2 and half years in nursing home/LTC experience. I want to find a job at a hospital but am unable to find one. The main problem is that I don't have acute care experience, they like my LTC experience but always say that it would be better if I had gotten some hospital experience somewhere along the line.
It was impossible for me to get experience in a hospital when I graduated because there were so many graduating at once and there was a hiring freeze, so I ended up at a LTC (after a year and half of looking) and have been stuck there. I like my place but I want to move on.
Is there any way around to get the acute care experience? I tried agency but they couldn't get me into the hospitals because I didn't have the hospital experience. I still put in applications and try even if it says "acute care experience required' hoping they will at least look at me. But, still if there's any other ways to get in or jobs that may get me closer to a hospital I would love to hear it. Thank you so much!

I don't know in which area of the country you work but in the Chattanooga, TN area, word of mouth is very helpful. If you have friends who are in hospitals, have them speak to HR and/or their nurse managers on your behalf...or at least put your name in their ear so it will ring a bell when they're looking over applications. My recommendation came from a young lady in my nursing class that I didn't know very well but she had seen my involvement in our student nurses' association and knew I was motivated and an enthusiastic team player. When my administrator hired me, he said she had spoken very highly of me. Go figure. You never really know who's watching you. If you're still in touch with your classmates or have friends who work in acute care, they can really be a help!! Best of luck with your transition!!

lindarn2010 · Aug 29, 2012

I applied at the same hospital for over a year before they hired me. Meanwhile, I worked in LTC. I also took extra classes that I thought would help me get into the hospital. Just short classes like ACLS, PALS, Pain control, and end of life care. Each time I finished a class, I would add it to my resume and take in a updated copy to the hospital. Either they got tired of seeing me in HR, or they decided I wanted to work there badly enough to give me the opportunity. Also, it might be better to try smaller community hospitals to get some experience.

hope3456, ASN, RN · Aug 29, 2012

I currently have about 2 and half years in nursing home/LTC experience. I want to find a job at a hospital but am unable to find one. The main problem is that I don't have acute care experience, they like my LTC experience but always say that it would be better if I had gotten some hospital experience somewhere along the line.
It was impossible for me to get experience in a hospital when I graduated because there were so many graduating at once and there was a hiring freeze, so I ended up at a LTC (after a year and half of looking) and have been stuck there. I like my place but I want to move on.
Is there any way around to get the acute care experience? I tried agency but they couldn't get me into the hospitals because I didn't have the hospital experience. I still put in applications and try even if it says "acute care experience required' hoping they will at least look at me. But, still if there's any other ways to get in or jobs that may get me closer to a hospital I would love to hear it. Thank you so much!

I read that taking a nurse refresher class can help you get your foot back in the door. You do a 2 week clinical (and online class) and try to get one in a hospital where they are hiring! Also if you are able to relocate try the rural hospitals....I am in wyoming and there are new graduates out here from california, ect where the market was saturated - they work for a year and then are able to return and get a hospital job cuz they have EXPERIENCE!!!