Finding a Nursing Job??? Help!!

NOADLS · Mar 21, 2014

If it were me, I wouldn't have quit until I found something else. It's a lot easier to pick up a job if you already have one in my experience. After I landed my first one, I started making connections and have actually had to decline a few opportunities.

Difficult to say what you should do in this spot. Being able to relocate goes a long way.

CMR2012 · Mar 21, 2014

Thanks and yes I agree but what's done is done. I am learning the hard way but must carry on. I have thought about relocating but am not sure where. I am in the Chicagoland area now.

roser13, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

What does being the only nurse with a BSN have to do with the circumstances of leaving your position?

CMR2012 · Mar 22, 2014

It doesn't it was a prison and a very harsh environment. I'm not on here to analyze why I didn't stay at a prison when most would not have even considered the job. I am looking for more of an acute care setting.

schnookimz · Mar 22, 2014

It's incredibly hard to get a job in the Chicago area right now. Good luck.

That being said, I understand this is a second career for you, it's a second career for tons of nurses. Only 3-4 people in my graduating class did not hold a previous degree in another field. Perhaps you need to find something else to distinguish you bc experience in other fields is quite common.

RN_na_pogi_pa · Mar 23, 2014

Are you just looking for acute care setting jobs and not long term care or SNFs?

CMR2012 · Mar 23, 2014

I am leaning towards acute care facilities but haven't R/O LTC. All if my clinical experiences were acute care facilities particularly a magnet status. What would you take in account in choosing a good quality LTC/SNF?

RN_na_pogi_pa · Mar 24, 2014

I am leaning towards acute care facilities but haven't R/O LTC. All if my clinical experiences were acute care facilities particularly a magnet status. What would you take in account in choosing a good quality LTC/SNF?

I live in a an overly saturated area (SoCal). I know a lot of new grads who had a hard time or are still having a hard time looking for their 1st RN job. So I decided not to be picky and accepted the first offer I got from the first place (a SNF) I applied at. I just want to start working and get some experience as soon as possible. After I get the experience and can apply anywhere then that's the time i'd be picky.

ePerfect · Mar 24, 2014

I know you probably have preferences as to what yu want to do, but if you can't find a job why not search for other things like LTC? There's tons of jobs out there for nurses in long term care settings because new grads seem to think it's "not for them." It's a good paying job line and stable at that. You learn a lot from your job and you deal with all kinds of people. Look outside the box. Don't just apply to places that look appealing. Anything you can get your foot into will help you find the job you want later on down the road.

As for "good" LTC facilities, you want to look for one that needs help and provides you with enough hours and the benefits you absolutely need. Make sure the facility you apply to has nursing as more than a "desk job." The first facility I worked for I was basically just a secretary with an RN title. I sat at a desk in a small office and did paperwork all day and occasionally had to respond to falls or illnesses. The current place I work for I am doing everything from documenting to responding to emergency situations like strokes, heart attacks and sudden unexpected deaths. I have anywhere from 24-60 residents at any given time (unfortunately due to under staffing) and it really teaches you how to time-manage!

CMR2012 · Mar 24, 2014

Thank you all for your feedback and even constructive criticism I am going out tomorrow to hand deliver some resumes.

ePerfect · Mar 24, 2014

Thank you all for your feedback and even constructive criticism I am going out tomorrow to hand deliver some resumes.

Good luck! :)