Frustrated post NICU RN

[swimmomof2]

I have 20 years NICU experience yet quit work 6 years ago when my husband was deployed overseas for military duty. I had 2 pre-teen daughters who needed me at home. They were year round competitive swimmers. He deployed again a year later after we moved to another state. Now they are at a point where they are self sufficient and can get themselves around. I have always kept my license current and recently went back and got my NRP certification and BLS certification. Actually was proud of what I remember and how I felt about the clinical portion. I had a great interview with a recruiter but everytime I get to the NICU managers they come back with the response that they want someone with at least one year "recent" experience. I'm not sure how I can get that if no one will let me in the door. I have done transport, worked on a transplant team, worked ECMO, been in charge of a 72 bed unit and been short staffed to a point of taking on 6 growers at one time. I don't regret taking the time off but am not sure what I can do to convince someone to let me prove myself. I don't need benefits and am willing to give up any bonus. I loved working and it was not just a job. It was a passion. If anyone out there has any ideas, I am all ears. I am thinking of going to a neanatal conference so that maybe I can show that I have honed up on some of the education and skills. A return the workforce program would not be a plus because they are all geared toward Med-Surg. Thanks for the help.

[karnicurnc, MSN, APRN, CNS]

Wow! Those people are idiots! Look at all that great experience you have! How short-sighted those managers are to not even take a chance on you! You are mature, grounded, experienced, and trainable. My NICU would grab you up in a hot second. I don't really have any advice, since I have not had this experience and can't believe no one will hire you. Perhaps the conference would help. I would bluntly ask these managers what they suggest you do in order to get an employment offer. Best of luck to you and if you ever move to VA, let me know and you can come work with me!

[Imafloat, BSN, RN]

Maybe your experience is what is hindering you. I know that in my unit they would hire a new grad over someone with your experience. In the past, when they hire someone with a lot of experience they have run into problems with the person knowing better ways to do things. We have nurses on our unit who have worked there 20 plus years and they never mix well with more seasoned new hires. I'm not defending this practice and I'm not saying it's right, I personally would prefer someone with some fresh ideas, because I feel that we get stuck in ruts if we do thing the way they've always been done. But, I'm one of the new 'renegades' and I find myself banging my head against the wall most days, which is a whole other thread.

Why don't you try getting a PRN job, or a job in a pediatric hospital with a NICU. That way you will have some experience and when a full time position comes open, you will be able to be an internal candidate. I know this isn't an ideal pathway to what you want to do, but perhaps it is a bridge to what you want. You can also continue to apply for NICU jobs, they say it is much easier to get a job when you already have one.

[nightowl1]

I'm running into the same problem. Even in-house registries want "current" experience and the longer I look, the less current I will be. I finally decided to apply for a home health position with a company that specializes in pediatric home health. I'm hoping that caring for a NICU grad will at least get my foot in the door somewhere. I love NICU and really hope I will be able to go back soon.