back into the work force questions

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

Ok, I could use some constructive feedback.

I'm reentering nursing after 8 yr break with kids. Took a hospital based refresher course that includes 80 hours clinical. I'd really like to get back in to hospital nursing for the updated experience. I used to work on an oncololgy floor and loved it.

22 yrs experience--Updated resume--wear business attire to all interviews--researched hospitals/areas I'm interviewing for--send thank you notes after interview--have positive references from both my instructor and my preceptor on floor--scheduled for ACLS class later this month. I'm 50 and overweight by about 20-25 pounds. (it's not supposed to but I know those facts count and I'm trying to absolutely frank)

My preceptor wrote me a letter of reference stating that she didn't even feel I needed the refresher--just an orientation time. She thinks the refresher might actually give the wrong impression and not be helping me.

I've applied for numerous internships that state they are open to nurses with experience as well as new grad. Able to interview for 2 of them but obviously didn't get them. Was possibly going to be offered a full time hospice postion but missed out because I told them about a possible internship offer.

Is it unrealistic to try and get a hospital position? Or is it just because I've tried the internships first? Or does anyone see any red flags I'm missing?

It's very discouraging to feel so unmarketable.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

What is your specialty? Perhaps you should create a profile on LinkedIn.com and join some of the nursing groups. They have a forum and job postings as well. Also, there are plenty of nurse recruiters that peruse that site. I've been contacted by several recruiters with job openings or who are looking to network. Networking is the key to finding a job these days!

Good luck!!!

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Specializes in CICU, radiology, psych.

I thought internships were for new grads. My hospital is talking about trying to start internships for new grads. Do other hospital have them open to anyone? I'd try to get my foot in the door. You might have to be willing to work somewhere other than oncology, and just plan on transferering departments after you've been there a while. GOOD LUCK!!

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Welcome back. I was out 4 yrs and being 48, I was turned down a few times, even though I knew I interviewed very well. I ended up at a much smaller hospital that didn't seem to care that I had been out for a few years. Granted, it's back in med/surg where I swore I'd never go again, but I work with such nice people, it's worth it.

Keep at it. It took me 4 months to land a job. I remember back in the day, I went in to just pick up an application dressed in shorts, of all things, and I walked out with a job! Not anymore.

Something will come your way. Please keep us posted. :D

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.

I would keep applying at any hospital position that you can work with in your life schedule. persistance with the HR staff can make a difference (hey, this person really wants to work here...). Also call HR once a week for updates and consider sub acute rehab as an option.

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Yes, I think it is possible to get a hospital position ... but I would try to get "any" RN position that you can in the meantime. I am older than you :rolleyes:, had been completely out of nursing for 15 years and away from hospital nursing for 18 years, took a very good refresher program (10 weeks), but couldn't get anyone interested in hiring me. You and I? we just don't fit "the mold" and the economy has not been on our side (plenty of nurses out there!)... But I kept applying anyway. I think the first job (just 6 months ago) was about timing ... a temporary job in an out-patient clinic. But the old adage about it being easier to find a job when you already have one is true. The hospital job that I have now was about timing also, I think, and because I was successfully employed and therefore somehow looked more desirable. Right place at the right time. Obviously, good interview skills and references come in to play...but you already have that going on. Just don't give up ... you never know when the door will suddenly open after being shut so many times.

By the way, while I do concur that age and weight discrimination is prevalent, I believe those obstacles can be counterbalanced and/or outweighed by great energy and attitude.

GOOD LUCK!!!

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Specializes in Oncology, Rehab, Public Health, Med Surg.

Thanks all.

I have signed up for LinkedIn--great suggestion. I need to explore it more to find out how to use it to the most. It looks helpful.

RaeRae1997, internships can be either way. Some are specifically for new grads, and will state that. Many times hospitals will open it up for nurses that want to transfer into a new area as well.

I'm applying to all jobs that I can. Most med-surg require ACLS so some I have to wait until I take that course.

Positive persisitance seems to be the key. And networking but I lost touch long ago with my hospital coworkers.

And I, too, can remember applying for a job in shorts and getting it!

Thanks-I know I can do this. Sometimes I just forget and it helps to be reminded by others.

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