Well, I applied at one of the local hospitals (med surg) and my interview lasted about 5 minutes, or just long enough for them to find out I had no hospital experience. The last question I answered before they kindly showed me the way out was no, I have never started an IV.
Maybe it was because I didn't go into these big elaborate details to try to cover myself, I was very polite and grinned a lot(trying not to show my missing front tooth) and just answered as honestly as I knew how. I know I've been going on and on about not wanting a hospital job (and I don't) but let's be frank: for me to get anywhere in a nursing career, even my dream job of working at home, I'm going to need to have at least had these skills of starting IV's and accessing port-a-caths, etc. at some time. And it would be wrong to assume because I don't really want to work in a hospital that I would not do a good job. I'm a lot of things but I'm not a slacker.
I've devised a plan but I don't want to be the running joke of this hospital so I thought I would run it by some of you first and I'd appreciate it if you'd tell me what you think.
I was thinking of emailing the HR department and explaining that I am concerned I've been in nursing almost 7 yrs. and have no experience in a hospital and it's starting to bother me. Maybe I could work one shift a week at a reduced rate (they said my starting pay would be $18.50/hr, I thought maybe I could offer to do it for maybe $12.00) just so I can at least get my feet wet.
I can throw in that I've been having babies and raising kids for 10 yrs. and caring for a disabled husband for 12 yrs. and perhaps that would make the situation with my lack of experience not seem so bad.
I just got hired on as an LPN in med/surg in a rural hospital. They know I have no experience except in LTC. And goodness knows I'm not related to ANYONE up here. I was lucky, though - my interviewer is a NYC transplant and we spent most of the interview relieved we could wisecrack without offending the other.
Is it possible that you are, without realizing it, sabotaging yourself on the interview? I know how daunting depression is and you may just be reeking of despair and self-doubt.
I'm also back in school for the BSN, so I guess when I'm done with that I'll essentially be a NG yet again.
I'm so stressed out over what to do about bringing in an income. Getting a job in this area is impossible unless you're so and so's first cousin's uncle's half brother and you know this or that person. I'd like to smack people when they tell me I can go get a job anywhere and making all kinds of money. Ha ha. I looked in the mirror the other day and was shocked at how old and tired I looked. No wonder people are thinking I'm my 2 month old son's grandma.
I'm not completely without options. The former DON of the HH agency where I was working has been after me to come sign on with her at the new agency where she is. Only thing is...I hated doing HH.
You sound pretty down. It's especially hard to figure things out like creatively making ends meet when you're feeling that way. It sounds like you've got some good things going for you, though, despite the hardships. You've got a new healthy baby and are going back to school for a BSN. One way or another, "this too shall pass" and you'll be on firmer ground.
It might be worth it to wait to get back into the hospital until your BSN program. Will you be getting any acute care clinical experience? If it's not part of the program, could it maybe arranged? What to do for work until then? I can't say for sure, but something that hopefully won't drag you down, but will allow you to regain a more positive place in your mind.
Specializes in Happily semi-retired; excited for the whole whammy.
I don't think they'd hire you at a reduced rate; if they are anything like the agency I work for, there are very well defined policies and procedures and they don't play with them, ever. Even if they would do this, you might be setting yourself up as a permanent "second class citizen" of sorts with them... they could always lord it over you that they gave you your start, etc.
I don't think they'd hire you at a reduced rate; if they are anything like the agency I work for, there are very well defined policies and procedures and they don't play with them, ever. Even if they would do this, you might be setting yourself up as a permanent "second class citizen" of sorts with them... they could always lord it over you that they gave you your start, etc.
Yea, it's a bad idea. I thought of it because it's how this RN I know got her foot in the door at the nursing home where I used to work. When she applied they told her they didn't need RN's just LPN's so when she offered to work for the LPN rate they snatched her up. Now, several years later she is the assistant DON.
But in this case, why would I be their water boy? They can kiss my rear end.
I think I'd show more self-respect picking up cans on the side of the road.
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
I just got hired on as an LPN in med/surg in a rural hospital. They know I have no experience except in LTC. And goodness knows I'm not related to ANYONE up here. I was lucky, though - my interviewer is a NYC transplant and we spent most of the interview relieved we could wisecrack without offending the other.
Is it possible that you are, without realizing it, sabotaging yourself on the interview? I know how daunting depression is and you may just be reeking of despair and self-doubt.
{{{{{motorcycle mama}}}}}