how to go about tailoring your resume/interview when applying for a nonnursing job?

[ceebeeRN]

So I posted previously under another topic and didn't get any responses, but Im sure this thread would be more appropriate. any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance

As we all know the job market in general is tough out there and it seems extra tough for nurses. At the moment, I am NOT giving up on getting a RN position or the field in general, but In the meantime, I need a job to pay the bills and who knows, I may like my potential new job so much I might end up staying. I opted to stay in a health related field, so I often apply to medical assistant or medical receptionist jobs, and many times I get the reaction: "oh maybe you misread the listing, but we're not looking for a nurse" or "you're overeducated/ dont have the right kind of education/expereince for this position"

Sometimes during the interview, i get asked: "are you working/have you worked as nurse?" or the toughest one "How do we know if a better employment opportunity more in your field arises, you will not just promptly leave?"

From the perspective of a potential employer, I can see why all of these are fair questions. That is always the most uncomfortable part of the interview for me when questions like that come up.

What should I say when asked about potentially leaving if a nursing opportunity comes along?

I don't want to seem like I'm deflecting the question but the best I've been able to come up with is to say that I am very success-oriented and that I would and do give 100% to any job I am offered, whether it was in my specific area of study or not. I then mention skills and qualities I've developed as a result of my healthcare background that ARE applicable to the position.

More often than not, I.. So not to look "over qualified" , I do Include that I have a bachelors but I don't always add that my major was nursing and/or I completely omit the fact that I have a RN license on resumes I submit to nonnursing jobs..something I shutter at considering how hard I worked for it lol! What do you guys think about that?

(Of course, if during the interview, I'm asked directly about my major, I'll say I studied nursing.)

What are some of your opinions/ideas/experiences?

Has anyone successfully broken into another career path after getting their nursing degree/license and not being able to get a RN position? were you able to do it even with including your nursing background on your resume?

[kla32686]

In Texas, if you have a nursing liscense you can not work at a Tech, MA, PCT, etc. You have to work to your highest liscensure. I don't know how that works in other states though. A co-worker of mine has worked with me in the ER for 10 years as a paramedic, and is about to finish nursing school in may. Our hospital is not hiring new grads this year, so they will not be able to hire her. She asked if she could continue to work as a paramedic in the ER and was told no, she would need to find a job as a nurse. Idk if that helps, but that is what I've learned about trying to work in the medical field, but not working as a nurse when you have your degree.