Graduated in May 2008.....still looking

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

I graduated in May 2008, took a chance at a job that didn't work out. I had a problem with the transition to being an RN on the unit I was on. Even though I had worked a similar unit as an LPN I didn't appreciate the difference until I was actually working. After talking to my manager we both decided I needed to transfer somewhere less acute. Unfortunately all the new grad positions were gone. Because they couldn't find another position for me, I was terminated but eligible for rehire. My problem is also that I have several short stay jobs on my resume. My husband and I decided to move back home since we now our expecting our first child.

I admit I made serious mistakes as an LPN in leaving jobs just because I didn't like it. I didn't think it would ever hurt me, boy was I wrong. Now my problem is how to fix my mistakes when I can get a job. I mean with yet another short job on my resume (4 months) who is going to give me an interview let alone hire me. I try to admit when I'm making mistakes, even when they are brought to my attention days after the fact. I try to ask questions on things I don't know and will try your way of doing things to see if it's better than they way I do it. I know I don't know everything and I admit on some things I'm a slow learner and will ask over and over again. I don't however panic over beeping alarms. I have worked telemetry and know to look at the patient before trusting the alarm. I guess this comes across as having no sense of urgency.

How in the world am I going to find a job as an RN now? I feel like I wasted my time getting my ADN since my LPN experience is being used against me. I come across as unreliable and unstable on paper. I have to list my jobs even the 4 week RNA one. There are so many places hiring, but won't even give me a call back. I of course get those "dear john" emails, you know the ones that say "thanks for your interest....but". If my student loans weren't maxxed out I'd attempt to get my BSN if I didn't think it would most likely be a waste of my time right now. I am so discouraged. I went back to school to be able to get a better job since all the hospital LPN jobs were disappearing. Now that I'm licensed I can't get anything. I guess I'll have to try nursing homes even though I really don't want to do long term care again. I can't even work agency as an RN like I could as an LPN because I don't have year's experience yet.

I don't really know what kind of advice I'm asking for here. I still hold out hope that I will eventually start working as an RN. I don't know if I need to change my resume to a functional one or exactly how to do that.

I honestly never thought it would be so difficult to find a good hospital position once I graduated. I thought my RN would give me a fresh start, I was wrong and have no clue what to do next. How in the world do I fix my mistakes?

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Anyone???? Advice, anything????

[Finally my Time]

I am a student so I am by no means an expert....but what about Home Heath or going to a healthcare job placement company. This way you can build up your reputation.

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Home Health wants a year of RN experience. I've thought about the job placement agencies, but I don't know how good they are. As for temp agencies, same with home health you need a year's expereince.

[Jules A, MSN]

You may not want to do it but I would suck it up and take whatever you can get even if that means LTC. Since you have experience in LTC as a LPN you should be able to do a good job and hopefully build a long term reference. Nurses are a very incestous group and burning bridges is never a good idea. You will have to work long and hard to un-do the damage you have done and its just going to take some time. Hang in there.

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

The only thing I'm really afraid of doing LTC is most of the places that are hiring RN's around me want more of a manager type RN. I don't think I'm ready to be any kind of manager, actually I know I'm not. I wouldn't mind being a floor nurse, but not the one doing the hiring and setting up staff meetings/staff education.

If it's the only thing I can get, then it's the only thing I can get. Just scary to have no RN experience and be put into a job like that.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I realize that you may have every good intention of taking advantage of your 'fresh start' as an RN, but this may be a very difficult thing to sell to hiring managers in light of your (admittedly) unreliable job history. When an organization hires a new grad, they are commiting to a significant investment in that individual. To hiring managers, the best indicator of future behavior is past behavior.

I agree with previous posters, you may need to take whatever you can get in order to rebuild your work history. More importantly you will need to make a commitment to your employer - to remain in the job and become a valuable contributor to that organization. I wish you the best of luck.

[WildcatFanRN, BSN, RN]

Sad how I have to take whatever I can get, whether it's a good job or not. But I put myself into this situation. I'm just hoping whatever job I get is one I can learn how to be an RN. Now that the baby is here I can start looking again.

[caliotter3]

If it gives you any solace, it might be the same "take whatever you can get" situation had you a stellar LPN work history. Go to LTC facilities and ask for floor nurse positions. Or look around until you find a home health agency that will hire you based upon your prior nursing experience. Insure that they know you are looking for extended care positions and not exclusively RN level jobs. There are many RNs who do extended care at the LPN level of care but get paid a couple of dollars an hour more. You should be able to find a hh agency that will hire you in this capacity. Good luck.

[sunshinegirlrn]

At least I'm not the only one in this position. It's so frustrating!!! I feel so bad every time I have to explain, yes I'm a nurse and yes I can't find a job. I so feel your pain at the "whatever I can get" situation. I might have a position at a nursing home soon, but that's one of the last places I thought I would be. I'm trying really hard to get excited about it, but it's hard. I hope you find something soon!