Hard Time Finding a Job

Published

I’m wondering if anyone else is struggling with this. I’m in the Chicagoland area, and previously lived in another state. I never had a problem finding a job there. I am getting a little pickier in that I want more of a Monday through Friday day hour job, but there are plenty of job postings out there. I have many years of experience. I do have a job but the on call hours are too much. I’ve even applied to off shift/weekend positions. I either don’t hear back, or get a phone screen call or face to face interview, and am told they will be in touch, then nothing. If they are not interested I wish they would just say so. I just don’t get it. Is there more competition in this area?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you actively calling them back? Several times? Is your resume up to par and looking sharp? Do you call their HR departments to see if they have any openings? If you make too many demands about shifts and days, they might not look favorably on it. All the primo positions will be difficult to come by because people in those positions never leave.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Those are good points. I’m trying to be more open to off shifts now. Some places send out an email stating “your application is under review, there is no need to call HR”, which I find odd. I came from a hospital I was at for about 15 years. I switched units while there a few times, and it was never an issue I think because I already had my foot in the door. I feel like I’m starting over again in some ways even though I have experience. I actually wonder if hospitals prefer to hire new grads so they don’t have to pay them as much.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I am not widely traveled enough to speak in global generalities, but by and large hospitals are not going to hire M-F for acute care positions. Can you imagine being the new kid and everyone else working the grind finds out you got that sweet deal? It won't fly.

Weekend only positions, at least in my area, are snatched up fast. High demand and hard to get.

You may need to look at leaving acute care if you want that kind of schedule. This will mean, most of the time, a significant pay cut.

I hope you find something agreeable to you soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That makes sense Nurse SMS. I think I could even work part time evenings/weekends/etc and make more than full time M-F day shift position. I’ve applied for some at local hospitals so hopefully will hear back.
I do miss having days off during the week to go to appointments, shopping when it’s less crowded!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

You are starting over, apparently in an area where there is no real nursing shortage.

Given that, I second Nurse SMS's excellent points. The good news is that you have experience. In the meantime, grab yourself a gig with one of the agencies doing flu shots. Then you have a job in the area and a manager to give you a reference.

If you really want a M-F gig you will likely not find it in the hospital. So, branch out to public health, mental health, and school nursing. There are probably other branches on the non-acute tree.

Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Update: I had an interview for a remote triage position and was offered the position! Thanks for your words of wisdom. I’m excited to use my critical thinking skills and yet be removed from the bedside. I think this will be a good fit for me, and good hours for my family.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Congratulations!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion