Having trouble finding a job. Need advice

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I graduated Spring 2020 with my BSN. I started my first job as a med-surg nurse in August 2020. I was there for 3 months before I was fired because my critical thinking and prioritization skills weren't where they should be according to my manager. I was unemployed for some time and then started a temporary Covid vaccinator job from March to May.

I've been applying to a lot of jobs since the end of May. I don't really want to do med-surg again so I've been applying to areas that I'm interested in such as post-partum, NICU, nursery, and allergy nurse. I haven't heard back from any of the jobs though.

Do you think I haven't heard back since I only have 5 months of experience (3 months med-surg and 2 months vaccinator)? I'm feeling very lost now and not sure if I'm going to be able to make it as a nurse. I feel like I'm forgetting a lot of nursing knowledge since it's been so long. I was thinking about trying to apply for med-surg again, but do nights. I know I'll probably be miserable, but if I could try to do it for 9 months then I'd have a year total experience in med-surg. What do you think I should do?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

You have a very short RN job history with looking for your third position in a year. You are also looking at specialties that tend to have more applicants with experience or those who internal transfers. You may need to simply get a med/surg job, get a solid 1-2 years under your belt, then look at those other specialties. Expand your search. 

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I agree with Rose Queen. You may have to expand your search criteria. There are relatively fewer nursing positions available in the departments you are looking for compared to med-surg. Nurses with experience in those areas will have the advantage. 

Would you consider med-surg again? Long term care? 

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Specializes in school nurse.

Don't think "9 months of med-surg to make a total of a year" because honestly, it won't be looked at that way by recruiters. Think at least a year- better yet two- at your next job.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Please note, I see you employing a bit of the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' in your post.  That is, if you pre-anticipate an outcome, it may most prob occur. Like if  you "try med-surg, you know you'll prob be MISERABLE". So if you go in with that attitude, you likely will have pre-prepared yourself to be miserable & fail.

And am agreeing with Rose Queen. And Jedrnurse, too. You'll still not have any real work experience of content in your short time of prof licensure. 

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