Help me find an ER job..... PLEASE!!!!!!

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Specializes in Accident and emergency.

I had NO idea how hard it would be to get a job.

I am an English R.N. fully licensed for NYS returning to work after an absence of 15 years to raise my family. All the experience I have is in the E.R. where I was one of the most senior nurses in the department before we moved over to the United States.

It was a hard job to get my license as I had to go through the whole process including taking the NCLEX in june and certs for ACLS and PALS.I have applied for MANY ER positions and only had one call back. At the interview the HR liked me but it was all about my orientation and how could they fit me in.

I need some advice.

What language should I be using with regard to barganing with these HR people.I feel very confident that I would be a huge asset to thier department I just cannot seem to get that across as I am unsure what all this orientation is about?

How can I get on to an orientation? Can you offer to pay for your own if its not within there budget so you can get cetified for iv's and whatever else they want from you. It is so disheartening as all I want to do is get back to work and use my skills. I applied for a ER per diem job at a tiny hospital that sees bearly 5,000 patients a year and I did not hear anything, my last job was outside London in a Level 1 Trauma that saw more than 60,000 per year!!!

Its like they see the UK and they see 15 years absence and in the garbage it goes!

I have the Accident and Emergengy Course from the UK which is similar to the CEN over here. If I go ahead and do the CEN in January will that make any difference to my job application or will it just be the same as it not current work experience. I am not sure I want to spend another 400 on something that will be worthless if they cannot get past the experience thing.I have also thought of joining the local EMT as a volunteer to show that I am sort of using my skills.. what does anyone think about that one?

Thankyou all for spending time to read this and I welcome ANY advice

Happy New Year!

Anita

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It was a hard job to get my license as I had to go through the whole process including taking the NCLEX in june and certs for ACLS and PALS.I have applied for MANY ER positions and only had one call back. At the interview the HR liked me but it was all about my orientation and how could they fit me in.

The ACLS and PALS should prove helpful. These courses are often included in new employee orientation and having them already puts you ahead of the game.

What language should I be using with regard to barganing with these HR people.

Err... English...I don't know what that means.

How can I get on to an orientation? Can you offer to pay for your own if its not within there budget so you can get cetified for iv's and whatever else they want from you.

You can only get on orientation by getting hired. An IV certification likely won't be helpful as this skill is already expected of you and I've never heard of an orientation that included IV certification.

Its like they see the UK and they see 15 years absence and in the garbage it goes!

A lot has changed in 15 years, but don't let that keep you from stressing that you have prior experience in a Level 1 Trauma center.

If I go ahead and do the CEN in January will that make any difference to my job application or will it just be the same as it not current work experience.

It would be beneficial as it shows that you are not only seeking ways to continue education, but are also current on theories and practice in emergency nursing.

I have also thought of joining the local EMT as a volunteer to show that I am sort of using my skills.. what does anyone think about that one?

You can't practice as an EMT unless you are certified as an EMT.

Don't give up hope. If you aren't having luck with ER, then apply to other areas. ER tends to be a specialty that a lot of people are lined up to get into, so try applying elsewhere and possibly working another specialty until an ER position opens.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ER.

No advice for you. Its a tough market out there! I just wanted to wish you good luck!

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Specializes in med-surg, step-down, ICU/CCU, ED.

Like the above poster said, it's a tough market out there. I had a very difficult time securing an ED position, and the only reason I was hired was because I had recent critical care experience and a BSN! This is for a small crappy facility too. The hospitals are seriously picking and choosing nowadays.

Have you tried NYP-Cornell? Their ED always seems to be hiring.

Also, have you taken any refresher courses? Hospitals here most likely see your 15 year gap as a huge handicap. You're like a new grad to them.

Good luck. You might have to take a position in a different department to get your foot in the door. Do what it takes, times are very different now.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The economy is seriously slumping right now, and beggars cannot be choosers. You've got to take any job you can get at the present time, even if it is not in the ER.

If you get hired into a hospital system on a less desirable unit such as med/surg or rehab, you can apply for an internal position in the ER after a few months has elapsed. However, since you have a 15-year hiatus from nursing and are from a foreign country, accept any nursing job that is offered to you.

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Specializes in neurology, cardiology, ED.

Anita-

Where in NY are you applying? My hospital is expanding their ER and has plenty of positions available.

I don't understand what the problem is with orientation. Is it that they want you to orient on day shift, and you can't? Please explain....

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Specializes in Accident and emergency.

I am based in Dutchess County nr Poughkeepsie NY.I am happy to orientate at any time of the day or night if I have to!!! I just want to get back to work in fact I cannot wait to get back!!!I am not sure what the orientation problem is only that I would need a longer orientation than a regular nurse. I am fine with that ..it seems that the hospitals are the ones that have a problem.I understand their trepidation however I am sad that I cannot be given the chance to show them my skills. I know its been many years since I have practiced but the experience I had for several years can never be erased. My skills included suturing aswell!!!

Thanks for helping out!!!

Anita

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Specializes in LTC Family Practice.

Have you considered Urgent Care centers to get some current experience? I know it's not the ED but it's heading in the right direction.

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Specializes in Accident and emergency.

No I have not I was not that sure what they were!! It is certainely a great idea thank you!!! Where do they post those sort of jobs?

Anita

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Peds, Pediatraic Home Care, Infusion.

This is a tough time for entering the job market. Take heart knowing it is the "TIMES" not you and hang in there.

You will probably need to take a different position from the one you want at this time.

Some hospitals are only interested in experience in a particular area within the year as experience to be counted.

It is a game now due to claims that the nursing shortage is over---------sad, sad-------need unions--------sorry to go off subject.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, Med/Surg, Pedi.

Go through a few travel companies and do local travel assignments like just jobs in your area. Also, try and work agency. It will be hard getting thrown back in there but that may be your only option. Also, try putting profile on monster.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Peds, Pediatraic Home Care, Infusion.

The travel companies and local agencies I have worked for require recent hospital experience within the past year. Are there any that are more liberal with their requirements?

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