How to get into acute care: RN to BSN online? Non nursing job in ER?

[grayrose]

Hello,

I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice about how in the heck to get that sacred acute care experience. I feel like I've tried everything..

In school, I got very good grades, was a CNA for a year during nursing school, and got ACLS and PALS done before graduating from an ADN program in 2012. I have since taken TNCC and an EKG course all out of my own pocket. I've finally come to the conclusion that certs aren't helping! I was also one of the very few in my class to be chosen for a summer nurse extern program on Medsurg and ICU, which was supposed to be a no brainer to get a job, but this experience hasn't given me any from recruiters. Maybe they don't get that it was a real job not just school/precepting...

After applying at tons of hospitals with no luck, my best and only offer is a per diem position at an SNF, which is not the experience I need and is terribly managed. ..but I figure it's better than nothing.

I'm about to start an RN to BSN program through the Univ of Texas Arlington online. It's about $10k and I can get some financial aid. I'm not sure if this will make me an "old" new grad with a BSN and no experience... still not marketable. Also, I have seen a few indeed job postings that say "BSN required, no online programs"

Not sure what is worth it anymore, I know I can be a great nurse and I genuinely enjoy taking care of people. 'But there's just so many nurses now it feels like we are a dime a dozen! I did just got a second job too, as a medical scribe in the ER. It's not a nursing job nor does it pay like a nursing job... However, when else does a nurse or anyone get the opportunity to follow a Dr. around in the ER? I'm hoping it will be a great learning experience and maybe help me to stay current with acute care.

I'm also thinking of taking a refresher course but maybe I should wait until after my BSN so the knowledge may be more useful (closer to getting a job)?

Any input on my situation?

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Are you limiting yourself to the ER though? One thing is that just having the certs doesn't mean much. Anyone can take those classes except for TNCC. You don't have experience to back it up to really make those classes worthwhile.

I'd try to get into any nursing position followed by see if you can volunteer on a fire department. Many will pay for your EMT basic if they take volunteers. Large cities usually do not take volunteers though.

Sometimes just getting a foot in the door any department will be helpful. Look internally and apply. While a scribe job is nice, employers may wonder why you are not working as a nurse while you have a nursing license.

I'll be graduating in December and I am stressing out about whether I'll have a spot in my ER when I graduate. I know many hospitals look at the fact that I have my paramedic experience as a huge plus not to mention previous experience triaging patients.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I think working in a SNF is an excellent start in building your nursing practice. Cast your net wide in terms of getting an acute care position as well.

One thing SNF nursing does is put the nursing knowledge together, prioritization, and focused assessments, especially if there is a change in condition together, aspects you will need in an ER.

Getting yourself into the ER, even in a non-nursing role, is beneficial. It gives you the opportunity to network with people on the inside.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I still think a non-nursing job would look suspicious. If I knew someone that was working in an ER in a non-RN role was an RN, I would wonder why they weren't working as an RN. Did they do something wrong? Are they on restrictions? Are they unhireable in the area because they left a nursing job too quickly?

It just looks suspicious to me.

[grayrose]

Apples- Like I said I am working as a nurse in a SNF, but I need the extra income since I'm only per diem and it would be nice to keep current with acute care, hopefully be a good learning experience too. Like I said I've applied to tons of RN positions with no luck. I worked as a CNA for almost 6 months with RN license, it's not a choice but a sacrifice in this economy and sad market for nurses. I'm doing the best I can here... so you think I should turn it down just because it's not a nursing job? Well it's too bad the RN license alone doesn't pay the bills or guarantee anything

I still think a non-nursing job would look suspicious. If I knew someone that was working in an ER in a non-RN role was an RN, I would wonder why they weren't working as an RN. Did they do something wrong? Are they on restrictions? Are they unhireable in the area because they left a nursing job too quickly?

It just looks suspicious to me.

That indicates to me that you've never found yourself in a bad position due in no part to your own limitations.

I worked at a crappy little hospital because that was the first job I could find. Was I a less-than-stellar candidate? Dunno... I only applied to the three openings for which I was qualified and got the first. I'm glad my big-time hospital didn't decide to inaccurately label me.

I've also been a job-hopper before... some claimed that it reflected poorly on me, and I suppose it did. The truth behind it had little to do with anything except the fact that I always ended up at companies that were barely solvent.

Be suspicious but be willing to accept that there are often many good reasons for what you're perceiving as a negative.

OP, I can tell you that the right volunteer could make great connections in my ED... and get themselves fast-tracked to being hired.

[zeus&lincoln]

I whole-heartedly agree with the previous poster. I believe working both at the SNF and in the ED as a scriber are excellent ways to get your foot in the door for acute care. Once people in the ED get to know you, they will have their answer as to why you are working there as a scriber and not an RN. If I was an employer, I would rather hire the RN scriber than a GN off the street. Work hard, network, and go get your dream job.

It sounds to me like you have done "all the right" things to do to be employable. I would take those jobs and continue to look for more desirable work. You sound like a great candidate and person who strives for whatever they want which is evident by your externship, CNA experience and Certs. Crossing my fingers and toes that you find something more to your liking soon!

[Jmira.BSN.RN]

Also, I have seen a few indeed job postings that say "BSN required, no online programs"

Where did you see this at? Is this common? Most of the bsn nurses I know firsthand are from online rn-bsn and is also the same route I am looking to be on very soon.