How to get out of Ambulatory and onto the floor?

[eggsovermeezy]

Hi guys,

I hope this is the right place. I’ve been a long time lurker and now am hoping for some advice.

A little background: Straight out of school a few years ago, I was having a hard time finding a position as a new grad, and started at a private outpatient surgery center. I did pre-op, circulated and PACU. It was a plastics center but we essentially did the same procedure over and over again.

Then, I got really lucky and was able to get into a university hospital in a specialty clinic. It’s very hands off and essentially intake, taking some history, preparing meds, phone triage, scribing, assisting the providers with the occasional sterile/non-sterile procedures.

I have applied for positions on the floor, but because my experience is so limited I have only had two interviews - both for the OR because of my background - but they quickly lost interest when they heard it was not an acute PACU setting and the cases were only under moderate sedation.

In the meantime, I was thinking of getting certified/taking classes to help myself stand out and maybe get some experience. I already have my ACLS, PALS, and a moderate sedation certificate. Initially I was thinking about getting my CORN because it’d be the most applicable to my experience, but was worried that may only limit me to the OR. Then I was thinking if it would be worth it to get certified in med/surg or tele?

Do you have any advice or suggestions on any classes/certifications to help get out of ambulatory? Thank you for your time.

[FLMom3, RN]

Wow, most people want to know how to get into ambulatory care from the floor! I guess it depends where you live. In a bigger city, I would think it would be easy to get onto the floor with any experience at all. My hospital has a ton of inpatient jobs posted now. Maybe you should get help with your resume; maybe if you word it right it will sound like the skills will transfer... which I'm sure they will. I don't think a certification is needed just to get a job, but if you're up for it, and your facility will pay for it, go for it. Good luck to ya!

[TriciaJ, RN]

A med/surg certificate will likely require you to have worked for a number of years in med/surg before taking the exam. Other specialities have similar requirements. Even if you could get a certificate without experience, it would have minimal value to a recruiter.

I agree with FLMom, it might be a geographical thing. Any chance of moving to where the jobs are? Otherwise, it is also good advice to get some help with your resume. Sometimes it's just a numbers game. You have to keep floating applications. Good luck.