How to get experience

[oostephanieoo]

So I am starting to give up the road of Hospital Nursing. I have been out of nursing school for about 4 years now working as a School Nurse. I like the work, but I really want to get my feet wet else where. 4 years without critical care experience is definitely not helping with the job search. Does anyone have any suggestions of how I might gain some hours of critical care experience without giving up my job in the mean time.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I am assuming you mean 'acute care' experience, right? Critical Care is a whole different level.

Everything would depend upon the employment climate in your area. Are hospitals hiring inexperienced nurses? If so, do they limit this to special 'transition' programs (internship, residency, fellowship, etc)? I would suggest contacting the employment personnel/recuiters for the organizations you have in mind. Talk to them and see what they say. It wouldn't hurt to ask.

[oostephanieoo]

yes thank you Acute Care experience. I actually read a post on Facebook about how jobs have to be posted to the public but in reality they are looking for in house hiring despite the minimal requirements suggest interim permit applicants have a chance. I struggle also with no longer being considered new grad. There are transition to professional nursing programs but they would require me leaving my current paid position and there is still no guarantee I will be in a paid position within 6 months. I just can't afford to give up a paycheck without another one lined up.

[onedayitllbeme]

Maybe take acls. Try to find some connections in hr or RNs at hospitals. And consider pediatric clinics or ambulatory centers associated with hospitals as a first step? You might be able to get your foot in the door. And of course be somewhat assertive in following up on any applications. I don't see how you are going to get around the uncertainty of a new job though. There is always that chance you'll end up looking for a new job before you wanted to.

[SheenaBeckom]

I worked as a school nurse for 4 years and throughout that time I worked for a long term care facility every other weekend and on summer breaks. I already had my hospital experience right after nursing school so I already had my skills. I just needed somewhere to keep them up. Look for a long term care facility that offers continuing education. I know UHS-Pruitt corporation has some of the best. It is very difficult to get into the acute care setting after the first two years of your nursing career.