How to get into Peds

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

How does one get into Peds? I graduated in May 2008 and I'm still having difficulty finding a job, mainly due to mistakes I made jobwise as an LPN. I did my senior preceptorship at a Pediatic ER and LOVED it. I've always wanted to work peds or nursery, but can't even get an interview. My job history in a word sucks so I know it's the main reason for me not looking as a desirable candidate...ANYWHERE. How do I fix my mistakes if I can't even get an interview? The little bit of peds exposure I've had, the parents always commended how I treated them and their little one.

I've given up wanting to do critical care as I now know I'm definately not ready for it after having difficulty making it on a adult intermediate care unit. Had one RN position that didn't work out through both my failings and the unit just not being right for me, so another short stay job on my resume.

I really want to work peds. I just don't know how to make myself more marketable, especially since I'm competing with the 7 nursing schools in my immediate area for jobs.....as a 2008 grad.

I'd love to go for my BSN while I'm looking and praying for a job, but it's not an option moneywise. I doubt though that it would help me find a job as it won't change what's on my resume.

Thanks for reading. Advice?

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Specializes in PEDS, Heme/onc, Nephrology.

could you get a letter of recommendation from the supervisor where you did your preceptorship, that would make your application look much better.

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Specializes in Cardiac Nursing.

I wish I had thought of that at the time. I should have gotten a letter from my preceptor at the time. So many shoulda, woulda, coulda's. One good thing is my last job the manager actually said yes to being a reference.

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Specializes in Pediatric, oncology, hospice.

OK Wildcat Fan (AZ?). I also was an LPN before I got my RN. I got a job on a mixed (peds and adult) floor and began working with peds that way. There are many school nurse jobs unfilled and unposted now. Call your local schools if you are interested. The pay is lower than hospital nursing but it could be a starting point. Volunteer with Camp not a Wheeze or something like it. Danville corp does private duty peds nursing and vent trains.I haven't worked for them so I can't tell you if they are any good. Good luck.

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