How do I re-enter the hospital setting?

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Hello All!!

It's been quite some time since I posted here but I was wondering if anyone could help me with a problem I am having. I am an L&D nurse who has been working in community health for approximately 7 years now. I had been working per diem on the unit until about four years ago but had to stop for a number of reasons (health issues, school, time, etc..). I am about to graduate from a BSN program and I plan on going into a master's program next year to study towards becoming a CNM. My problem is this...I recently began applying for positions on L&D because I really miss being on the unit but I'm not having any luck. I feel I am not being considered because I have been out of the hospital setting for so long. Does anyone have any advice as to how I can be considered seriously by HR and nursing management for a position back on an L&D unit? Thanks so much for any and all advice in advance!!!

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I have several thoughts.

Try your previous unit-hopefully you still have contacts/friends there.

Try for another PRN position to get your foot in the door.

Try another position within a hospital and then transfer once you have some time in-I have never wanted to work in L&D but I have been told they are popular jobs and these positions may go first to internal applicants.

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Keep applying, tell them you missed L&D and want to get back into it, which is true, right? And maybe that you want the better pay and benefits of a hospital job again, if that's plausible.

Do NOT tell them you're doing it so you can take off and go to CNM school. Why would anybody want to hire someone who tells them up front they're going to be leaving?

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Thanks so much Cat365 for your advice! I have been keeping an eye out for positions on my old unit (I still work for the same hospital system) but so far nothing has come up. I do know we are currently in a hiring freeze but I'll keep looking on the intranet. And I will also keep my eye open for positions in other hospitals that interest me. Thanks again!

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Hi AliNajaCat,

Thanks so much for the advice! During a recent interview I did tell them that L&D is my true passion and it really is! That's why I'm going to be studying to become a midwife. As for the pay and benefits, I currently work for a hospital so that wouldn't work. Lastly, I wouldn't be leaving this position to begin the master's program. I will be working and going to school at the same time.

Thanks again for the advice though!

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I will be working and going to school at the same time.

.... and then leaving after school? :)

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