How am I supposed to ever get the experience if they won't hire me!...

[oguesswhat]

Sorry I am a little frustrated. I have been working as a nurse a little over a year on a med/surg floor. I have worked as a charge nurse, and preceptor. I am one of the floors educators on IV pumps. I am BLS and ACLS certified. But I want to work in L&D, NICU or nursery. And every single job that I am applying to asks for 1-3 years experience in one of those type of jobs. I have just started my jobs search but it's already becoming a little frustrating because of it. Any ideas of what jobs to try for if I don't get hired in that area that will maybe eventually make someone want to hire me? I am thinking OR or still with the med/surg. Is there any particular floor that they will look kindly on even if it has nothing to do with L&D, NICU or nursery? Thanks for any help. (I am moving out of state that's why I will eventually have to start applying to other jobs besides those if no one hires me right off...but so far I have only applied to a couple of each...which is all that is available.)

[jtanga]

Actually that's my problem too!

[link51411]

apply for an OB office RN or something where you can get experiance doing pelvics and such

[klone, MSN, RN]

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time.

Hang in there - it won't always be this way. Once the economy loosens, there will be more money in departmental budgets for training, and they will once again be willing to train for the position.

[RN4Rita]

Have you guys thought about VOLUNTEERING IN OB?If you want to get your foot in......volunteer!if they already know you at your hospital volunteer!

I live in the High Desert of California & I've researched Long Beach Memorial Medical Center,St Mary's Medical Center, St Joseph's Medical Center,San Diego,you guys have to go onto the actual sites & see!don't get discouraged!you've come a long way baby! go the distance! do not get worn down & do not let frustration set in!Find a way or make a way but do it YOUR WAY!

[lakec4me]

so sorry for your frustration; we need passionate, dedicated nurses in L&D! it sounds like you have great credentials with your leadership expereience in M/S nursing - i would focus on that. Also, can you shadow a L&D nurse to be sure this is what you want? so many times, we get nurses who say they want to work L&d, then they come to the unit and change their minds. also, maybe you can take the NRP class? good luck to you!

[oguesswhat]

I did shadow a nurse in L&D at 2 diff hospitals and in a NICU

[LoveANurse09]

This is my exact problem! Like you I play charge nurse,precept, did a l&d practicum in school,volunteer,but still cannot even get an interview. I was giving up, but this is what I really want! Maybe one day....