I can't get a job!!

[ThatBLURN]

Hello nurses,

I worked in Med-surg for almost 2 years ending in December 2018. I also worked as a CNA in an SNF for 3.5 years and a nurse there as well for 8 months. My dad received a diagnosis for HCC and was immediately put on the liver transplant list. I am his only surviving family member, daughter and best friend. So it was a no-brainer to me that I had to quit my job at the hospital (one that I was sure I would be working at for a long time) and move a state away to care for him. I thought it would only be a couple of months off work but he ended up having serious complications that continue to this day. I think he is at a place now where he will be OK with me moving out of his home (to protect him from COVID) and working again. I can still swing by and take his garbage out, mow his lawn, clean his house while wearing a mask and opening windows. I'm just really bummed right now because it seems like all the hospitals in my area aren't hiring. Even if they would, why on earth would they want me when I have less than 2 years med-surg experience and have been off the job for a year and a half?

I applied to some travel nursing jobs because I live near Bellingham WA and could easily hop around all the major hospitals in the NW area of WA. The recruiter basically told me that I didn't have a shot in hell at travel nursing because of the lapse in nursing. Believe me, I have been flexing my nursing muscles during that time off. I have a HUGE list of continuing education, I finish my BSN in 2 weeks, and I have been a patient advocate for my father (which came with a TON of research, keeping track of his meds, labs, and asking the doctors sooo many questions). I feel so hopeless right now. All the postings that I am seeing are for travel nurses.

Can someone offer me some insight and/or advice?

I don't know how to network with COVID happening and I have no friends in the medical field in this area. Any help appreciated. There is NO way that I am going to start from scratch at an SNF. I'm 36 years old and have a toddler so it's time for me to get rocking on my career!

Thanks,

Jennifer

[ThatBLURN, BSN, RN]

5 hours ago, amoLucia said:

OP - I'm surprised that you didn't find LTC/NH conducive to developing that close nurse/pt bond. I had no problem with autonomy, advocacy, critical thinking, skills performance, time management, family dynamics, prof interface, etc. Even when on my fav 11-7 shift.

Now the difference may be attributed to the fact that I was older with YEARS of LTC experience. Honestly, I doubt much of that will be achieved for you on a day shift, unless you're talking a specialty practice. Just reading along here on AN, you just may find things more brutal & unsatisfying for what you seek. Many day-shifter respondents remark about the unending pace and running, running, running ... unsupportive admin/mgt, petty coworker relationships, etc.

As for your safety, EVERY job will pose risk a for you, and your little one & Dad. Just going to a grocery store has its risks! Nothing is totally safe.

Respondents on this post have offered some excellent suggestions & sincere advice. Hope you find something that you will like.

You must not have read the whole post. I did work in that environment for almost 5 years. I felt that psychsoc connection when I was a CNA there for those many years for sure! When I stepped up as a nurse, the patient load was too much to really delve into that aspect of nursing (on the level that I would like). That facility worked differently than others though... I would have 22 patients per evening shift (if I remember correctly). I would have to chart head to toes in notation form (instead of drop downs like the hospital uses), and still many of those patients needed treatments. I ran around so much there! I actually lost a significant amount of weight from being highly physically active and unable to take breaks. Also, in my state, half of the COVID patients came from nursing facilities. I still want to be able to be a part of my dad's life. Believe me, I loved the place I worked when I was there, even during the challenging times. I just have a list of reasons as to why med-surg was my happy place and a list of reasons as to why nursing facilities would not work for me right now. I am not dismissing the work that is done in those facilities! I am well aware of how strong of a nurse you need to be to work in many of those settings!

[Eurobreakstar]

Sorry but let me get this straight.

you have a young child, no job, gap in history to care for family (props), picky on where you’ll work, and want the best job for your development out the gate despite experience without dragging your nose in the dirt? Sorry but to say you can’t find a job yet refuse to apply at specific places is besides me.

ill clean toilets, flip burgers, dust fans, vacuum lawns, if that means I can provide for my family. I do t care what I do so long as bills are paid and food is on the table. Being an RN, BSN, MSN, PhD, CRNA, MD doesn’t mean jack. You can find a job, it may not be what you want but you have to earn it. Jobs are out there it’s a matter if you feel compelled to do so. Don’t feel your title entitled you to anything. Normally I’m not so harsh on people but your post is grossly misleading and too many sympathizers aren’t sharing reality. Sorry but put the footwork in

[londonflo]

On 8/5/2020 at 9:11 PM, TAKOO01 said:

When you walk in, there can be ten family members with unknown infection status,

When I worked home health in graduate school I had 8 hour shifts for those with trachs, feeding tube, colostomy, and so working to prevent bedsores. I wonder if the VNA or a home health company has any home health jobs where you stay with one patient? The agency also asked me to work a regular visiting nurse shift. I didn't feel comfortable with patients waiting for me all day on the stoop having cooked bakery inside, wanting to show me the birthday, holiday cards etc, they received all to receive a b12 shot while I was walking backgrounds out the door. Is this the situation in visiting nurses now?

. Loneliness in the elderly is a horrible outcome of a "me" society.

[londonflo]

On 8/7/2020 at 12:14 AM, Love and Resilience said:

I felt that psychsoc connection when I was a CNA there for those many years for sure! When I stepped up as a nurse, the patient load was too much to really delve into that aspect of nursing (on the level that I would like). That facility worked differently than others though... I ran around so much there! I actually lost a significant amount of weight from being highly physically active and unable to take breaks.

Quote

I would have 22 patients per evening shift (if I remember correctly). I would have to chart head to toes in notation form (instead of drop downs like the hospital uses),

This is reality. We all did this. Wrote head to toes in narrative form! I grew up with this system but weren't you seeing the same patients?

On 8/7/2020 at 2:25 AM, Eurobreakstar said:

you have a young child, no job, gap in history to care for family (props), picky on where you’ll work, and want the best job for your development out the gate despite experience without dragging your nose In the dirt?

When I was in nursing school I felt it valuable to care for my mother whose cancer was diagnosed at a late stage. I had to leave the 4 year college I was attending. I have NEVER regretted this. But I found my community college invaluable to help me carry on my studies.Yes, I was providing all of her care, but with organization I was able to get away for class. Of course now you have your BSN but your practice needs (not exposed to covid, child care needs, less physical activity per your own report) . I wonder if your community college would have a program that meets your needs? Maybe something in community health with a classroom focus until a covid vaccine is developed?

On 8/7/2020 at 12:14 AM, Love and Resilience said:

I just have a list of reasons as to why med-surg was my happy place and a list of reasons as to why nursing facilities would not work for me right now.

Take your list and investigate something that will interest you in the college programs. Almost everything is online now. I am not being rude. I feel you truly feel that your new job needs to meet your criteria. And you know what? It is a great time to explore your options since you may be able to stay at home and get some kind of child care!

[londonflo]

On 8/4/2020 at 2:05 AM, Love and Resilience said:

I don't quite understand why you think a worsening pandemic or the holidays will mean fewer nursing jobs. I've had my eye on the job market where I live since the pandemic started and have a pretty good idea of where to look.

Then LOOK! But here in the Midwest our local health care system dismissed 10% of their employees 2 days ago. When census is so low it is too expensive to pay orientation expenses, payroll taxes, retirement, unemployment insurance, social security and the employers part of health insurance. I am just trying to enlighten you about the costs beyond an hourly wage that employers must pay.

[Nurse GreenBean, ASN, RN]

On 8/5/2020 at 9:21 PM, Love and Resilience said:

I want to connect with my patients holistically through the details of their health and through the compassion and psychosocial aspect of nursing.

That’s only med-surg in theory, in most states.

In reality, you have way too many patients to safely care for and you’re lucky if you have time to adequately look through interdisciplinary notes, let alone enough to effectively advocate for your patients. And that’s without a pandemic causing an even higher patient case load.

I haven’t been in Med surg in about 2.5 years now. I’m currently in a dangerous facility now, and have been looking to make a move, but wanted to stay here at least 1 year before moving on (I didn’t want to look like a ricochet). Unfortunately, the pandemic hit before that year was up, and I’m looking at shifting out of my beloved specialty. Many facilities here in my area maintain equally dangerous acuity and patient loads. I’m still recovering from a spinal injury after a patient attack, so m not interested in jumping from this frying pan into the next frying pan.

I have worked consistently since becoming a nurse, and I have 5 years of experience, with a year in medical hospital nursing (surg/ortho inpatient) which I was trained for over the course of 12 weeks. And I don’t think I would be a safe nurse to walk onto today’s medical units, with even higher ratios (my ratios were out of control), and with having to relearn more acute medical assessments and the associated critical thinking skills. And I’m considered to have pretty strong medical skills for my specialty (psych).

You mentioned elsewhere that you don’t want to back-peddle in your career. Unfortunately, that may have already happened when your process as a novice nurse was interrupted. This is not a blame thing (I would have made the exact same choice!), but a reality check. You were a novice nurse. Now you are a novice nurse who had been away from nursing for almost long as you were were a novice nurse. That’s a huge risk for a hospital to just put you on the floor. Heck, hospitals won’t put ME on the floor, and I’m have continuous nursing experience plus charge nurse experience. And they are making a safer decision by doing so.

Also, having done recent light duty work on the medical units, if you’re in a surge area Covid is *everywhere* in the hospital. Everywhere. Your dad is in much higher risk if you’re coming from a medical unit, imo.

My advice: think positively and apply for jobs that you want, but also think realistically about what you bring to the table. New hires cost hospitals money. They have to be worth it, especially these days when they need recruits to hit the ground running. I’m applying to jobs based on my strengths and not on what my ideal is at this point. I still throw applications towards my dream jobs, but even with my experience, knowledge and skill set, there are hundreds of applications for each one of those jobs right now. So I’m pursuing the jobs I think I would do well in where the recruiters are responsive to my skill set.

My second piece of advice is to reach out to Hospital recruiters and develop relationships with some. My last 2 jobs have been ALL about the recruiter loving my skill set and how I present myself and going to bat for me to get me an interview. The rest was up to me, of course, but I’m this era of online applications, having someone bring your resume and goals in front of the right person can help a lot.

I do wish you luck, Whatever you choose for yourself.

[Nurse GreenBean, ASN, RN]

14 hours ago, Love and Resilience said:

I would have to chart head to toes in notation form (instead of drop downs like the hospital uses),

Two out of the three hospitals I have worked in rely not only on electronically entered notations, but limit responses in other areas of the documentation to an almost comical level in the sections that are based on “option selections”. I end up writing even longer and more numerous notations to make up for the total lack of clarity in the main documentation areas (thank you Meditech ?)

[Nurse GreenBean, ASN, RN]

On 8/5/2020 at 9:54 PM, Hoosier_RN said:

I'm currently a clinic manager with Fresenius. When I started as a floor nurse, it started out paying more than other jobs because of unconventional hours and many just think lowly of dialysis. I have no clue why. I love it!

Before you ask a lot of details about hours and pay, I would encourage you to apply and ask because it will vary by clinic, even in the same town and company.

I’ve been interested in finding out more about this area of nursing. Be thought of applying for a few dialysis jobs, but in my area, even the entry level jobs state they require “9 months of nephrology nursing”, which I definitely don’t have. There’s another entry level opening at Fresenius in my area now, but I was going to hold back on applying (again) because of that lack of nephro experience.

Do you have any tips for getting ones foot in the door?

[Islandgrrl, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I know you’re up in Bham, but there are jobs available on Whidbey you might take a look at. I would think about amending you resume to reflect the time you were providing home health care for your father. If you were providing any manner of nursing care for him, that time shouldn’t count as a gap. It might work in your favor if you would consider home health or hospice positions.

good luck!

[ThatBLURN, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, londonflo said:

Then LOOK! But here in the Midwest our local health care system dismissed 10% of their employees 2 days ago. When census is so low it is too expensive to pay orientation expenses, payroll taxes, retirement, unemployment insurance, social security and the employers part of health insurance. I am just trying to enlighten you about the costs beyond an hourly wage that employers must pay.

Thank you. I've been hearing about this but I wanted to know the reality and not rumors.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

32 minutes ago, Nurse GreenBean said:

I’ve been interested in finding out more about this area of nursing. Be thought of applying for a few dialysis jobs, but in my area, even the entry level jobs state they require “9 months of nephrology nursing”, which I definitely don’t have. There’s another entry level opening at Fresenius in my area now, but I was going to hold back on applying (again) because of that lack of nephro experience.

Do you have any tips for getting ones foot in the door?

Apply. I had no direct nephrology experience, just 20+ years of being a nurse in various settings. Keep applying. Find out who the nurse recruiter for your area is and reach out to them. Call the clinic directly and ask to speak to the manager, and get your name in their head. They can call the recruiter and have your app/resume pulled. They can also give you said recruiter's name. I had interviewed with Fresenius about 10 times, got an offer everytime, except it was for part time (they used to not list if PT/FT). The last time, it was FT, and it was noted in the job description.

[ThatBLURN, BSN, RN]

On 8/7/2020 at 1:55 PM, Nurse GreenBean said:

That’s only med-surg in theory, in most states.

In reality, you have way too many patients to safely care for and you’re lucky if you have time to adequately look through interdisciplinary notes, let alone enough to effectively advocate for your patients. And that’s without a pandemic causing an even higher patient case load.

I haven’t been in Med surg in about 2.5 years now. I’m currently in a dangerous facility now, and have been looking to make a move, but wanted to stay here at least 1 year before moving on (I didn’t want to look like a ricochet). Unfortunately, the pandemic hit before that year was up, and I’m looking at shifting out of my beloved specialty. Many facilities here in my area maintain equally dangerous acuity and patient loads. I’m still recovering from a spinal injury after a patient attack, so m not interested in jumping from this frying pan into the next frying pan.

I have worked consistently since becoming a nurse, and I have 5 years of experience, with a year in medical hospital nursing (surg/ortho inpatient) which I was trained for over the course of 12 weeks. And I don’t think I would be a safe nurse to walk onto today’s medical units, with even higher ratios (my ratios were out of control), and with having to relearn more acute medical assessments and the associated critical thinking skills. And I’m considered to have pretty strong medical skills for my specialty (psych).

You mentioned elsewhere that you don’t want to back-peddle in your career. Unfortunately, that may have already happened when your process as a novice nurse was interrupted. This is not a blame thing (I would have made the exact same choice!), but a reality check. You were a novice nurse. Now you are a novice nurse who had been away from nursing for almost long as you were were a novice nurse. That’s a huge risk for a hospital to just put you on the floor. Heck, hospitals won’t put ME on the floor, and I’m have continuous nursing experience plus charge nurse experience. And they are making a safer decision by doing so.

Also, having done recent light duty work on the medical units, if you’re in a surge area Covid is *everywhere* in the hospital. Everywhere. Your dad is in much higher risk if you’re coming from a medical unit, imo.

My advice: think positively and apply for jobs that you want, but also think realistically about what you bring to the table. New hires cost hospitals money. They have to be worth it, especially these days when they need recruits to hit the ground running. I’m applying to jobs based on my strengths and not on what my ideal is at this point. I still throw applications towards my dream jobs, but even with my experience, knowledge and skill set, there are hundreds of applications for each one of those jobs right now. So I’m pursuing the jobs I think I would do well in where the recruiters are responsive to my skill set.

My second piece of advice is to reach out to Hospital recruiters and develop relationships with some. My last 2 jobs have been ALL about the recruiter loving my skill set and how I present myself and going to bat for me to get me an interview. The rest was up to me, of course, but I’m this era of online applications, having someone bring your resume and goals in front of the right person can help a lot.

I do wish you luck, Whatever you choose for yourself.

I am so sorry to hear about your experience. It sounds like you have been battling some scary stuff! I can't imagine the strength that you have to continue battling all of this! I genuinely hope it gets better for you. Also, please be kind to your back and yourself. You seem like a warrior and I pray that you are able to heal your spine.

Thank you sooo much for putting time into writing that. That was one of the best pieces of advice I've seen. It helps me with perspective. It's not that I have a gap in employment. I worked the last year and a half as a nanny too, as long as I could bring my daughter with me. I just have a gap in nursing experience and I get now that the impact of COVID and having to resign when I did was really not the best career move (but who can predict the future? It seemed like I was only going to take a few months off of nursing at the time). I would like to branch out and a lot of people have offered great suggestions. I'm not super picky about pay, I just want to get my foot in the door and re-ignite my practice.

Thank you again for sharing your experience and giving me some more perspective on how things are right now.

Blessings!