I give up! How long did it take you to find a job?

KAbdul90 · Dec 8, 2010

Whats the B.O.N.

kadyRN · Dec 8, 2010

Wow. I can't imagine what you must be going through.

I have had a situation where I was unfairly accused in a difficult patient situation (I was the sacrificial lamb so that the resident was not blamed), and as a result when potential employers check my past employment, I am listed as "not eligible for rehire". When I go on job interviews, I am very upfront about the situation in a humble way (I'm sure you've already done this)...I try to avoid any accusations against my previous employer but use phrases like "learning situation" and "finding out the importance of communication"...etc., etc.

I know that there are jobs that I haven't gotten that might be because of the negative reference, but I have been fortunate to find employers that were willing to look past it and hire me. It is definitely tougher in this job market. If I were in your situation (again, forgive me if you have heard this/done this already) I would offer to work for a short "probation" to allow them an opportunity to get to know me, or offer to work for a short contract with potential hiring at the end IF they want. I would also gather as many work references from other colleagues as possible. Have their contact information as well as reference letters available for potential employers.

Good luck! I hope that you can get a job soon!

LilRedRN1973 · Dec 8, 2010

I was fortunate....the day my license was given back (I surrendered it June 30, 2008 and the BON granted it back in March 2009), I had a job. In December of 2009, I started working in a dialysis center as a tech and they held an RN position for me until I received my license back. When DAC (Disability Advisory Committee...the powers that be in my state who decide what happens to you when you have misbehaved in some way) approved my licensure reissue, my employer changed my job title (and pay) from tech to RN that same day. I didn't stay there for personal reasons and because I hated working 13-14 hours a day and am now working at a great job I love. Monday through Friday, 7 to 4 at an outpatient psychiatric medication clinic. I was hired because of my substance abuse history, despite the fact I lacked any psychiatric nursing experience (my background was ICU).

I am grateful I do not feel my identity is wrapped up in nursing anymore.....I hear you say that and I remember how that used to be. That's one of the many reasons my state takes away our licenses for a while....so we learn how much more we are as people than just nurses. While I hated not being able to work as a nurse for almost a year, it was really good for me. I explored who I was underneath the "nurse" part and found that if I wasn't able to practice nursing as of tomorrow, I would be okay. My world would not end and life would go on. I couldn't say that a couple of years ago! = )

I hope you are able to find a job; I know it's tough out there. I had restrictions on my license (and still do) and was very grateful someone took a chance on me. There was collateral damage, of course. We are losing our home after being able to hang onto it through all the time I wasn't working. But today, I"m okay with that. It's just a house and I know that God has a plan....I'm rolling with it instead of trying to make things go my way, for once. Today, life is good!

luvche · Dec 8, 2010

It took me 6 months to get a job back in the medical profession. This was as a lab/medical assistant. I did this out a strategy. Get my foot in somewhere, have them see i am a good employee, then ask them about part-time nursing. I did just that. I saw they could add a few things to my job two days a week that qualify it as a nursing position. I told them about my situation and they were receptive. For no extra pay, they get an RN two days a week (and a medical assistant 3 days)....and I get credit toward my 1 year of supervised nursing. After January i have to be able to have access to controlled substances (or ones that can be "abused"). They have a clinic here that has weight loss drugs. So every now and then, I will get a bottle out for a patient that needs a refill (instead of the girl that usually does it) and give it to the patient. Once a week i will count the bottles with the nurse that supervises me. Ta-da! Credit toward the contract where it says "6 months of the year must have access and give controlled substances".

But, even if I had no way to meet that part of the requirement, it would just mean I have to stay in the program longer (2 years of supervised nursing or up to 5 years in program total)

Think outside the box. Where can you possibly get your foot in? This was a round about way to do it.....but I have been also putting in apps for RN jobs everywhere since I have been here. No nibbles at all. So if I hadn't done this...I'd still be looking even after a year now! I know someone who has been looking for two years. She is working as an in-home patient care assistant. She did get the OK to do Home health nursing if she finds a job doing that. So she figures she has her foot in the door for a good reference somewhere. Home health is a lot more of a pain in our peer program (IF you are one of the lucky ones that gets approval to do it)

sissykim · Dec 9, 2010

You must not act like a victim.

Take responsiblity for what has happen and the role you played.

I am in your situation.

It has been almost one year since graduation from Nurse practitioner studies.

I have yet to get a full time gig as a practitioner.

I work as an RN in corrections making 1/3 of what a practitioner should earn.

I always tell the accounts of my situation from the victim's view.

And no one wants to hear it.

I never get call backs.

So lets try this together, so that we can measure the results.

We sould come up with a plan of how to make a presentation and a verbal/written contract with potential employers.

It seems to have worked for the other fellow/sister nurses with probationary sentences.

mimi-1 · Dec 10, 2010

I do understand and many of us can identify with the problems that you are dealing with. I was fired from a job that I hated and it took me about 6 months to find a job. I spent all of my savings and ran up all of my credit cards. I am in the same situation again. It has currently been a little over a month now and I have been told no so many times, I was lied to by 2 potential employers that said that they were going to hire me and they never called back. My back is up against the wall now also. I am about to take a job that starts in Jan. that is paying 9.00hr, yes, through an agency. I have no choice. Have you tried something temp such as a tax service , dialysis or a doctors office. Most nurses go into dialysis or clinics . I was offered a job in a clinic but I have narcotic restrictions.I do not understand why you are having such a hard time when you donot have restrictions. That really puzzles me.Try some of the areas that I meantioned above and donot get yourself in a funk and decide to give up. Go to some meetings for support and keep trying. You may have to take a job that is paying less, but it will be a start. I am single and having to deal with this alone.I know that it is hard on your family when you are used to 2 incomes.Another idea, do you have any old scrap gold in the house that you no longer wear. I collected mine and my sister gave me hers and I got over 600 dollars for it.Every little bit helps.You have to keep praying, go to church for strength and do not stop looking no matter what. Good luck.

mimi-1 · Dec 10, 2010

You must not act like a victim.
Take responsiblity for what has happen and the role you played.
I am in your situation.
It has been almost one year since graduation from Nurse practitioner studies.
I have yet to get a full time gig as a practitioner.
I work as an RN in corrections making 1/3 of what a practitioner should earn.
I always tell the accounts of my situation from the victim's view.
And no one wants to hear it.
I never get call backs.
So lets try this together, so that we can measure the results.
We sould come up with a plan of how to make a presentation and a verbal/written contract with potential employers.
It seems to have worked for the other fellow/sister nurses with probationary sentences.

Sissykim I am with you 100% and would like to take part in that plan on the presentation. Great advice, I will take a little of it for myself. Kudos to you.

ladyfish · Jan 16, 2011

I was on probation for 3 years and its extremely difficult to find work! People take advantage of one's hardship and misfortune. In my case, I took other jobs related to health care to establish myself, additional new skills, use my knowledge and education but, could not get a supervisor to help me with the required level of RN to RN supervision required. I moved around in my work at a lower paid job from dept to dept. in mental health, eventually was required to volunteered as a nurse,and YES, got the Supervision from the D.O.N.for 6 months working for free but the BRN said too late I didn't meet the deadline and I didn't... I finished my 6 months and then they still revoked. It's consuming remain positive. My pearls of advice from experience is this. You have value! Think out of the box! Be Brave!

Try other things like EKG tech, Phlebotomy, Unit Clerk, LVN, CNA, just get hired from someone. Next, you'll be a shining star! Be around the right staff. Once they see your a good worker, trust worthy, have integrity, and your a nurse too--apply from within and go for it very humbly. Your work will speak for itself. That's my advice and PRAY to God for doors to open. Volunteer if you have too but get off probation before it's too late and your revoked.

Lady Fish

llltapp · Jan 20, 2011

Nursing is what we DO, not who we ARE :)

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jan 20, 2011

For me LTC was the ans. for a job that fulfilled my stipulations for 3 yrs. I did the MDS rpts., which they need for re-imbursement. and helped as ADON...