I became a registered nurse a little over 2 years ago. Unfortunately for me, 3 months after I graduated while studying for the board exam, I was involved in an incident that left me with a TBI, resulting in surgery, and doctor-ordered time off.
I had my brain surgery late 2015, and was told not to work, study, or do any big activities for up to 18 months. This was a bad blow to my future plans, and everything came to a halt.
I am now deemed healthy enough to go back to work and recently went back to school, after learning how to concentrate and work with memory deficits caused by my injury.
My main concern however, is getting a good position after 2 years of not working. I was told by a nurse recruiter not to go into acute care, heavy-load areas. I have had to cut my losses and applied for a position at a geriatric long-term care hospital instead.
I would eventually like to go into acute care, especially in my new passion of neuro-ICU, neuro post-op, etc.
However, will experience in a geri-unit be considered good at all? I'm concerned they'll just brush off my experience all together, seeing as I'm not getting my feet wet in acute care.
Should I keep searching for a hospital that would be willing to bring in a nurse like me, or just suck it up and be happy I'm getting any, if not the best, experience at all?
I think you're well within your right to apply to any and all positions to find the right fit for you. Due to personal circumstances, I had about a 2 year gap between the time I graduated and started applying for jobs. It took about 2-3 months but I was hired on a med surg floor at a great hospital and I had no issues at all learning the floor. I did refresh my book knowledge prior to starting and looked up everything as I worked, but it comes back quickly. Just have confidence in yourself.
First off, glad to hear you're back to being able to work. It's also encouraging to hear that you were able to get back into the nursing groove quite nicely even after a long time gap.
I have already sent out other applications to other facilities in the hopes that they decide to bring me on boards, so I hope one works out!
It doesn't hurt to apply, either they say no or other opportunities could open for you. My first job was at nursing home/rehab and although it wasn't what I imagined I would work in, I'm glad I did.
I got experience in treating post stroke patients, trachs, PEGs, brittle diabetics, wound care (& Vac), learned time management, and got to become familiar with residents that I get my intuition when something is wrong. I got to experience code blues and serious emergencies too while in the nursing home.
You will get where you want eventually.
Maybe the geri-hospital may end up giving me a lot of experience like it did with you; there is a lot of different diagnoses and cases at this specific hospital, so I may see a lot. Granted, like I stated above, I'm still trying at other hospitals just in case. Thanks.
I agree with this. Apply all the places that interest you. I am confident you will get to acute care and going to geri or rehab first isn't bad, but it also might not be necessary. Appy apply apply! All they can say is 'no'.
Unfortunately, I am not positive that taking a geriatric nursing job is the right thing to do if you want to get into acute care. I, myself, have worked at a senior rehab center for 16 months. For the past two or so months, I have been applying to other nursing jobs and have been offered only 2 interviews which did not result in an offer, and declined from all of the others. In particular, I have had over 30 rejections at one employer. I am seriously concerned my position working in geriatrics is holding me back. I would avoid a geriatric nursing position, unless that is what you want to end up in. Otherwise you could end up stuck like me.
Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.
Hello! It is definitely possible to transition into acute care with another type of nursing experience. I live in the Bay Area in CA where it is super hard to get a new grad job (lots of experienced nurses coming to get the big paychecks... can't hate! haha). I worked in community health for almost 3 years and then got a job in Med/Surg in an acute care hospital. It sounds like you have already overcome a lot and I wish you the best! I would start by applying for the jobs you are most interested in and if you are not getting responses move on to other jobs, get some experience and then re-apply to acute care jobs. Also, who knows, you may like whatever you end up doing. I enjoyed community health a lot and actually got a lot of experience handling emergencies! (People come to the clinic thinking it's an urgent care/ER and we have to stabilize). Good luck!
Unfortunately, I am not positive that taking a geriatric nursing job is the right thing to do if you want to get into acute care. I, myself, have worked at a senior rehab center for 16 months.
I am seriously concerned my position working in geriatrics is holding me back. I would avoid a geriatric nursing position, unless that is what you want to end up in.
That sounds unfortunate. I wonder if being in a senior rehab facility is the main difference? I've applied to a geri-hospital that specializes in renal/diabetes along with general illness, so I could get certifications in those areas as well.
Regardless, I hope everything eventually works out, and that you can eventually get out geriatrics to explore other departments.
Hello! It is definitely possible to transition into acute care with another type of nursing experience.
I worked in community health for almost 3 years and then got a job in Med/Surg in an acute care hospital.
I would start by applying for the jobs you are most interested in and if you are not getting responses move on to other jobs, get some experience and then re-apply to acute care jobs.
Thank you for advice. Even if I don't find an employer willing to take me into a med-surg area, I'll do my best to gain as much experience as I can with geriatrics. It may take a while before this certain employer deems I have enough experience, but I know I'll make it.
i think any experience is better than none but you don't have to settle. almost everyone is hiring these days (some areas more than others) so you should be able to find something more to your liking. also, the first thing i thought of was maybe trying to get a job in neuro interventional, not as high stress as an ICU but great experience and more in line with your interests.
Its all about how you sell yourself in your resume, cover letter, and entire application. Taking a non acute job does not mean you will never get a hospital job. We see many move to acute care after 6-12 months. Its all about leaning how to correctly apply for jobs, network, continue education & certs in the unit you truly want, and then nail the interview. Yes, it can be done, even in a saturated market. Yes, even with a gap. I re entered nursing after a gap, started non acute, landed dream job. Perseverance, persistence, revising that application for every job you want, getting out there, and meeting people, is how you do it. You are on the right track. I agree, take the job that is concrete, but keep applying for jobs you truly want.
I was an "old" new grad a year ago. I was "out" of nursing for almost 2 years prior to that for several reasons, one of which being illness. I took a job in LTC for the experience. I stayed one year, got some supervisory experience under my belt, and then applied to a hospital. I start my new acute care job next week. It can definitely be done. Just find a job that you can put up with for right now, and that will pay your bills. Keep your goals in the back of your mind when it gets rough. Eventually you will get to where you want to be, if you work hard enough and stay patient.
guest17
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First off, glad to hear you're back to being able to work. It's also encouraging to hear that you were able to get back into the nursing groove quite nicely even after a long time gap.
I have already sent out other applications to other facilities in the hopes that they decide to bring me on boards, so I hope one works out!
Maybe the geri-hospital may end up giving me a lot of experience like it did with you; there is a lot of different diagnoses and cases at this specific hospital, so I may see a lot. Granted, like I stated above, I'm still trying at other hospitals just in case. Thanks.
Will do! Thanks for the encouragement.