Job search help

[bkchick]

Hello fellow nurses,

I am a relatively new nurse in the sense that I basically just started my nursing career. Now I'm in need of some help and advice. I'm a second bachelor RN, completed school in February 2014, got my license and started my first job in April 2014, and had to resign from said job in sept 2014 due to pregnancy complications. Since then I've given birth and health wise everything is ok. I've been searching for a job and have not heard back from anyone for a clinical position. I interviewed for an administrative nurse manager position and they want me to go in for a second interview. I don't know what to do or if I should even accept that job if it were offered to me. Please let me know if you have any advice. It is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Personally, I feel those in management positions need to have mastered the role of those they supervise. As someone who held a nursing position for only 5 months, I don't feel as though you'd be the best candidate for the job. That may sound harsh, but it generally takes at least a year in the same role to become competent. Without that experience of actually working in the role, how can one effectively manage?

I am also against those in managerial roles who haven't set foot on an actual nursing unit in decades either- my current beef against some of my own executive management folks. I am of the opinion that not only do those in management need experience, they also need to spend some time working as clinical staff to experience how it's changed since that was their full time role.

[bkchick]

I agree. Hence why I'm really hesitant about even continuing on the job interview. Thank you for your input.

On another note, knowing my situation, is there any way to make myself a stronger candidate while applying for clinical jobs? I've written cover letters and reworked my resume a few times. I really would like to do bedside nursing or maybe even ambulatory care nursing. Thanks in advance.