Looking for work in hospital >:(

montecarlo64, ASN, BSN, LPN · Jul 19, 2011

I had been an LPN for many years prior to getting my RN in May 2010..I applied to 20 positions at 8 hospitals with only 1 interview and offer of a part time night shift position 1 1/2 hours away..I sadly found out that not only the LTC experience doesn't count, but the fact that I was an LPN doesn't count either. I am disappointed, but I am thankful to have a job, even in LTC, and I hope that my experience as "RN" will count eventually. The good thing is that you are young and the fact that you can do the LTC nursing means that you are capable of very difficult situations and multi-tasking, which will help you when you do get a hospital job. It is much easier to make a LTC to hospital transition than the other way around..Don't give up, eventually you will make a contact that will help you get where you want to go; plus, your RN experience clock is running!! Good Luck to You:)

ChuckeRN, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2011

Hospital nurse recruiters are so full of manure. I was told since I didn't have any medical experience, as well as previous RN experience, I did not qualify for all of the M/S positions I applied for.

Then I also hear people like the OP being told the other end of the same BS - that LTC is not considered "acute" experience, nor is having been a LPN.

One day, there will be a backlash and these recruiters and hospitals will come begging for us RNs again. I can't wait for them to come crawling back to try and hire us. :mad:

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2011

Where are you in Michigan? What kind of floors are you applying for? LTC does count for experience. I wish you the best. I am in Michigan as well. You can message me if you want. I know hospitals are hiring in my area.

deemalt, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2011

Sounds like you actually work at an LTAC (long term acute care). You may have a better chance using that terminology. Make sure you clearly list your duties in your resume. Good luck.

LR59 · Jul 19, 2011

I had the same experience I had 13 yrs experience in the hospital ICU and telemetry When I left to take a job in a LTAC close to home I found that after 3 yrs I was not considered hospital material Thank God that a HR person in a small hospital didnt find me useless My advice is to look at smaller rural places place emphasis on your duties Sell Yourself Good Luck :heartbeat

sxtran · Jul 19, 2011

honestly getting a hospital job is based on who you know! any work in a nursing home, ltc, etc does not count towards your clinical/acute experience - but how are you suppose to get experience if no one hires you w/o experience? i'm in the same situation here in florida.....i think it's everywhere

BobbyDrake · Jul 19, 2011

At least you have some sort of clinical experience. Ever since I graduated in 2009, the only experience I have is 1 year at Stanford Blood Center, drawing blood. I don't qualify for anything! hahaha

GM2RN · Jul 19, 2011

You might try applying for a position in a TCU. Once there, you will be able to apply internally for other hospital positions. It might be easier to get a job that way.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2011

I have 2 years exp. in "LTC" and can NOT even get a call back from a hospital. I live in Michigan, and it appears that they count long term care as NO experience ... SO up setting, I love my job and my pts, but I want more. At my center, we do Trachs, tube feedings, pcp pumps, I start IV's everyday, and do admits and discharges with 20 plus pts everyday.... So really why can I not find anything???

It does seem that you work at an LTAC....Long Term Acute Care.......use that terminology. LTACS are actually licensed as acute care facilities.

rnrainy · Aug 12, 2011

I am a nurse case manager with a large home health care company based in southeastern Michigan with multiple divisions. We have positions available with great pay! Send me a message if you are interested in long term care, in home.

debRN0417 · Aug 13, 2011

When you apply, attach a letter/resume to your application detailing your duites and experience. Highlight all the skills that you have performed and your acomplishments...ring your own bell. You have to get their attention! If you just fill out an application and it says that you worked in a nursing home from whatever date to whatever date, they probably wont look at you over someone else, but if you have a nice resume or letter highliting how you can be an asset to them, then at least you may get an interview. Once in the interview, WOW them! I had never worked in an emergency room before and that was the only position open. I made it to the interview and then focused on the things that I had experience with and that I was a quick learner and not afraid of a challenge. I got the job!