Mental Health to Medsurg nursing

[Diligence]

I was an LPN for 5 years, some of my experience is working with trachs/vents, wounds, g-tubes, ect. I have been an RN for 3 years and the majority of my skills have always been with behavioral health/mental health which I enjoy. I have over the past year inquired about a medsurg position, but have been turned down d/t not having one (1) year of medsurg experience. I am unclear as to why new grads will get hired, trained and placed in the E/D, OR, ICU and whereas I am so eager to be able to do more, but have not been given the opportunity. Can anyone please tell me what route I should be taking, after all I am not in my 20's any longer. The last advice I received from an employer was "maybe get a position in a rehab, that way you can gain more experience." Well, the rehab wants this experience also. Any suggestions would be more than appreciated.

[Sour Lemon]

I was an LPN for 5 years, some of my experience is working with trachs/vents, wounds, g-tubes, ect. I have been an RN for 3 years and the majority of my skills have always been with behavioral health/mental health which I enjoy. I have over the past year inquired about a medsurg position, but have been turned down d/t not having one (1) year of medsurg experience. I am unclear as to why new grads will get hired, trained and placed in the E/D, OR, ICU and whereas I am so eager to be able to do more, but have not been given the opportunity. Can anyone please tell me what route I should be taking, after all I am not in my 20's any longer. The last advice I received from an employer was "maybe get a position in a rehab, that way you can gain more experience." Well, the rehab wants this experience also. Any suggestions would be more than appreciated.

Keep looking? Look in other cities that may be less saturated? Look for a medical unit for psych patients where your experience may be more valued? Look for a psych unit in a hospital that might be able to cross train you in a medical unit? I work behavioral health and get floated to medical at least 80-90% of the time. If they know you're willing and able to do the job, they're going to utilize you.

[Diligence]

Thank you for the advice and reading my story.