need advise to help get a job

[arjohn6895]

I resigned from my last position almost six months ago. I didn't like where I was working a whole lot. Job satisfaction was overall pretty low with everyone, the nursing stations and med rooms were always a total mess even after I cleaned them by myself, half of the techs were nearly useless and one even hid and slept in empty rooms, and I wasn't very well respected as a nurse or even a person by some of the people there. I have a ADN and I am in the RN-BSN-MSN program now. I have a year of tele experience and multiple certifications...TNCC, PALS, ACLS. I also had a critical care preceptorship in school and I am a member of the ANCC. It's been almost 6 months and no job offers. I have applied for every position, hospital, and department that I can think of...home health, outpatient, OR, med-surg, cardiac, ICU, ER, step down units, GI lab, even tech positions. I have had four interviews, two for ER and two for ICU, just no offers. I also kind of need something that will work with school. I fear that the longer I go the tougher it will be to get a job. Any words of wisdom? By the way, I REALLY would prefer critical care because I need one to two years of critical care before I can start my masters program. Thanks!

[Biffbradford]

The market is tough for everyone. There are no magic bullets.

[juliemc]

The market is tough? I am applying to an MSN program for people without a RN- take the NCLEX after finishing the program and have license and MSN. It is at a considerable cost because I will have to leave my present job (which pays as much or more than an RN) and then the educational expense for 2 yrs. Is it worth it getting an MSN or should I go for an RN- is it really that tough to get a job? I was assured by the school that it is not. Thanks. ( Why am I doint this? Because I would really love to be a nurse.)

[Hoozdo, ADN]

The market is tough?

Oh yeah, the market is tough. It is tougher than I originally thought. I interviewed for

an RN position yesterday that had 750 applicants! I was one of the five applicants picked for

an interview. I do have experience, good references, ACLS, and a CCRN.

I did not get the job. There was nothing special about this hospital or the job that made

it that attractive. It's just that the economy is in such poor shape that people are losing

houses, cars, and barely have money to eat.

Nursing is not such a wise career choice these days. If you have a job making good money

then I would stick with it.

[trinnylax0484]

I would avoid the "woe is me, my last job was awful" attitude. You're not going to make it past the HR phone interview if you act like that. ADNs are also less desireable than BSN or MSN grads, and sometimes not desired at all.

[pedroparramo]

Is there any advantage, I wonder, to utilizing placement agencies in your area? I recently got certified as an NP and also haven't worked as an RN for 6+ months and am considering temporary RN employment.