New Grad RN - How do I obtain a non-bedside nursing job with no experience?

[dametraveler]

Hello friends!

I graduated nursing school in May 2013 from Loyola Chicago and obtained my RN license in February. I then found a job on the Labor and Delivery unit in a nurse residency program where I would have been on orientation for 12 weeks. I enjoyed it unfortunately had to resign due to physical limitations. I had spinal fusion surgery at the age of 12 after I was diagnosed with an 80 degree curve Scoliosis condition and I felt confident that I could successfully and safely be a L&D nurse but sadly I was coming home in pain everyday and came to the conclusion that it wasn't safe for my patients or I to be on the floor. SO here I am, back at square one with only 1 month's worth of nursing experience. I obviously had to rule out bedside nursing and am now considering other options.

I have a great love for global health and travel. I traveled to South Africa in 2011 and enjoy my time volunteering in the townships there. I have also become a member of the American Travel Health Nurses Association (ATHNA) in hopes of finding a job as a Travel Health Nurse. I had visited one before I went to Africa to receive shots and I immediately could see myself working there. However, that clinic was in Michigan and I am based here in Downtown Chicago.

I am now applying to outpatient positions and have applied to a couple travel health clinics but sadly there aren't that many opportunities out there.

Does anyone have any advice for me at this point? I am also open to working for insurance companies and other areas that are non-clinical.

I am willing to explore other options but am just not sure where to start given the fact that I have little to no experience.

Thank you so much friends!

Nastasia

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Unfortunately, some outpatient positions require just as much hustle as inpatient...just not as lengthy in terms of hours. Also, with NO experience, I don't think you will get very far without having any type of clinical background to add flavor to a resume'....unless you know someone in a position of 'power'. Have you tried the local health department? They do a great deal of sitting. Perhaps a sympathetic ear will allow you a chance for training in this area. Good luck to you!

[dametraveler]

I have not but that's a great suggestion, thanks!

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

Do you know what was causing the pain? Was it from being on your feet? Was it bending over? Moving patients?

[Caffeine_IV]

I wouldn't give up on bedside as there can be areas with not as heavy lifting if that was the issue. OR? NICU? PEDs possibly? I know some new grads that got into GI Lab also.

You basically have to apply for jobs and hope you catch their eye unless you have a contact that would put your name out. Insurance companies prefer some clinical experience as well. Unfortunately there is a lot of competition for outpatient and other jobs outside of acute care.

Good luck!

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

I wouldn't give up on bedside as there can be areas with not as heavy lifting if that was the issue. OR? NICU? PEDs possibly? I know some new grads that got into GI Lab also.

You basically have to apply for jobs and hope you catch their eye unless you have a contact that would put your name out. Insurance companies prefer some clinical experience as well. Unfortunately there is a lot of competition for outpatient and other jobs outside of acute care.

Good luck!

Lots of lifting in OR - everybody there has a bad back after time. How do you think those 300-pounders get from the OR table back to their bed? They have to move heavy trays and get into tight spaces. No, not a place for someone with a bad back.