New RN quit hospital, wants back in. Advice?

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I graduated in January 2021 from a second degree program after many years as an English teacher and got a position in a residency program. Even though covid was starting I enjoyed the work and did well until I was moved to nights. No matter what I did I couldn't sleep during the day and after a few months I gave notice because I didn't think I could give safe care. I found a job in pediatric homecare and worked mostly with one family who I really liked. When they moved I saw an ad for covid vaccinators in a hospital and thought it would be a way to get my foot in the door. I was made charge nurse if a lg vax site and when that slowed down I was offered a permanent position in occupational medicine, which I have now. 

The trouble is it's so boring, nearly all computer work. I'm miserable and so want to get a challenging job on a unit but feel shut out because I don't have that 1 yr acute care experience. The other issue is that I can't function on the night shift. Do you have any advice on how I might go about "resetting" my career? Thank you. 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Wants Challenging Job,

I'm really wondering if you meant to put "I graduated in January 2020" and not "I graduated in January 2021". I don't see how it's possible to graduate and hold 4 jobs in 5-6 months, especially when that includes being in a residency for a "few months".

Even if 2021 is a typo, which would make it 18 months and not 6 months, some damage control is needed regarding your resume. You have to establish a work history by staying at one job at least 1 year, preferably longer. Since you are currently employed, stick with it for one year. 

As far as wanting to get into acute care as an RN with less than one year of experience, it is a challenge. You probably can do it, but your strategy needs to include perseverance and determination. 

Activate your network. If you have anyone who can put in a good word for you, it's helpful. This could be a former classmate, an instructor, a Charge Nurse on a floor where you did clinicals. 

Not working night shift narrows your choices in acute care. You might get lucky, but telling a hiring manager of a 24 hr unit you can only work days limits your options. Lucky would be if you applied to a unit that had a stable, staffed night shift and has a day opening. But just as often new nurses start on nights and get to day shift by seniority. 

It's understandable if you absolutely can't tolerate nights- there are some people who simply can't adjust. In that case, apply to op invasive areas such as Endoscopy, Diagnostics, Cath Lab, Surgery and peri-op. 

If you are not successful landing a job in acute care it's easier to land a job in sub-acute. You could find a job, work for a time, and from there apply again to acute care. It's not a guarantee, but it would give you an edge over an applicant without sub-acute experience.

Finally, there's location. You can't control the supply and demand in your area, but if you're able to relocate to an area with a shortage of nurses, you'll have a much better chance of getting hired.

Good luck! You can reach your goal if you stay focused ?

Nurse Beth

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