Not sure what to do. Licensed RN working as tech.

[Spikey9001]

Long story short, I got a job as a tech at a hospital during nursing school for the sole purpose of working there as an RN once I graduated. Well I got written up earlier this year which prevented me from doing the new RN grad program (I applied in jan but got written up in march). I had to wait six months before I could transfer or do anything. Well fast forward to this month, I get my RN license and my six month "probation" is up. I figure I'd start orienting as an RN but apparently that's not the case. I was told I would still have to work as an aide and wait for a position that I qualify for to show up. Thing is that the GN positions only pop up once a year and all the other postings I need exp. and certs. for.

So, now I'm losing skills and knowledge. I have started applying outside the hospitals to LTC (which is the last thing I wanted to do). I feel unsupported by my manager and I don't know who in the hospital I can talk to. I've already talked to the HR director as well as my manager. The only thing I can think of is talking to them again about this issue, seek out other floors in the hospital for a position or going over their heads.

Any advice/comments would be appreciated.

[AngLVN, LVN]

Patience is virtue and humbleness is key. Just because you got your RN license, doesn't mean that hospitals are going to bend over backwards and give you a job instantly. These days, RN jobs are hard to come by. The advantage is that you are already working there. If you want to have a future with this facility, be patient and be humble. Don't demand for a promotion. They have no obligation in promoting you at all. Especially right now. Thousands of grads are waiting for work anywhere and I bet you that they would take your tech job just to get their foot in the door!

[peggy2624]

Regardless of any misjudgement you may have made, going to nursing school is no guarantee of a job. Right now you have a job. That being said, continue to look and apply for RN positions.

A word of caution: Remember to stay within your job description as a tech and not do anything outside of that because while you'd be held to the standard of your license you'd also be held liable for practicing outside of your job description. SO no matter how short-handed or over-worked the nurses are don't perform any nursing functions while still a tech....no passing meds, no dressing changes, no IVs, etc....

If you do perform a nursing function and do it wrong you can't fall back on the "I'm only a tech" lame excuse...I worked in surgery for years and precepted techs who were working as techs while waiting for an RN position and this was a constant concern because they all thought they could fall back on that excuse.

Don't be discouraged, it may take some time to find a position, and yes, it will be on the off-shift where we all started, it's the way of things. Hang in there, good luck and congratulations on getting your license.

[deleern]

Start interviewing. I had amazing skills from working in a Nursing home. We did IV's Blood draws Constant assessments. I worked there for 4 years. Aplied to a hospital and was interviewed for 3 different jobs. Clinical nurse leader, Critical care, and Mental health in patient. I chose the mental health inpatient and have been there ever since... I love it.

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

You should've started interviewing for jobs even before you graduated. I worked as a unit secretary, and I did just that, even though my manager promised that she could create a job for me. I didn't completely trust her, that's why I applied to other positions inside and outside the system, and I turned out to be right. She lied about creating a position for me, and I was let go. And I did not have any write ups. Your employer can do whatever the heck they want with you these days. I think your manager wants you out. So take the hint, and leave gracefully. You're not going to get a job on your unit as a nurse. Take the hint, and maybe you'll find a better place elsewhere.

[snuggles49]

Sorry..your having to wait for a RN position but that is just the way it works. Did you expect the facility to create a position for you just because you work there. This same scenario has played out at my facility numerous times from aides to LPNs going back to school getting a degree in nursing and having to wait for an open position. They have to stay and work in the position they had whatever that may have been (aide, LPN) and do not get to practice at the level of their degree . Management (your manager) is not being unsupportive as their is nothing your manager can do if thier are no open positions. You have to wait your turn or move on. I know an RN who practiced as an LPN for over 9 months until an RN position opened up that she could bid. Every hospital have staffing levels that have to met and therefore can not just create a postions. As far losing skills..I highly doubt that. From my experience most new grads have few skills under their belt..they come to the floor with tons to learn . We have new grads who have never put foley's in or started IV's.

Perhaps you should look for a job elsewhere hone your skills and reapply at this facility when positions open. But don't burn your bridges by" going higher up " over your manager as it will most likely cost you a position. You will be viewed as a trouble maker.

Good luck

[niteguy65]

I would look else somplace else if you do not want too loose you time with the company then I would try a different floor, here is a place that is always hiring try the VA medical centers in your area the website is usajobs.gov and you want to look at the job code of 0610 and you will see where the jobs are available around the country, I will tell you this that the application process is very legnthy but if you make it the benefits are worth while and you may enjoy working there

[Guest343211]

1. Keep your current job. 2. Work hard and be the best at it that you can be. 3. Get your resume together, and set out to find an RN position on your free time. 4. Consider 3 to be a job in and of itself. 4. Get positive references from anyone at work that you can and from nursing instructors.

5. Once you obtain a position in nursing, give the appropriate notice. 6,7,8,9,& 10: Above all things, keep a positive attitude, especially when at work.

Things will get better. It's just going to take time.

Good luck.

[FMF Corpsman, MSN, RN]

Pretty sound advice from the panel, most of which I agree with. Primarily the parts that say this facility doesn't have a position for you. It sounds to me as if they have been manipulating you from the gitgo, or right after the write up. You never said what the write up was for, and that's okay, it's your business, but apparently the Hospital took it very seriously and they aren't about to give you a second chance, but they won't come right out and say that either, likely for fear of a lawsuit. All in all, I think your best bet would be to seek employment elsewhere. I don't know where you live, so I don't know what the employment possibilities are like in your area. One person had an idea of joining the military, that's not a bad idea with your degree you would be an Officer and it's not a bad gig, with good benefits and decent pay. One other point and I think it is crucial in a Nursing career. Never ever burn bridges in Nursing if you can help it. In this field, you never know who might wind up being your Nurse Manager or Supv. They might have just been another RN working on the floor with you, an LPN or even a CNA a few short years ago, but today, they could be your BOSS. I've both been there, and found myself in that position, and could only mutter under my breath that I was so grateful I never told them what I really thought of them. SO, gather yourself up, brighten up your CV and go job hunting on your days off. Tell them the absolute minimum that you have to outside of your CV, but staying honest to any questions and when you find a job that suits you, put in your 2 weeks notice. Oh yeah, as far as going to different floors within the facility? I wouldn't bother, your current NM has to release you from your current position and give you an eval to your new NM, just what do you think she would say to the new NM? No, I feel your best bet would be to cut all ties, in a friendly manner of course so you are eligible for rehire, and move on to friendlier pastures.

[boggle, ASN, RN]

The above post by FMFCorpsman, and many others offer great advice. I've also found myself working with old coworkers or techs, but now with them as my supervisor!!! People grow. You will too. I did want to offer advice to you to keep up your observation and assessment skills while working as a tech. Remind yourself to pay attention to the findings that go along with the patient's diagnoses. No you can't pull out your stethoscope, but you can still observe color, ease of breathing, VS, changes in ment action, LOC, etc. Keep practicing your analysis skills. Pay attention to what you hear the nurses say about the patient that helps you fit the puzzle pieces together. Most of what you do in nursing is analyzing data, planning interventions, intervening, analyzing again, and on and on....At least you can keep practicing a bit of those skills and keep learning while you persue other job opportunities. It may even give you a more positive feeling about getting through your days in the job you don't care for. Sorry for all the trouble you are going through. Keep on learning, and keep positive.

[MJB2010]

What did you get written up for? I think this may be pertinent here.

Can you get into the tech float pool? Will that get you a new supervisor? I would try to do this, or transfer to another floor make some friends and connections all over the hospital. Try to make friends and watch the attitude. You need good references and serious networking. Going over there heads is only going to make your situation worse. WAY worse. It appears your time at this facility may be limited. You have to wait until the once a year new grad thing opens up and you need to be in their good graces when this happens.

In the meantime, start applying elsewhere, but keep in mind, you need this current job and manager as a reference. Do not do ANYTHING to step on toes or upset that. In fact I would start trying to do everything in my power to get on her good side which it sounds like you are not right now.

I would start looking elsewhere, but keep this current place as your plan B in case looking outside does not work out. Will you have good references from your clinical instructor?

[Paul'in'FL]

What did you get written up for? I think this may be pertinent here.

It is one of two things: someone already did not want the OP around, and found some Mickey Mouse technicality to write her up and get her gone....

OR....whatever the transgression, it was really was big enough to change the opinion of management and insure that the OP will never get hired as a new nurse in this hospital, at least not until she has expereince and the players have changed down the road a few years.

Either way....listen to the advise here. Get over your "mad" and find work somewhere else. If you complain or force the issue, your reputation may keep you from finding work anywhere. Organizations DO check references and employment history.

[BlessedbyGodRN]

I am a new graduate RN as well. I have worked at the current hospital where I am now in another field (not nursing related, but involving patient care) for 2.5 years. I started applying for nursing positions as soon as I graduated. I kept getting rejection emails saying that, "another candidate has been chosen for this position, blah, blah, blah... After I got my Graduate Nurse license, I sent out another round of applications and got the same response. I did not give up. After I got my RN license, I sent out another round of applications to any floor who had a daytime position available whether or not they were looking for a new graduate RN. Do not let all those certifications, prefer BSN, prefer at least one year previous hospital experience and all that other stuff they put in the job description intimidate you. Apply, apply, apply. Your job right now is sending out job applications all day.

Well, it just so happens by the grace of God that the nurse manager of one of the floors I applied for a position with gave me a call for an interview. I interviewed for the position exactly one week after I got my RN license and was offered the position immediately after the interview. When I look back on the experience, I was starting to feel like I would never get a job. In addition to the applications I was submitting to my current employer I was sending out tons (ok, may 150 total) applications to other employers. Most of them you never hear anything from and some at least send you a courtesy email letting you know that they are not interested. I think that things are just tough out there for new graduate RNs at this point. It seems like you are taking things personally and I know it's hard not to. Don't let this current situation kill your spirit. You got through nursing school and you will also get through this current test. My best advice to you is:

1. Do not limit yourself to applying to only new grad RN residency positions

2. Join the local chapter of your ANA or other local nursing organizations and network

3. Apply for jobs statewide in whatever state you have you RN license in, you may have to move

4. Have an HR professional review your resume

5. Reach out to some of your professors and see what connections they may have with local hospitals

And most of all, keep submitting applications EVERYWHERE.

Best Wishes