Not sure what to do...

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

Hi Fellow nurses.:nurse:

I feel like I am at a lull in my career. I have done the whole critical care thing, did the open heart thing and injured my knee so I have a current position that is a definite scale back than what I am used to. I work from home its nice to get up when i want and start work when I want but I want to make a difference on a grand scale.

I would like to get a nice job that is non clinical but don't know how. I love evidenced based practice, i enjoy public speaking I am very vibrant but how do these type of positions come to you?? :confused:Especially in this job market if you don't have the experience you will be overlooked.

I don't really don't want to return to CVICU or ICU. I want to make a difference behind the scenes. I hate when people say oh boy You are a RN you can get a job anywhere--that isn't necessarily true.

I long for a job that I jump out of bed for joy when I am driving there. I did alot of committee work and presentations in the past and I LOVED it--I felt like that was my calling. I was a national presenter and was offered jobs nationwide. I even was told I should be a lobbyist for nursing because of my enthusiasm--but how do I get my foot in the door. :confused:

I have my BSN but have never gotten a job that actually used my BSN. I have only used that degree when I wanted to advance the clinical ladders.

I know I can't be a CNO at this point in life but how did CNO's get there??? I have always wondered....any advice or encouragment is appreciated!!!:)

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Wow - you have so much to offer. As to lobbying - what about joining your states nursing association?

Management - apply for a management job?

Education - with a BSN you could teach LPNs, CNAs.

Might I suggest that you get your MSN? That would give you more opportunities.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

Yes I will get my MSN or MPH but I want a job that will use my BSN and while working for them they will pay for my schooling for my MSN or MPH. Its like i feel like having a BSN wasn't good enough.

When I graduated with my ADN I worked for a year and had my employer pay for my schooling and I got my BSN---that was years ago.

As for as lobbying for my state--I want to leave my state and relocate to the Dallas,Tx area. :D

I feel a bit discouraged some days--Some one once told me that I am a big fish in a small pond LOL-:p-but I am so ready to get out of this pond and swim upstream to make a difference for patient safety and for nursing over all.

I have big ideas and I am big thinker. I have a keen eye for preventing errors--Managers loved me because I was so detailed oriented. I was the one that the CNO would search for to introduce to the new CEO of one hospital i once worked for. I have alot of drive and more than potential--I just don't know how to get there. Do i apply for jobs that I have no experience in and hope to get it....????

As far as management they want you to have management experience which I currently do not have. Although when presenters would come to the hospital I was often thought of as a manager or someone in adminstration because of my professionalism and demeanor. That is good but it didn't sit well with other nurses because I moved up very very quickly .but that is my personality. But some felt threatened by me. I am a mover and a shaker not to glorify me but to make a difference and to Glorify the one whom lives inside of me. I love to see others succeed but I have learned not everyone has that mindset. :down:

In due time the right position will come along. Its just frustrating knowing that I have so much inside of me to make a difference and don't know where to go....:idea:

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Specializes in ICU, M/S,Nurse Supervisor, CNS.

While many management jobs do prefer management experience, you can't get any experience until you're hired into that first position. My point is, apply for management jobs anyway. You say you moved up very quickly at previous jobs, so that shows your leadership potential. You gotta start somewhere, so apply to those management and leadership type jobs. Your resume is sure to attract attention and when you get to the interview stage, sell yourself like crazy! You seem to have a lot to offer to any employer so make sure that interviewer see those assets. Good luck!

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.
While many management jobs do prefer management experience, you can't get any experience until you're hired into that first position. My point is, apply for management jobs anyway. You say you moved up very quickly at previous jobs, so that shows your leadership potential. You gotta start somewhere, so apply to those management and leadership type jobs. Your resume is sure to attract attention and when you get to the interview stage, sell yourself like crazy! You seem to have a lot to offer to any employer so make sure that interviewer see those assets. Good luck!

I hear what you are saying but when you see on the application website--required minimum qualifications 3 years or more of management experience and you don't have that--I don't think you should apply,right?? :confused:

I love that there are so many facets to nursing--which i definitely respect I just want to be in the facet that I know I was born to be in. It doesn't necessarily have to be management although I know I am a natural born leader--NOT all managers are--I have worked for mangers who were not. But thanks again for the encouragement. I greatly appreciate it!!!:)

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Find someone in the type of position you would like to mentor you. If an opportunity comes up, that mentor can be you foot in the door.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Have you thought about venturing out of the 'provider' realm and into pharmaceutical/ med equipment / informatics? Pharmaceutical & equipment companies have positions for RNs - especially those with ICU experience. The jobs are usually in the area of education & training - either to train their salesforce or customers... sometimes to help develop training materials. If you have experience using any of the major informatics systems (Cerner, Meditech, etc) you may qualify for a position as an analyst. These jobs may require a lot of travel to help with implementations, but they all pay a decent salary!

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Specializes in ICU/CCU/Oncology/CSU/Managed Care/ Case Management.

:redpinkhe

Have you thought about venturing out of the 'provider' realm and into pharmaceutical/ med equipment / informatics? Pharmaceutical & equipment companies have positions for RNs - especially those with ICU experience. The jobs are usually in the area of education & training - either to train their salesforce or customers... sometimes to help develop training materials. If you have experience using any of the major informatics systems (Cerner, Meditech, etc) you may qualify for a position as an analyst. These jobs may require a lot of travel to help with implementations, but they all pay a decent salary!

Great idea!!:nurse: I have seen quite of those type of positions. Last year I had 2 calls for a job interview for a Quality Improvement Coordinator at a large hospital in my area but I took a coordinator position else where and now i wished i would've at least interviewed for that other position.:rolleyes:

I am going to find something great! I know it!! Thank you guys for giving such great suggestions!! I am not a quitter I will not give up in my search for a great paying job that gives me great satisfaction to make a difference.:up:

I love when us nurses come together and help each other out. :heartbeat

Great Idea HouTX to get out of the provider realm--I have been only going to hospital websites. I would LOVE a job that required me to travel both domestically and internationally--I love to teach and love to travel that would be the best of both worlds!! I have my passport on standby!!!:D Thanks again fellow nurses!!!:redpinkhe

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