When I graduated school I took the first job that came at me because the market was very difficult. Post acute rehab. When I started I had at most 15-17 post acute patients; however, the acuity is getting increasingly worse and my patient load has increased to 25 patients and most recently they tell us 27 is our max now.
I have 2nd day post op admissions, outpatient er for iv antibiotics, currently have 3 woundvacs on my assignment ( which I successfully know how to redress and fix machine malfunction... I've dealt with them so long now.) bid dressing changes for packing wounds, jp drains, colostomies, foleys... You name it... I do it. By myself!
I have quickly lost faith in this company as they have increased our patient load due to money constraints ... And I've been trying for years to get into medical surgical but I quickly get told that my experience isn't equivalent! I'm a BSN I start ivs, foleys, do wound care, you name it!
So as a nurse manager, how does a rehab nurse break into acute care nursing? I'm really curious! Because I've done this for four years, have I paid my dues?
As I started reading your post, I was thinking this even before I read Commuter's response. She's right, You really have to HARD SELL yourself in your cover letter & resume. And if your references could elaborate on your skills --- can't hurt!
From what I've read here on AN, California is a really tough job market. But little pockets of opportunity open up occ. Sell yourself on paper - your tech skills sound strong.
Good luck to you.
I am doing just that! I recontacted HR and she forwarded my resume to the unit. I then found out an old co-worker works there so she had told her boss about me. Her boss stated, "I am reluctant to hire SNF nurses because I haven't had good experiences doing so in the past." But she is willing to view my resume. Rolling my eyes hard over here. But, I'll take what I can get. E-mailing it ASAP!
strawberryfields
114 Posts
I am doing just that! I recontacted HR and she forwarded my resume to the unit. I then found out an old co-worker works there so she had told her boss about me. Her boss stated, "I am reluctant to hire SNF nurses because I haven't had good experiences doing so in the past." But she is willing to view my resume. Rolling my eyes hard over here. But, I'll take what I can get. E-mailing it ASAP!