OH Nurses - Any advice about this?

[NellieP73]

Hello! I have been thinking ever since nursing school that I would like to get into occupational health nursing - not OT like in a hospital, but to be a nurse at a corporation. Recently, I found out that I am allergic to several different kinds of protective gloves, and my boss at the hospital has to order me my own special ones now. If something happens, and I don't have any of mine, I have to use the ones that irritate my hands and I end up with a yucky rash. So lately I have been looking around for some kind of OH (or any other non-glove-requiring) job, but I can't seem to find anything. I had originally planned on staying where I am for longer than this, but it's getting pretty hard with having this stupid rash all the time.

My problem is that I am having a hard time getting anybody to look at my resume, I assume its because I have no OH experience. I even applied to do other kinds of non-bedside nursing, such as case management, documentation specialist, etc. I can't get anybody to respond to me! I have six years of inpt med/surg oncology experience. Any tips??? Also, any ideas for something for me to try besides OH (if I can't get anyone to give me a chance?) Thank you all for reading! Have a great day!

[3rdcareerRN]

When I've had success entering new career areas, it has always been because of preparation and luck.

Preparation: I always find some course (free or not) in the new area and complete it to get some type of credential. Sometimes this leads to contact persons in the new area. Then I use that credential to get into any type of foot-in-the-door (substitute/ PRN/ temporary/ parttime/etc.) position. After I get at least a few weeks experience, THEN I send out resumes for a fulltime job. It has worked very well every time, although it is a lot of work.

Luck: The timing for those foot-in-door situations has often been very good. The employer had someone just quit/maternity/military deployment/etc. not long before I contacted them. Of course, luck improves as your phone calls/mailings/networking increases.

Best wishes on your future direction! Occ health is a WONDERFUL area to practice nursing.

[NellieP73]

Thanks for the advice! I'm not really sure about how to get my foot in the door, but I'll keep an eye out for classes, temp work, etc! If anyone has any more tips, I'd be more than glad to hear them! Occ Health has been something I've been thinking about since nursing school, but I never knew how to get into it. Thanks again!!!