Part-time employment

[chicagonurse2b]

Semi-rant...I hope I am posting in the right place. I am a first year nursing student. I have a certification as a CNA and a BA in another field. I have been working for an "elite" organization for several years. But I simply can't get my foot in the door to transfer departments. It feels really strange and frustrating to see so many opportunities pass me by with no real legitimate reasons. I've done the "talk to HR" thing, the "get feedback from hiring manager's" thing. My last interview was this week, it felt like the final straw for me. The interview seemed to be going very well, until I asked about the possibility of changes in schedule. I knew after that question the interview was over. I did not make my nursing school endeavors priority, but I was interested in how the schedule works and if there would be any flexibility. Basically, the answer was "NO". I am kind of fedup. I never expected a position to be handed to me. However, I did expect to be given some sort of chance considering my years of service with the organization. One word, disappointment.

I am thankful for the current manager that I have. I have a very positive relationship with her. Unfortunately, my department doesn't consistantly use nursing staff outside of managerial positions. At anyrate, I have come to the conclusion that I need to stay in my current department (atleast until I finish school). But I am also thinking weather or not I want to even work in a hospital anymore. Protocol really feels shady and cut throat. Has anyone ever experienced something like this? Besides the "it's the economy" response, please.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Don't count on there being a position for you as an RN once you are finished. Again, not your fault. Lots of people I knew were passed over. These excellent students with prior degrees and great reviews. Still, the jobs were given to people not currently working for the organization.

[chicagonurse2b]

that is crazy. so what's the point? i feel like i should cut my losses and move on to the next position that i find. but i know that nothing is guaranteed once i graduate. i guess i should just be happy to have a job right now. it's really maddening.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

There is nothing really you can do, but try. It really does suck. But, really, it's best you know this now, so if you don't get picked up you won't just be sitting there like Linus waiting for the Great Pumpkin to come (LOL).

My Dad was recently in the hospital and he said that the techs he had were all happy, figuring that they'd get RN jobs on graduation at this hospital. This made me sad, because this hospital does let that myth perpetuate year after year. Sure one or two might work there, but, it's because they are family members of someone important there, or someone in admin's kid or neighbor, or someone has a connection within the city gov. where the hospital is. This has been true in every case I know.

Who knows, you might get a job, but don't put all your marbles there.