Peds nurse. Long term job search. Very frustrated!

Nurses Job Hunt

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Hello everyone! Long time lurker who finally made an account. I have a unique situation so bear with me.

I have a job in peds home care. Vents, trachs, GTs, IVs etc. I love my patients, however I have been bored for a very long time. I have been working here for over 5 years! I have been applying to any hospital job remotely related to peds for years. I live in the northern Midwest where job competition is stiff. I got my BSN last year.

I have had interviews and they tell me there are 70 people being interviewed! I have been told I am in the top 2 a few times. I never get the job though!

I am so beyond frustrated and don't know what else to do.

Ideas? Recommendations? Jokes?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Patience is a virtue. As you stated, competition is tough and there are far more applicants than available positions. However, what are you doing other than applying and interviewing? Have you joined a peds professional organization and attended meetings to network? Sometimes, it's more about who you know than what you know. What about your state nurses association? Do you have any certifications that help you stand out above those that don't? Unfortunately, experience isn't always enough in the current employment environment.

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If patience is a virtue, I should be a saint! Totally kidding. :laugh:

Thank you for the response! I have thought about the pediatric nurse certification but it costs a lot. I should join some organizations! Great idea! I would love to get trained on a computer charting system but I can't seem to find any that aren't through jobs. I do have many past and present supervisors and co workers who have put in good words for me and that hasn't helped.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I get that certifications are expensive (recently paid the renewal fee for mine, ouch!) but it's usually worth the investment if it helps land jobs. I wouldn't worry too much about the computer charting systems- that would be included in any orientation program, and many facilities customize the systems for their own needs.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.
I get that certifications are expensive (recently paid the renewal fee for mine, ouch!) but it's usually worth the investment if it helps land jobs. I wouldn't worry too much about the computer charting systems- that would be included in any orientation program, and many facilities customize the systems for their own needs.

Plus you may be able to write off the cost of certification on your taxes--I would check with your accountant/attorney.

Certifications can help you get noticed, especially in a climate where every facility seems to be Magnet or Magnet-wannabe.

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Thanks! I am definitely looking into certifications.

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The reason I want to take a computer charting class is that they bring it up at every interview. I don't understand why they make such a big deal about it. I'm pretty computer literate and it doesn't intimidate me.

New question to all: Should I try to get a job on an adult med surg floor or just keep sticking it out hoping someone will eventually hire me?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
The reason I want to take a computer charting class is that they bring it up at every interview. I don't understand why they make such a big deal about it. I'm pretty computer literate and it doesn't intimidate me.

New question to all: Should I try to get a job on an adult med surg floor or just keep sticking it out hoping someone will eventually hire me?

If you get some form of hospital experience while moonlighting as a Peds nurse, it probably wouldn't hurt-IF you want to do it.

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I'm thinking about it just to get in, but I honestly think I would hate it. My passion is for peds. I've always heard it's better to stay with kids but it is not working for me so far.

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There is always stiff competition for anything with PEDs and nicu. Everyone and there brother seems to want to be on these floors. I also think they have a lot of people with in the hospital that are fighting tooth and nail to get into these specialized areas.

My suggestion would be open up to other areas and just try to get a hospital job. Get use to the atmosphere and computers extra and then in a year or two start to go for PEDs positions. Then your resume will look a lot better with hospital training and your 5 years prior PEDs experiance

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I bought the book to study for my peds certification! Thank you guys!

Oh, and I had an interview today! It was a peds/ short stay unit. It seemed to go well. I have my fingers crossed.

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Good luck keep us informed

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