Please help...returning to clinical setting but can't find a job-TN

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MED SURG.

Hi everybody. I am an RN with over 8 years experience in ER/ICU/MED SURG. I left nursing for about nine years, and I now want to return to clinical nursing. I am finding that this is no easy task! I have taken a refresher course, as is required by my Board, and I have recertified in both BLS and ACLS. No one is giving me a chance, and all of the nursing agencies require clinical nursing within the last year. I thought of nursing homes (not really what I want to do), but RN's in the nursing home is usually management, and I want clinical experience. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, that would be great. :banghead:

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Hospice & Dialysis.

What part of TN?

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MED SURG.

I'm in Nashville, but I can commute if necessary. I remember quite a lot, but I just need a good orientation. You know, just hang out with someone for a few weeks until it all comes back. I have applied for all types of positions, however no luck yet. What else do I need to do?

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Specializes in N/A.

Now come on.....I live in Nashville.

There are plenty of people hiring here. I look up available jobs everyday for research purposes, have you even tried looking yet?

Use St. Thomas Health career services, Vanderbilt is hiring, Centennial is hiring, I saw about 25 nursing homes that were hiring..

One thing you have to keep in mind is that you sat out for nine years! That was your choice and I'm sure you had a good reason for doing it.....but there are other nurses who have been working this whole time.....and they are going to have first pick and frankly they deserve it. You will probably have to bite the bullet, start off slow and work your way back up to where you were.

Sometimes in life we have to take a step backwards to take three forward...

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Maybe expand your search. Try an FQHC. A lot of times they hire RN's for Directors of Nursing and Quality Assurance Directors.Also try somew of the Health care plans as a case manager.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MED SURG.
Now come on.....I live in Nashville.

There are plenty of people hiring here. I look up available jobs everyday for research purposes, have you even tried looking yet?

Use St. Thomas Health career services, Vanderbilt is hiring, Centennial is hiring, I saw about 25 nursing homes that were hiring..

One thing you have to keep in mind is that you sat out for nine years! That was your choice and I'm sure you had a good reason for doing it.....but there are other nurses who have been working this whole time.....and they are going to have first pick and frankly they deserve it. You will probably have to bite the bullet, start off slow and work your way back up to where you were.

Sometimes in life we have to take a step backwards to take three forward...

I'm not saying that there are no jobs...just no one will give me a chance. I know that I sat out for nine years, but I have to get a job before I can do anything. I have applied at all of the places you have mentioned, and I agree I probably need to start out slow...I would be more comfortable with that anyway. The question I am asking is where do I look? I am not from Nashville, and therefore I don't know the places that some of you do. That's what I need help with. And about the nursing homes, all of the RN positions were management. That's what got me into this mess is management! At this point, I need clinical experience. Thanks for all of your help.

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Please help, returning to clinical setting but can't find a job-TN I know it is hard to try to get back into the field. Unfortunately, just taking the refresher course does no good. They all want recent experience. Go back to the bottom so to speak and try in a doctors office, TLC, look for a hospital that is taking new grads and has a program for orientation that goes beyond. Try your large teaching hospitals first, they will, if anyone, often give you the chance first. Remember, our healthcare is also in crisis and they will want the more expereienced so their for that institution is lower. Also, check when budgets in your area are renewed. You shoud be able to get in somewhere where they are taking new grads. That is essentially what you are now. Good luck and I will pray for you. :coollook:

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MED SURG.

You are right...the refresher course did me no good with getting a job. I have applied to a couple of places for new grads. There's not many of those though. I will look into the doctor's office today. Keep the suggestions coming. This is exactly what I need! There are jobs out there, I just have to find one! Thanks again for all of your help.

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You know you are not alone. I've only been away from nursing for little over a year and am already having a very difficult time even getting an interview (got one, but no offer). I'll just keep trying and hoping for the best.

Have you thought about a seasonal job giving flu shots? Mollen and Maxim are two companies that are hiring right now. It's not my first choice, either, but I may have to consider it.

Best of luck to you!

DeLana

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MED SURG.

That's an idea that I had not heard of. Thanks...I will look into it. Good luck to you too.

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Specializes in ER, ICU, MED SURG.

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update. I followed some suggestions and now I have two job offers. I went to a rehabilitation hospital for ortho/neuro patients. Thanks for all of the words of encouragement and advice.

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