KayteRN

I also just started working in ICU (cardiac/neuro) after 1.5 years working in psych. I am struggling. It's been a very difficult adjustment. There is so much to keep track of and to know. It's still quite overwhelming. Just when I think I'm on top of things I'll have forgotten something (often albeit minor, tho could turn out to be more of a big deal) and it really hurts my self esteem. I never thought myself to be an anxious person but working in this environment since March (I am off orientation in 4 days) has made me an anxious hot mess of a person. Im always paranoid (speak of psych! Lol) I'm forgetting something and don't feel comfortable talking to doctors (much different on ICU than behavioral health, of course) and have lots of trouble with time management and prioritization/organization, etc. I have asked for a lot of help and I feel I get "oh you're doing well, it'll come." or "you'll get it". And what I want is explicit redirection to keep me on task when I am doing things out of order or that are wasting time unbeknownst to myself. It's been a very frustrating experience. And I am on the clock to be done with orientation in days. I'll have a "resource person" and I know people will help in a crunch, but I need help with just tasky things too, and time management. I can't say I regret the change from psych yet, but as of now I loath going into work. It consumes me day and night.

I was hired at a county psych hospital, which is sucky in the area. Worked there for almost a year and JUST got hired at a very great hospital in my area on another psych unit.* I have these on my record: possession/paraphernalia, marijuana (2001) DUI (2005) and minor retail theft (2008) I was always honest on my application. The hr lady was very nice to me when they offered me the job but do the check after the offer. She said I had already been working and had great letters of recommendation and none was involved in patient cAre. (I.e. She told me they once had to retract an offer for a guy who had battery on his record - he hit his wife...as he would be involved in direct pt care...)* I graduated in may 2009 but didn't get hired til sept 2010! Hang in there. It tool me a long time to move into a nice place. You can't be very picky. It's been a struggle. I have had probably 12 interviews at different hospitals, many great interviews and not been hired. And finally I was at a fantastic community hospital. I start orientation sept 12. *I did a lot. I applied feverishly. I volunteered at an STD clinic while serving tables looking for a job, I also had a nurse mentor I kept in toch with who provided me with and still supports me. She was my roughest clinical instructor and I ended up passing her class and kept in touch with her. She provided me with a great letter of recommendation when I had no experience. Make connections with other nurses. Accept leadership. And keep your head up. It's just the economy. No other time would this happen to you with a record that still allows you to work. If you can get your license, someone will hire you. It may just take you longer than your peers. I know it did for me. Sent from my iPhone

I just recently got a job as a psych nurse on a mainly geropsych unit, that I began 3 weeks ago. There are some younger pts as well, but "frail", or vulnerable (as if psych pts aren't). i.e. with more medical problems as well, that may have greater difficulty on another unit with more violent pts who act out a lot. Anywho. I am feeling very overwhelmed. I have had different preceptors each time I go into work, and it's challenging. There are pros to this, but I don't prefer it overall. I am trying to get tips on what questions to ask for my 1:1 assessment every shift. Some pts are developementally disabled, and therefore can't really answer if they've had a bm lately, or even how they feel, or if they feel safe, etc. It's hard to figure out the questions to ask each pt. I feel like a total moron at frequent intervals. Everyone has been really nice (co-workers), but I just feel so dumb. I've never worked in a hospital (besides nursing clincials), and NEVER worked in THIS type of atmosphere, with very labile people, who snap on the drop of a dime, at times. I feel like I'm dancing around their behavior. I know to set limits, but it's hard when someone is shouting in your face how they are "not going to take that medication" and "you don't know sh**, Bit*#", etc etc. I am trying to pick up some key phrases for redirection and things like that to kind of put in my back pocket and branch out as I become more comfortable. I get different information from nurse to nurse at my job, and I don't know how to proceed really. I just find this whole experience very challenging. I do LIKE it, it's just like I said, I feel stupid. Everyone is very positive and "you'll get it! it took me 6 months at least to feel better about coming to work, there's so much to know!" but I feel like I am progressing too slowly. Advice please?

I also just got my first RN job in a behavioral health setting, working in the county facility. There is the potential for violent patients, and that does frighten me. I DO however feel, that a "good" psych nurse is able to communicate and tune into signs that someone is getting aggitated and may intervene BEFORE they start throwing chairs or assault you. I hope I am right. I have had classroom orientation for 1 week, and have another 1 week of classroom, and then we are on the unit for 2 weeks at minimum, unless we need more time. (Given this is my FIRST nursing position, I believe I will need more time that some of the others in my group. There are 2 relatively new grads, but this is not their first position, as it is mine, so I'm at the biggest disadvantage here). I'm excited to have a job in an economy like this, but scared as well due to the threat of violence. I'm on a geropsych unit, so I hope that the age of the population indicates that violence may be less likely, or infrequent. We shall see.... Good luck in your psych persuits!

I am in the exact same boat here. 1 year later, RN and still no job. DON'T go to school for nursing and waste all of that time. They won't give you a chance (employers). They simply wont.

i wouldn't bother. I have a record. I got INTO school. I graduated from school. I was allowed a license. I passed my boards. And a year later, nobody will hire me. Even though it's illegal to NOT hire me based on my background. THey can. And they do. What a waste. And now I owe $75K in student loans, working as a waitress.

No. I filed bankruptcy last year and still took my nclex. Havne't found someone to hire me yet, but thats another story.

Had interviews at 2 different places the last week in june. BOTH were really great! One place (a rehab unit at a LTC) I had a 2nd interview. HR knew about the background, and called me in for the 2nd. I thought this was a great sign. The other place, was case management nursing. Which I was interested in as well. The interview was wonderful. I mean the lady who conducted it was so nice, and seemed so eager to have me sign on. HR called me and hour after the interview, and emailed me a sheet with the background information I had to disclose, and wanted my references. So I disclosed everything. And have not heard from them. I am SO frustrated. I mean *** (pardon my language). It's been such a long road, and even after a great interview, and everything goes well. I get denied. Its illegal in WI to deny me because of my background. But they do. It's so maddening. I am irate. I emailed both places to follow up, and have heard nothing. I want to scream. I just want and ANSWER.

I agree with who said to stay and work. Also a new grad, and been looking FOR A YEAR. I would give anything to have a hospital job. PLUS, many hospitals, (even in this economy) will help pay for a portion of your schooling if you decide you like it and want to persue the BSN. And if you stick it out for a year and still hate it, then maybe instead of BSN you can go back for something more geared towards your current interests. ??? I think it's tough but you're not alone. Everyone has warned me about feeling the way you do. I think it's pretty normal actually. Many people have been where you are. You too can do this.

I really feel for you. I have been in the same situation (in WI) since LAST MAY. Of 09! So for me it's been over a year. I just started volunteering at an STD clinic and a free clinic I start volunteering at within 1 week to try to network and make connections. I have had some really good interviews but no hires. I have background issues as well which I think is my problem primarily. As the last 2 interviews I had were excellent, but have yet to hear back from them. And both sounded like they really wanted to hire me. 1 knew about my background and I still got called for a 2nd interview, the other didn't, but of course I disclosed everything. But neither has checked my refs yet. It's very depressing. Hang in there. Everyone else tells me to do the same, but I'm running on a short fuse these days with regards to having an upbead attitude about it all. Good luck.

What type of establishment did you get hired at? Was it recently? With the economy dive and all? I'm really hopeful about this job, but obviously, I have an uphill battle. I'm not sure whether it's a tiny hill, or a big ole' one quite yet. Time will tell I guess. I'm glad to hear SOMEONE was though! That's reassuring. How long have you been working? What's your job hunting story?

Right. I have my license. It's the JOB I'm concerned with now. I have them listed in the begining of the blog I believe.

I've found it hard, as I have no experience. So I don't know how to get into home health. How did you do it Chicago? Did you have prior experience? I just had an excellent interview at a hosp in Milwaukee. I was recomended by HR to be interviewed, long story. And it went well. I shadowed today to see if I'd like it. But there has been no official offer yet. I am waiting to see how it goes. Nauseatingly hopeful. But we'll see. I'll definately send an update in two weeks when I'm expected to hear, after they've done my reference check/background, etc. Fingers crossed.

That's horrible. I am a diabetic (type 1), and wear a tiffany style bracelet with and engraved charm on it stating "diabetic insulin" on both sides of the charm. I would think that as a medical professional, it's horrible practice to overlook an engraved bracelet because it doesn't look like it'd be a medical bracelet.

I always refer to these as the "default email" and have gotten it frequently. I granduated in May (BSN, and am a new RN) and am having great difficulty finding a job, but have an interview on monday for a hospital in my area. I am praying that it is positive and ends positively. Staying hopeful!

I don't want to discourage you from doing that. But depending what state you're in. It may not be an option. For instance. In WI, you can get some felonies overturned I believe 10 years after or something. However, to do that, the governer has to agree to overturn it. And governers don't typically DO that, because they don't want to appear soft on crime. So you could end up paying all that money to a lawyer, only to have nothing happen. I have 2 friends who are dating lawyers, and they both asked them, both told me that with MISDEMEANORS or MUNICIPAL VIOLATIONS (which is what i have) you can NOT get them overturned. Isn't that ridiculous?!?!??! It makes no sense, but that's the law. So check. But even if you CAN, there is no guarantee that it will happen. Just know that we may be in for the long haul. Keep trying. And trust. I KNOW how depressing and frustrating this can be. I am at the same breaking point you are I'm sure.

I am in a similar yet different situation. I have a municipal violation for retail theft, (as well as a DUI and marijuana conviction from 10 years back). I am a RN, BSN in the state of WI. So I was given my license, but am having problems finding a job. I actually was hired at a LTC facility. And began work last week, but it's been a horrible experience all around, and the place is not good. So I am quitting. I would rather give up my $23 an hour to serve tables in the meantime than be affiliated with poor care (via the facility reputation). It's really hard to get into a hospital, or anywhere. This was the first bite I had after applying. I've had a few interviews, but all send the default email or letter in the mail saying they've "gone with someone more qualified". I'm keeping up with it for awhile longer. I love nursing. And this is what I want to do. Although, if I can't get a chance somewhere (other than this current hell hole) I will have to try to think about other options of employment to fund my $770/mo student loans. To think I racked up $70K in student loan debt only to NOT be able to do what I worked so hard to learn breaks my heart. And has me very depressed actually. So I understand how you must be feeling.

It's really stressfull. I find myself getting depressed already, because I have a history as well. So not only am I dealing with a bad economy, I am dealing with my own past as well. It's hard to stay positive. I was so hopeful that this job would have worked out. I am trying to network, because I do know some people in somewhat high places. But at the hospital I know people, they already have 16-18 new grads to place in house before they can hire an outsider. I LOVE that hospital, and had 2 clinical rotations there. I met with an HR lady recently, just to talk, and she was like "I really like you, and I am so sorry we don't have a position for you here! I wish I had an open spot that I could just place you already!" She was kind enough to try to contact others she has worked with at surrounding hospitals in her past to see if they have anything. I am in the process of waiting to hear from the others this week. So we'll see. But I am realistic. I don't look good on paper, but if hired, I know they would be happy with my performance. However, how do you convince them of this idea upfront? I dont' know what I can SAY that will get that across. It's bleak. I think I may work this week at the other place I hate, just for the paycheck's purpose. And at least I know that the care I GIVE will NOT be substandard. I can't really speak for anyone else. I'll probably speak to someone mid to end of the week about my concerns, and put in my resignation. It's a shame, I'd love to say I could have been apart of it if it were on the UP-swing. But I really don't see that as being the case. It appears to be a steady decline. I don't want to be associated with such. I already have to deal with people passing judgement based on my past, I don't need my resume to speak for me in that regard as well.

Never bring up salary until THEY bring it up. They'll tell you what they want to offer you, and if you want to say "is that negotiable?" But make sure you know what new grads are making in your area first.

I just accepted a job at a LTC facility. Graduated BSN in may, and passed my NCLEX in December, after I waited a bit to take it. I started this last monday, and after 5 days, I don't think I can go back monday. THere are so many violations in the particular place, it's horrible. I feel like the care is so substandard. The DON recently quit, the administrator quit, the nurse manager on my unit quit as well as another nurse I worked with, she just put in her notice. This is all after a for profit company took over a non-profit LTC. There is a lot of unrest amongst the staff, and I have literally heard NOTHING BUT bad things. From countless people. It's the topic of conversation all day. So I've decided it's best I not work there, and I'd rather go back to serving tables until I find something better. I would prefer a hospital, although I'm not "too good" for a LTC facility. I could work there I think. But this place, was a total hell hole. I feel horible for the residents/patients there. And I'm not willing to have my license be in jeopardy if the company puts too much work on my shoulders, and it becomes easier to make errors. For a new grad, that's way too much. I don't want to go down with this place. I don't even want to list it on my resume. It'd be more of an embarassment that I was even affiliated, even for 5 days. So I've learned something too good to be true. Is. I was hired after the first interview. No references were checked. I was never given a drug test. How ridiculous!!!!! I mean really. I know they verified my licensure at least. But geeeze!!!

This just in: the company I just was hired at. I'm quitting asap. I MAY go back on monday, but we'll see. It's horrible. There are so many violations, and such substandard care it's ridiculous. Evidently the state is supposed to come in because it was recently sold to another company, and the state has to evaluate it 90 days after a buyout. So they are due, and nurses have said that they are going to have so many violations/fines/black marks, etc. I don't feel comfortable having a place like that on my resume, so I've felt it's better I quit. I'd rather serve tables, (which is what I was doing, I just put in my 2 weeks at the restaurant I work at) than work at a place that promotes substandard patient care. I feel really bad for the patients/residents there. SO many people have quit. The DON quit, the administrator quit, the nurse manager on my floor put in her notice, as well as another nurse I worked with. I mean "all the rats are leaving the ship", I think that means the place is on fire. So I'm still looking for something better. And in the meantime, I'll be serving tables. And probably trying to volunteer in a medical environment, if possible. I would much rather NOT be a nurse in any fashion, than to give bad patient care. In any capacity. So I feel more comforatble with this decision. Even if I'll make 1/2 of what I WOULD be making. Oh well. At least I have my integrity, and dignity.

Like I said, I have different things on my record than you do. But I have MORE things on my record as well. I just recently started at a rehab facility. I am leary, because its definately NOT my first choice of employment. I'd much rather a hospital. But I have interviewed at a few, and no bite. This place, I don't think is that great to be honest. THey have hired a bunch of new grads, and LPN's recently. They just changed ownership, so there are a lot of kinks to work out. And I hope it ends up becoming a better place, and following regulations, etc. Because right now, I'm feelign like I accepted an offer for just "any ole place". The typical resident/patient is a title19, and it is in an urban area of lower economic status. I WILL say that I DO think you'll find something. I know it's hard, because you're still looking. But SOMEBODY will hire you. You will have to look harder than someone without anything on their record, no doubt. But you'll find something. I would look in nursing homes or rehab facilities. They seem to possibly be less strict about that type of thing, in my experience. I have interviewed at 4 hospitals, and never had a 2nd interview. But got this job right away. It's not my first choice, but it pays $23 an hour, plus a 1500 sign on bonus, and I'm grateful to just have a job in my field. Even if it's not my ideal job. Hopefully, I can use it as a stepping stone, and after time passes, I can find something in a more acute environment. Good luck to you. If I can help you in any way, let me know. I know it's hard to find support or people who understand. All of my friends were behind me, but they didn't really "know".

Just reporting back. I just found a job! It's at a Rehab health facility, I start on monday. So I answered my own question. "Yes. You can get hired with priors".

I did get a job afterall! I had my interview last week, it went wonderfully! I think I may have been fortunate as to how it all worked out. I submitted my resume online, and didn't fill out and application, so I did't have to answer "the question". After the interview that went really well, the nurse manager said I had to fill out an application just for procedural sake. So I did, and the question just asked "have you committed any crimes other than traffice violations". I checked "yes" and it said "please explain" I wrote in: "would love the opportunity to discuss with HR". I got a call the next day with a job offer. I went in 3 days later to fill out the paperwork for the instutition, W2's, etc. I filled out the official criminal background form, and wrote everything in honestly. After doing so, I handed it back to HR, and said "I have listed everythign honestly, but wanted to know if you feel that what I have listed may hinder this process from moving any further". She was so nice, and was like "You know, I've hired people with worse, if you had a lot of the same thing multiple times, I would think twice, but I feel that it's not that big of a deal. I understand why you're nervous, but there is no reason for me not to hire you by what you have listed". So I just bought a bunch of scrubs online for my first RN job! yay!!! : ) I start on Monday. It's a rehab/long term facility. Not my ideal area, although I feel extrememly fortunate to have a job, a) with my background, and b) with the economy in general. I am elated! So there IS hope afterall! Who knew!? Everyone always told me that SOMEONE will hire me, and I was getting extremely discouraged, but I finally know that they were right. Good luck to everyone else as well! There is something out there! Just takes time!

Well. I didn't get that job. I am very disappointed. I wanted to call HR tomorrow and speak to the interviewer to ask some questions about what I may improve upon, etc. I have been told my numerous people to try to do this. Especially since it is fresh in the interviewers mind. I have 2 upcoming interviews for rehab facilities. Which I would also like. We'll see. If I am up against much better candidates, it's easy to see why someone would not want an RN with no experience, and priors. I see that. But I just keep hoping someone. ANYONE will have a little faith, and allow me to prove them wrong.