Nurse456

I hear you JZ. It's definitely frustrating. I have been doing LTC for 9 months - only job available after graduation last year. I have been applying to hospitals. I recently called a family friend who is an MD to ask for some help. It was kinda humiliating but after much prodding from friends I did it - they say "its called networking!" I say it's groveling. Anyway he was more than happy to help and placed a call to HR. He called me back and said "they are reviewing your resume as we speak!". For days I jumped for joy every time my phone rang. Well, it's been 2 weeks. I think what's missing is acute care experience. (duh!) So I decided to get ACLS certified. Maybe it will boost my chances of getting hired in a hospital, who knows. It can't hurt to have it, it's a good refresher after not being in school for a year. In the meantime, keep the smile plastered on. Give the best care you can - given our limited staff/supplies/support. After a recent heinous day from hell my nurse manager came out of her office (rare) and said "i don't know how you do it! I really don't!!" Really?!!

JZ_RN - LOVE it. I too hate it with the passion of a thousand burning suns. That made me laugh. I needed to laugh….

Congrats newrnltc and good luck!! You have given me hope in my job search!!

I do want details!!! But I can't IM b/c I only have posted twice, and I have to post 15x before I can IM. Can I forward you my resume?

CapeCod Mermaid: Your LTC facility sounds wonderful, and rare. Are you hiring? :) I live very close to Cape Cod!

newrnltc, I was unable to get a New Grad position at a hospital, and ended up taking a LTC position because it was better than no job. I have been there 6 months. I am getting more efficient at time management, but really, all that means is I've now become quite familiar with each resident, I know what meds they get and can pop em and crush em faster and convince them to take them with only a few occasionally resisting/refusing (geri-psychs are a particular challenge) but for the most part I have become a familiar face and have earned the Resident's trust. Am I becoming a more skilled nurse? Nope. Am I learning new skills? Nope, I am losing skills that I learned in nursing school. We have no IVs on our floor. No GTs. I have done one foley (in 6 months!) It was my hope that after 6 months "experience" I could apply to hospitals and get a real nursing job. I've spent the last 3 weeks updating my resume and applying everywhere. If I hear back, it's a rejection. I am so discouraged. I feel the longer I stay here the less marketable I become. I no longer can apply for new grad programs because technically I am "experienced" but realistically, I have no more experience than a new grad. Our CNAs are great, but we are chronically understaffed and they are not allowed to do vital signs. I do my own vitals with a bp cuff I had to purchase myself, the facility doesn't supply them. We have a receptionist part time but when she is not there we have to drop everything and answer the phone. We also have to drop everything and feed the residents, 3x a day during a12 hour shift. I clock out from 1 to 3 hours after my shift ends due to the ridiculous and repetitive documenting - all hand written. Quitting is not an option for me either. I need the money. I'm sorry for the Debbie Downer vent! I'm just so frustrated.