DinoJack

I live in the southeast...Mobile / Pensacola area.

Hi everyone. I have been unemployed for two years because I have young children and my husband was stationed overseas. My background is Pacu. I tried to make the best of my time off by starting and finishing a RN to BSN program (GPA 3.94) and being a volunteer nurse at a Church based free clinic. I started job hunting 6 months ago, and I have yet to land a job. I have had 7 different interviews at separate facilities (actually 15 because I interviewed twice at each place, one place I interviewed 3 times for the same job). I feel the interviews went well, but someone is always more qualified than I am. I have tried to stay in PACU and go to different specialties, I am very open to anything..I just want to work. I feel my resume is good because I actually get interviews. I also feel I am very likable....so what's wrong? Just looking for any other similar experiences. I am so down about it that I have thought about getting a MBA and getting out of nursing all together. I feel I am a hard worker and great nurse. I am very loyal - anyone would be lucky to have me. What gives? Any experiences or advise?

Thank you! I did leave a message with the nurse recruiter last week but did not hear back from them. You are correct, I want to put the information right out in the open and be honest from the start - no use wasting the VA's time or my own. I know the process is long. Whatever information I find out, I will post here so others can be informed as well.

Thanks for the info. I read the VA handbook and this requirement can be waived but it varies by facility. They might take into consideration that my BSN came from a CCNE college - who knows. It is worth a shot...the worst that can happen is that I won't be able to work there. It makes no sense that the handbook also states that "In cases of foreign graduates, possession of an unrestricted nursing license will fulfill the NLNAC accreditation requirements." That should apply to nurses who graduated from US nursing schools also. Thus far, my nursing school has never impacted my career in a negative way. In fact, Ill be getting my MSN soon. Thanks again...I post a follow up on my situation.

I know this thread is old, but hoping RLeeRN could answer they ever worked for the VA or not. I an active duty veteran and military spouse who got my ADN from a non NLNAC college. Since then, I received my BSN through a CCNE college. Wondering if it is worth my time applying to a Dept of VA job. I don't want to call a recruiter to ask because then I feel like my application is flagged. Maybe I should apply and just see if it goes through.

Hello OR nurses! I was wondering, how long is the typical orientation for OR nurses who get hired on PRN? I am thinking about applying for a PRN position but I am nervous if I will be able to handle the job with my minimal training. I have been unemployed for two years due to having babies and a deployed spouse. I have been volunteering at a free clinic to maintain my skills during my unemployment....no OR work, just clinic work. Prior to my unemployment, I was a perioperative nurse for 3 years in an outpatient surgery center. I worked in preop/PACU for 2 years and one day an OR nurse never showed up for her shift so I was pulled to the OR and had a few minimal orientation (about 2 weeks). I ended up working in the OR with ortho cases for about a year. Anyways, in a nut shell, I have 1 year OR expirience with a lousy orientation and I have not worked in an OR for two years. In your unit, would your manager ever consider hiring a person like this for PRN and train them? I have been waiting for a full time slot to open up and nothing - just PRN. I think PRN may get my foot in the door for full time later on. I have tried to switch nursing specialties but it is hard because I lack experience in everything except perioperative nursing and clinic work.

Thanks guys...I think it's very interesting as well. I was so drawn to the job advertisement. I never even thought about fertility nursing. It just does not have many positions or opportunities for nurses I guess. I think your right,Klone, not too much room for development at the particular location. However, it would be so unique to have on my resume and it might make future employers look twice at my resume. Plus, it just seems like something I would truly love to do.

Hello everyone. I am not sure under what specialty to post this, but I was wondering if anyone has experience in fertility nursing? I have an interview on Saturday with a WHNP and fertility MD for a full time position. My background is perioperative nursing so this is very new to me. I really don't even know how I got the interview....I put in my resume out of curiosity and never expected a reply. The job description was vague but it looks like a lot of assisting with IVF, IUI, and other procedures and a lot of client teaching and interaction. Just wondering if anyone out there has experience....I am also curious about the pay. My biggest fear is that there will be no room for career growth and advancement. What does everyone think?

My supervisor is VERY helpful. I was just looking to discuss the job and legality issues with other nurses who are in the field. Many nurses own and operate these home companion companies. The concept is just new to me as I have never worked outside of the hospital. I have read all the laws and regulations. In the home care setting, management is a proper role for me to take as there are not field nurses. CNAs care for the clients. It's home care - not home health.

Thanks everyone. The position is now unavailable. School nursing just seems like a hard job to get around my home. There are not many! Too bad for the kiddos.

Hello all! I am a RN and my background is in perioperative nursing. I also have a lot of experience in management. I have been unemployed recently for two years by choice to be a full time stay at home home. I decided to go back to work this month and I actually got several job offers to my surprise. I ended up choosing a home companion position (different from home health). My job as an RN is to work part time as a contractor and to do patient admissions in the patients homes and conduct occasional supervisory visits for the CNAs. This is a great schedule for my personal life and I feel the position has potential. I could eventually become a case manager or director for the company. Anyways, I am nervous about the job. I am in the state of Florida and this is a new home companion/home care company. I want to make sure everyone is following policy and my license is protected. I am actually nervous to the point where I might give up this great opportunity. I am so confused why companies like these don't need a medical director? How can an RN go to a potential clients home and determine if the patient needs companion care or home health care, ect? This just seems out of my scope of practice. Also, this is my first time that I am working as an independent contractor. Do I need to notify my BON? This stuff is brand new to me and I feel like a new grad again. The job seems easy enough....I am just concerned about legality issues. Does anyone have experience in this field? I would love to hear for your thoughts or experiences especially if you reside in Florida. thanks!

I know this is an old thread, but whatever happened RixMix? I am in a similar situation. My original ADN program was not NLN accredited, but recognized through every state BON ( I work and have licenses as an RN in multiple states). I even got my RN to BSN through a great school accredited by the CCNE. Now I want to apply for a VA job. I am very nervous.

Hello everyone. I desperately want to be a school nurse. I am an RN with 2.5 experience in perioperative nursing. There are only 7 RN school nurses in the county and they supervise techs at 31 schools in the county. I thought a position would never open and just recently one finally did. It looks like a company called PSA is advertising for the school nurse position. I think normally this company deals with private duty pediatric nursing. I have sent in a couple resumes and applications and yet no responses, but the position is still being advertised. Would it be inappropriate for me to e mail one of the school nurses directly about the position? I found a list of their email addresses on the county's website. I really want this job and who knows when a position will be available again.