RN can’t find work

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Hello all, I have been an RN for 6yrs now. I have worked in nursing homes, rehabs and worked mostly in hospice. Some of the things I don’t like about nursing homes; the patient to nurse ratio and the work that is required to be done in a shift (almost impossible to thoroughly complete my work). I’m unable to give the patient the care they need due to the workload. I have left hospice to gain experience in another area of nursing. I have applied to numerous hospitals and facilities and I get the same response; I do not meet the qualifications and they have pursued other candidates. There seems to be a nurse shortage however because some nurses don’t have certain experiences we are not hired or considered for a position. How can we gain the experience if no one is willing to train us? Help!!! Been out of work for 2mos. now...any suggestions?

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

Do you have a good explanation for why you've been out of work for two months - why did you leave before you had another job lined up? Could that be playing into it?

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

So you have a good amount of experience in ambulatory care. But none in acute care?

Where you are there may not be a "nursing shortage." So, can you move where there is a nursing shortage? Can you go to home health in the meantime? Good luck!

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@SaltineQueen I been looking for work even before leaving my previous job. Too many patients, very heavy workload not enough time to complete the work. I have to protect my license so I knew that wasn’t the place for me.

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So I am a newer nurse. Less than a year experience in a hospital setting. I have met a few nurses that worked in nursing home and applied to hospital for years before they finally got into the hospital I work at. Sadly it seems the longer you work at a nursing home the harder it can be to get a hospital job. At least from the few people I met in my area. One person ended up having to go from nursing home to in patient psych before she could then get on a psych unit in the hospital. You may have to apply for less favorable jobs in a hospital system and then wait till you can apply internally to get to a preferred unit.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

OP: Employed nurses have better opportunities to find a job compared to those who are unemployed. I understand that you emotionally felt that there was a need to quit a job before having another lined up, but you may have shot yourself in the foot. In fact, have you read your state BON's website on why nurses lose his/her license? If not, please do. There are a number of reasons to hate the nursing practices of an employer, but the likelihood of losing one's license for practicing under your scope of practice is not an easy thing to do.

Some advice, don't waste your time with the hospital setting if you are receiving an indication that you are not qualified. Other nursing settings may be in demand in your area (have an actual nursing shortage) and may be willing to hire and train you to be successful. For example, you can work in community nursing, public health, prison/jail, private care, home health, working for an insurance company, private practice, clinics, etc... Also, during an interview try to positively spin your gap in employment if over 6 months and your last employer. Good luck.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Have you tried signing up with an agency? You may be able to be placed in some areas that will lead to at least some "experience" in the areas you want.

Getting certified in various things might help too, for instance ACLS, if you aren't already.

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