1,060 Posts
I definitely don't think travel nursing "ruins" your resume. I worked a travel assignment for almost 2 years at UMC in the resource pool. It was by far the best experience I've ever had.
It sounds like you're single? So you are perfect for traveling. The first job I had traveling I was too financially strapped to get to my assignment, so I told them that. They sent me a 700$ check (which was their relocation allowance). Normally it would be on my 1st check.
Try Premier Healthcare Professionals - they were the only truly honest travel company I dealt with.
Good luck to you - it sounds like you are really having a hard time. (((hugs)))
80 Posts
What in the world? I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. Would you consider branching out and training in a different nursing field? How about home health, community nursing, different areas in the hospital such as recovery, ICU, operating room, cath lab. Remember to not limit yourself!
253 Posts
What in the world? I'm sorry you're having such a tough time. Would you consider branching out and training in a different nursing field? How about home health, community nursing, different areas in the hospital such as recovery, ICU, operating room, cath lab. Remember to not limit yourself!
There is no hospital that I have applied to that is willing to train me out of Med/Surg. It seems they are hiring New Grads (no offense), but Med/Surg was suppose to be the basics of all nursing. Everytime I apply they say I don't have enough experience in that specialty. The Tele/ICU position I had was only 13 weeks long, and they needed nurses so bad they were taking Med/Surg.
253 Posts
4,700 Posts
Have you thought about applying to the VA? I know that they are establishing an internal travel nursing program. With your experience in LTC/Dementia you would be picked up. (As a psych nurse for the VA I can tell you that a lot of my patients are agitated patients with dementia.) Best of luck!
4,177 Posts
it is always so frustrating when you are having difficulty finding a job, one reason why i shifted to nursing in my doltage
as suggested try everything that you can possibly qualify for, if you would like to return to traveling that would give your a lot of experience in diverse specilities and once your are established you might find your self in a part of the country where there is a shortage
most places in the country finding a job is not a difficult thing but right now with the economy in a slump there are a lot of sahm who have returned to work
i live on gulf coast and there is NO shortage of jobs
come on down
253 Posts
This is the type of letter I received when applying for a permanent position at a hospital in Southern California. It was for 3 positions in Med/Surg. Didn't want to leave a name, because that isn't nice, but this is what I usually get. I don't get it.
I would like to thank you for your interest in a current position at BLANK Medical Center.
Unfortunately, after careful review of all the qualified candidates, your resume
was not forwarded to the department for consideration. We select candidates
whose skills, knowledge and experience provide the best qualifications for the
position.
295 Posts
Have you spoken to Nurse Managers? Maybe it is something in your resume that is turning potential employers off. I would try to get an appointment with one and ask for a resume evaluation, who knows it could turn into a job, or maybe your school or another local CC or University nursing program could assist you. What about state nursing associations?
253 Posts
Have you spoken to Nurse Managers? Maybe it is something in your resume that is turning potential employers off. I would try to get an appointment with one and ask for a resume evaluation, who knows it could turn into a job, or maybe your school or another local CC or University nursing program could assist you. What about state nursing associations?
Thanks so much for your suggestion, but I did that a month ago with my mentor. My mentor who has been a nurse for 31 years says my resume is fine. She has been a DON, ADON, and now is in Hospice Case Management. I have great references, that no one even checks. I swear only one or two places have called my professional references to do a background.
I can't go back to my school, I don't live there anymore. I left the East Coast, for the same reason. But, before I thought it was because of my LTC background and not enough Med/Surg or what they would call Acute hospital experience. Seriously, though what I learned in LTC, has made me the nurse I am today. No regrets ever. But, I would get the same letters from hospitals out East. Question is who
Now I have been a nurse for 3 years and I can't find a job. And I met someone at my last assignment who has been a nurse for 20 years and can't find one either. I know I am not the only one with this problem. I probaby will have to do another travel assignment, since that is the only offers I am getting. I would like a home someday. Sigh.
253 Posts
I just wanted to say one thing, because my internet is getting shut off on Monday. I hope that people who have jobs appreciate that they do, even though some days are hell, or it might not be the best place. Don't complain about it and say it sucks. Look at me who has nothing left and can't even get to an interview. I never thought I would ever be starving, on the verge of homelessness, and begging for a job, with my RN and college degree.
Dixielee, BSN, RN
1,222 Posts
Gracious, you have had a hard time. I don't know where in Arizona you are, but there were lots of travel jobs last time I looked. I have not heard about traveling ruining your resume, if anything, I think it improves it. If you can't even get to a job because your finances are so low though, I am not sure how traveling will help. You have to get there first.
You may be able to find a company who provides a rental car, but you still have to put gas in it and wait for your first paycheck 2-3 weeks after you start.
Good luck to you.