Rough start, need guidance.

[AGtx2017, ADN, BSN]

I've been a nurse for a year and a half. I just completed my RN to BSN. It took me 4 months to find a full time job after school,  mainly because I lived in a small town. I worked in a covid wing,  and after 6 months my husband got orders to relocate (we're a military family). Upon moving to a new state,  it took me a while to get situated.  I had 2 job offers,  but my toddler's daycare situation was not working out. He has a developmental disability, and the facility decided it was not a good fit. I declined the offer I really wanted, and continued orientation for a PRN position.  Things seemed OK, but the nurse Educator seemed overbearing and scheduled me at least 5-6 days a week in classes and shadowing for 4 weeks straight. I could not keep up. My husband was calling in at his job to help me with our son and I asked to reschedule many times.  Eventually my manager had a chat with me about attendance,  and I explained everything,  but it didn't help. When I returned to orientation, everyone was gossiping and seemed to have negative input on my situation. I was not happy.  I resigned.  After my manager accepted it,  she listed me as terminated.  I found another shortly after at a clinic,  and by then my children had ft daycare. Things were okay,  but it was a temporary assignment through the county for 15 weeks. I'm currently out of work waiting for them to give me another assignment. The pay is the worst,  and I don't feel I'm using much nursing skills that I worked so hard on. I'm not sure where to turn.  My goal was to work in an outpatient clinic,  but only after developing enough skills in bedside for at least 2 years. I don't have any nurse friends that have enough experience to give good advice,  or provide any guidance. I guess I'm putting myself out there seeking advice. I've applied to many positions in the area that I'm qualified for, but no luck. I've reached out to the USO for job assistance,  but so far only one interview. I realize people may think I'm not don't enough,  but military moving is difficult and I never meant to burn my bridges.  My kids must come first. 

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

It's unfortunate that things didn't so smoothly for your initially but it sounds like you're in a better, more stable, position now. You may have to broaden your search in order to gain experience. Have to tried long term care and rehab facilities? They are often a first stop for nurses that need a position, the staffing and workload can be challenging, but they are a good place to improve many skills like time management, assessments, and working with a team to delegate care. Good luck finding a good fit!

[TAKOO01, BSN]

Maybe you have tried this, but how about a federal job? Security,  benefits and when you move there's a chance you can can transfer with the job.

[AGtx2017, ADN, BSN]

On 6/13/2022 at 10:53 AM, JBMmom said:

It's unfortunate that things didn't so smoothly for your initially but it sounds like you're in a better, more stable, position now. You may have to broaden your search in order to gain experience. Have to tried long term care and rehab facilities? They are often a first stop for nurses that need a position, the staffing and workload can be challenging, but they are a good place to improve many skills like time management, assessments, and working with a team to delegate care. Good luck finding a good fit!

Thank you.  I have not tried LTC. I always said it would be my last resort,  and apparently it is now.  My boss is currently pushing for me to take an assignment I am not interested in due to distance and it being with high school age. I would definitely like to gain more bedside care experience though. 

40 minutes ago, TAKOO01 said:

Maybe you have tried this, but how about a federal job? Security,  benefits and when you move there's a chance you can can transfer with the job.

Yes.  They have all posted a 2 year experience in hospital requirement though. I tried anyways but they send me a rejection letter every time stating that reason.