Seeking Advice from Experienced Nurses: Transitioning Back to Hospital Work without Bedside Experience

[Lost_nursehere]

Hello everyone! I could really use some advice right now because I'm feeling pretty lost and not sure what to do. So, here's the deal: I moved to the US in 2021 and passed my NCLEX exam in 2022. Before that, I worked as a nurse tech in an outpatient department in the Middle East, and then spent over a year as a nurse trainee back in my home country.

Now, in early 2023, I finally got my work permit, but the problem is, I've been trying to find a job for over a year with no luck. Every hospital I apply to insists on 1-2 years of bedside experience, and that's where I fall short. No interviews, just more qualified candidates getting picked instead. On top of that, I don't really know anyone here except my husband, who's in a totally different field.

To make matters worse, I'll need to renew my license soon, but they require a certain number of practice hours which I can't fulfill without a nursing job. I've thought about working as a CNA, but it seems like I'd need to go through a program, and that's a whole other hurdle. So, I'm reaching out to you guys for advice. Are there any programs or places that accept nurses without bedside experience? I've tried applying to OPD positions in my area, but they all seem to be focused on obstetrics, and they prefer candidates with OB backgrounds.

Honestly, I'm feeling pretty lost and not sure where to even start. I tried applying for nurse residency programs, but they canceled my interview, saying I have prior experience and should apply for staff positions. So, I did that, but no luck so far. I also attempted to get into fellowship programs for transitioning to acute care, but they didn't even consider my application.

If any of you have been in a similar situation or have any advice on how to kickstart my career here, I would truly appreciate it. I can't just up and leave because of my husband's job. Thanks a bunch to anyone who takes the time to reply and lend a hand.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

Have you tried LTC?  Higher acuity patients are now in LTC facilities instead of acute care hospitals but you won't lose any skills while you work there.  I wouldn't limit myself to acute care hospitals.  IMHO, it's better to get a job and get a resume started for your future.

[Lost_nursehere]

Nope not yet, but now I will definitely start searching for it. Honestly, I don't really care whether I work in hospital or facility my goal now is to start working even if I have to work as CNA. That's how desperate I am. Thank you ma'am for your advice. Hopefully, I can find one that is willing to accept my application.