South Alabama grad looking to relocate

[jessica.k.h]

Hi,

I graduated in Dec 2013 with my BSN from University of South Alabama. It's my second degree (first in Psych). So far, I've been applying to fairly big name hospitals in Nashville and Phoenix and have gotten nothing but rejection letters.

I'm overwhelmed with the job application process, and have been struggling with what to focus on-LTAC may be the perfect solution! I can get my first job somewhere that I'll learn A TON and also seem to have a lot of choices on geographical area.

I have a Tennessee compact license, and family/friends all over the country, and am hoping to get out of the south for a while-hopefully staying in Nashville, or moving to Colorado or Arizona (where the nieces are ).

My question is, how to tell that a facility is going to be a good environment? What are some stats to check, questions to ask, etc? Obviously, I've learned from the other posts I probably shouldn't be a supervisor right away. Any other advice? My next career goal is to work for Doctors without Borders in the next 5 years.

[sadnursemg]

Finding the right environment is very important. The organizations culture and climate can be assessed by you when you go in for an interview. Notice. How are you greeted? How does it smell? How does it look? Show up at least 15-20 minutes prior to interview so that you can sit in the lobby and just observe the environment. Does the staff seem stressed out? Do you see any teamwork? When you are in the interview it is ok to ask questions like How do you show your staff they are valued members of the healthcare team? or How would you descibe the culture of your organization? Most importantly be observant. If the staff seem detached, unhappy, or overwhelmed...this may not be a good fit. On the other hand if you are greeted warmly by the receptionist and staff and you see happy residents this is a bit of a hint that it may be worth a look. Good luck!