Stressed R/T Needing a job AEB poor economy, lack of RN posistions

Salamanda NP, MSN, APRN, NP · Nov 23, 2009

Hi there. I got my RN in the beginning of September, and just got a job offer a few days ago. I have applied to jobs at every hospital within 50 miles, nursing homes, doctors offices, VNA's, hospice, clinics, etc. I also went to every job fair in my area, and all told have applied to over 200 jobs. I was offered a outpatient psych position back in October that I turned down mostly because it was 60 miles away and I feel the need to concentrate on more traditional bedside nursing for at least my first year of working as a RN. I didn't get another offer until a month and a half later, and it was rough wondering how long it would take before I'd start working.

Anyway, the offer I just got and accepted is for a SNF in a sub-acute unit. I first heard of them at a job fair and spoke to the recruiter and staff educator while there. I was impressed with the fact that they seemed to concentrate on educating nursing staff throughout their employment with certification course, and that they offered several weeks of training with a preceptor on the unit (I had heard that in a lot of SNF's they throw you on the unit far too early). I drove to the facility that day to fill out an application and was interviewed by the DON. A week and a half later they called and offered me a job. The money isn't all that great and the hours stink (32 hrs, on 11-7), but it's experience and a paycheck, so I am taking it.

I think the important thing in this economy is to adjust your expectations and realize that, as my Nana always used to say, "this too shall pass". Apply to every single place you can think of and take what you can get. I do not really want to work in a SNF but am willing to do so so that I can begin my career and maybe next November (at the magical one-year mark) I will be able to get a job in a hospital that I do want to work in. Hope this helps at all, and I do wish you the best of luck in your search. I know how awful it is out there right now.