Taking a step down just to work

[coastiewifey]

I have been out of school since december 2008, passed nclex march 2009 and still NNNNNNOOOO JOB. I recently moved to Maryland, hubby is military been here since August and NOOOOOOOO JOB. I am not being picky at all. however I would like to work in a hospital since I have a BSN. I am applying to several different floors at several hospitals and have been doing so for the last 2, YEEEES 2 years. :banghead:The Veteran Affairs Hospital (VA) has a Medical Technician position. I am seriously thinking of applying for this. Does anyone know if u can move into a RN position quickly if I do so, or will i be stuck as a Med Tech if I get this position. I know that alot of hospitals hire new nurses as patient care techs but what about governement hospitals, do they as well. I need help. :uhoh21:

[EDnursetobe]

I don't think you can work as a med tech if you already have your RN license. or at least that's what I've been told, because your scope of practice is different.

even though you want to work in a hospital, you might want to try LTC for a little bit just to get some experience. You will make some money, get some general med/surg type experience and have an easier time getting into a hospital position that way.

good luck!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Actually, not many hospitals hire new nurses as PCTs because they know they won't stay in the position long, that once a RN position opens up the new nurse will be out of there. And hospitals invest time and training in PCTs and don't want to have to deal with high turnover. Still, it never hurts to ask, as the worst they can tell you is "No."

One thing though: if you wish to pursue the PCT route, first check with your state's BON to see if you can work as PCT though you are a RN. In some states it may not be possible.

[lesrn2010]

I'm on the same boat..RN planning to grab the PCT post just to land a job/gain experience/be promoted as RN II..

[MandaRN94]

I am always puzzled why new graduates feel they need to work in a hospital setting. There are other great opportunities out in the community. Try your local public health dept or other ambulatory clinics. I personally do not like hospital nursing and find public health nursing much more fulfilling.

[coastiewifey]

Most places are asking for 1 year experience, i wish i could get into ambulatory or public health. they are not hiring without some type of nursing experience. ANNND LTC i tried it and the facility at which i was at I had 20-60 patients depending on which hall I was on ....YES 20-60 as a new graduate...needless to say it didnt last long. Im in baltimore and john hopkins is hiring graduates nurse as pct to transfer over in 3 months....I was hoping that the va would do the same.