Thinking about changing careers.

Jenni811, RN · Nov 29, 2011

honestly, the fact your moving from state to state doesn't look good.

Wave Watcher · Nov 29, 2011

Even new grads who are not moving from state to state are finding themselves at home behind a computer putting in applications. You are not alone. I'm sorry. I wish you the very best.

tishluvnc · Nov 29, 2011

Sorry your fate is like many threads I have read. I'm not a nurse but a cna who work in home health that is contemplating going into further into nursing or social work. Your post makes me think twice. I always see threads that say go into something else because there are no jobs here. But what will you do if your heart is in one place. I have studied 2 years of sociology and feel like I've cheated myself. I began my studies going into medical office, then I had the bright idea at 22 to change to social work.

Now I realized that I love the study of health and biology. I ask you what else is there? Giving up is not good, you have invested so much into it and it will pay off eventually. I feel if you have enjoyed what you've studied then your lucky. Business majors are always in demand but I couldn't see myself aspiring to work on budgets and finances etc. yuck!

Truthfully, it's a hard call. We don't know when we pick these majors if there is going to be a job out there for us or not. I choose social work thinking about medical and public health social work only for a social worker to tell me there are few jobs, need a master and of coorifice high burn out. I feel your pain, I love cna but depending on your case it can be hard work and no money. Hope you find something soon!

mhutchinson · Nov 29, 2011

When I first graduated from LPN program, I applied at the VA hospital. VA hospitals are training hospitals. I'm not sure what state you are currently in, but I applied at the VA hospital in Cleveland,OH. Good Luck!!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 29, 2011

I graduated from a BSN program about a year and a half ago and I've been unemployed since. Granted, I've moved around because of my husband's job, but I literally have sent hundreds of applications out. I've had few interviews for new grad programs, but nothing further. Because I am about to move yet again to another state, where I have absolutely no connections. I'm not sure what I'm missing. I have a stack of glowing recommendations from instructors and RN friends who have recommended me to their managers. I've even tried going to see managers in person and they literally cut me off saying, "Not hiring new grads, sorry." I've tried to keep up my knowledge with classes but I'm get very discouraged. I took out loans for school and so did my husband so we are both swimming in student loan debt. I am passionate about nursing and I really really miss it but I don't think I would have entered this profession had I known that new grads are having such a hard time getting employment. Please- advice is more than welcome.

Browse these boards and you will see you aren't alone. There is NO shortage yet school continue to pound out new grads at an alarming rate in the thirst for the tuition. Hospitals are going to be hesitant to hire you because you are moving so much.......not that it doesn't look good like another poster said but because it's VERY EXPENSIVE to train a new grad, or any new hospital employee and they (the hospital) want to get their monies worth back out of you....get back their investment.

How, and why, are they going to do this if it is almost a guarentee you'll be leaving soon no matter what? Who would you hire....the new grad who lives local and has lived there all her life and probably will work for an extended peroid of time or the new grad who is passing through town who has moved 4 times in 12 months? Who is the safer bet to spend a few thousand dollars on?

Is there anyway you can set up a permanent home unitl you get some experience under your belt and can get hired at a traveling agency? I don't recommend new grads to traveling positions as you are expected to be up and running in an instant with only the "required" training such as HIPAA and saftey. I know you want to be with your hubby but that is going to require sacrificing your career and education when you don't have experience in the profession in a tight job market. I wish you the best of luck.:redpinkhe

allnurses Guide · Nov 29, 2011

I agree with what Esme said. The truth is, if you are moving that often ANY career you change to is going to be difficult to break into, not just nursing. Employers don't expect long term commitment anymore but they do expect more than a few months if they are going to be training you.

Hooch · Nov 29, 2011

I used nursing as a stepping stone sideways into another career. While in training I always knew that I'd be heading back to uni - essentially nursing and my training was the catalyst to move in health policy analysis. What I would suggest, is that you need to get some post-qualification experience before you make that final decision. Its also important to be very clear on the reasons why you want to change careers because it involves a lot of commitment. Personally speaking, it helps if you've a genuine interest in, and a passion for the area the you're trying to break into. Another point to remember is that most career changes necessitate additional study - so its not as easy as making that decision and just getting a job.

gardentulip27 · Nov 29, 2011

It is necessary to stay with a company at least one year or you will get labeled or black balled so to speak. It is a red flag for those who will interview you about your decision making and aspects of your character. You will need a foot in the door to prove you can stick with something!! Hope someone gives you a shot and that you stick it out to clean up the record of leaving often. Hang tough and you will soar to high places. Hug

willowlove · Nov 29, 2011

Thanks for your support everyone :) I moved because my husband was doing his residency at 2 different hospitals (he is a physician) but we plan to be in Massachusetts permanently. I applied for my MA license, but I am feeling very discouraged. I'm also worried I will lose my skills and will be out of date with my knowledge. Is there anything I can do to make myself a more desirable applicant?