Time to give up?

advsmuch08 · Jan 21, 2015

Try contacting your school's Career Services department and see what they offer alumni. They might connect you with some resources, help tailor your resume, practice interview skills, etc.

wiwhitedog · Jan 21, 2015

I did move on 2 years ago after I was the best candidate for a position, but could not be hired because they had hired someone's grandmother. The resume submission and interview were just a rouse to cover-up the improper hiring practice.

The question just came up again. I used to think nurses where the coolest people. I got my answer. I no longer wish to be a nurse.

flyersfan88 · Jan 22, 2015

Firstly, happiness is not a destination but a way of life. Second, you can't have your cake and eat it too. You need to be more flexible obviously if you want your situation to change. What you have been doing isn't working.

Second. I'm not sure how flexible the OP is really being...250 apps over 6 years is not a lot. I'm pretty sure I did 75 in 3 months, as do most people on here.

Home health, minute clinics, methadone clinics, private duty, LTC.... the list is endless.

roser13, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

I can't work nights, I can not move (five major hospitals in 35 mile radius - I will travel), and nursing homes have too many residents on floor ( I had 42 residents on my wing and I was only RN in building) I don't think that is being that inflexible. It is not like I will only work day shifts, Monday through Friday in the ICU unit - that is inflexible.
I will work days, Pm's, 7 am to 7 pm, any unit, weekends and holidays are not a problem. Oh wait, I guess wanting to work in acute care is being inflexible.

Aaaannnd, reality rears its head. OP, you are an old new grad. Your choices in meaningful employment in acute care are slim to none. Unwillingness to adapt to current market conditions can be lethal to a nursing career.

Despite what you hoped to hear as advice, the reality is that you will get a dose of truth. Take it or don't. But please read this in an effort to readjust your own personal "reality."

No more nurse shortage? Surplus projected for 2025

TNurse4u · Jan 22, 2015

It must be very difficult to be in your situation, taking care of an aging parent is an honor and also tiring! No speech from me, but from your responses...maybe pick up your chin, and develop a better self image and positive attitude. You have what it takes, possibly look into some alternatives for acute care? dialysis, surgical centers or immediate care -there has to be SOMETHING. Or even look at hospice or homecare for adults or peds! Focus on your attributes, BSN! You have a vast knowledge bank. It is something to be admired and proud of! If an interviewer asks why the delay...you can honestly state you care for your family! Best of luck!

Farawyn · Jan 22, 2015

My 2 cents: The answer to your question is Yes, you should give up.

You are not going to allow this to work for you.

wiwhitedog · Jan 22, 2015

Home Health - 1 year acute care experience, minute clinics - 3-5 years or NP, methadone clinic - none in my area, private duty - 1 year acute care experience, LTC - 1 year acute care, CNA positions - must surrender Rn license, flu shot clinics - phased out under WI law, pharmacists do them - I have been down list more than once. I have applied for everything from LTC to clinics to acute care in any department and on and on. I have had my resume professional written. I hired a employment specialist. I have had interview coaching classes. I have volunteered at hospitals and clinics. I have joined professional organizations and have worked networking channels.

I applied for every nursing position that I could find within 100 miles of where I live in the first 3 years. I would hear a whisper of a job opening and I was on it. As time passed, I was told that my degree was too old. So I tried to find a refresher course. There on none around here. In the meantime, I got my ACLS, PALS, I became an EMT, I took CE classes in pediatrics, emergency care, toe nail and foot care, geriatric care and I have read journals, lots of journals. I even taught adjunct in pre-medical classes. I think I have done everything that I could do to make myself more employable.

I have done everything that I could think of to do and then some. For whatever reason, I am not the person that the healthcare institutions wants to hire. All that I have heard is my degree is too old, I have no medical experience, I have too much life experince (ie: I am too old) As I have said, I am wrong. I accept that and am moving on. On to what I don't know.

Besides that is not the point of the question.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

since you are not flexible for the opportunities that would be available to you....you cake just might be getting stale while trying to eat it.....

i have one question, has what you have been doing for six years worked out?

if the ans is no, then you need to make some changes....just my humble almost 43 years speakin... i do wish you luck.

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

How would you know if you are great in an acute care setting if you have never worked acute care??!

You are not going to get an acute care job. You mentioned retraining in healthcare -- you are going to have to balance how much debt you are willing to go in to vs. ancillary pay rates and job availability. A lot of entry level lab jobs barely pay above minimum wage. Are the hospitals in your area still utilizing scrub techs? Maybe try RT?

Also keep in mind that you may have expired science and math credits very soon...

Sisyphus_01 · Jan 22, 2015

.......

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

i will soon be 66, and do not believe in the you are too old.....i get weekly multiple job offers, that i am not applying to otpr for...i get offers for work, that would keep six nurses hopping, and i live rural.....i think your constraints are you barrier

anon456, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2015

What about a call center? One of those places where nurses call patients to follow up on procedures and hospital stays.