Trying to change my path

[Chpsmom2000]

I am an RN and have been for several years. When I started my career I was going through some major life changes and based on what I thought were correct choices at the time, I went into homecare/agency work. Now, I am trying to get out of this line and would love to get into a dr. office, almost anything. I have a teenage child to support and working 18-26hrs a week for 2months with no prospects is beginning to take its toll on me. I have limited availability and cannot/will not work overnights. The state I live in is going "magnet" so hospitals wont hire unless BSN (or close to graduation). I only have home care experience with critical pediatric trach and vents, so I have skills, I just need help trying to find a way to convince others I have valuable skills. I work for several agencies and still only have part time work. Any thoughts on where I can keep looking?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I sympathize with your situation. But, just to clarify - the push for BSNs is not due to Magnet. It's an evidence-based recommendation from NIM ... after finding that the percentage of BSN staff had a significant impact upon patient outcomes in acute care. I haven't seen any studies that replicated this in non-acute settings yet.

It may be different in your area, but in my part of the country, its very difficult for RNs to get physician office jobs - because very few physicians that employ RNs. Instead, they utilize lower-paid staff - lots of Medical Assistants & LP/VNs. It's an economic decision. Their reimbursement is shrinking rapidly and they just have to cut down on overhead expenses. RN jobs are usually associated with the big multi-specialty clinics, particularly those associated with mega-hospital systems.

At some point, it may come down to the need to either compromise some of your "nevers" or find a non-nursing job. Wishing you the very best of luck in your job search.

[sourapril]

What is your availability? If you don't mind the 8-5, M-F work, you can apply to your local health department.