wanting a new job

[labrador4122, RN]

I want a new job as an RN, and I feel that my job just got very boring, and it is difficult finding a day position.

How do I sell myself more?

I have BLS (like every one else), PALS, and 2 years experience on the floor with pediatric patients. PLUS I do float to other units when needed such as PICU, NICU, ONCOLOGY floor, neuro floor, renal floor... and do administer blood products etc. nursing things that we all know and love.

And I am currently working on my RN-BSN program.

what do I put in my resume? or how should I word things?

I just want to do something else,

[dishes, BSN, RN]

You can start planning your career by doing a detailed self assessment, http://www.rnao.org/Storage/13/764_Part_2_-_Self-Assessment.pdf

dishes

[llg, PhD, RN]

What type of work would you like to do? It makes no sense to switch to another job (any old job) -- if it doesn't offer something that will improve the quality of your work life. Too many people drift from job to job without ever thinking it through. They end up in jobs that are just the same (and just as unsatisfying) as the one they left.

In other words ... in what direction do you want to head? That can make a be difference in the route you should take to get there. For example ... maybe you should keep the same job for a little while longer and focus on completing that BSN program, doing a great job there, and exploring the different career paths available to you. You might even be able to tailor some of your school assignments so that they help you with your exploration of your options and help you get the job you choose. For example, you might be able to do a school project that gets you some exposure to another field of interest -- or network with some people who can help you get your next job. If you need to do a leadership project, work with a nurse leader in your hospital who might be in a postion to mentor you and/or help you find a "good fit" within your current hopsital. If you have to do an educational project, work with an educator at your hospital who might be able to help you with your career issues.

Assess yourself ... strengths/weakness ... likes/dislikes... etc.

Assess your environment. Identify the opportunities for different nursing roles within your own employer's health system. (In this tough economy, it might be easier to get another job within your same health system. You "have connections" there. They know you as a good, reliable employee. They have already invested in your education. etc.) Identify the opportunities within your larger community. Assess the job market in general.

Look closely at the qualifications for the jobs that interest you. How do you measure up in terms of those qualifications? Use your remaining school time to get as much exposure/experience that will support your chosen career path.

Volunteer for committees, projects, etc. in your current job. Be a Charge Nurse, a Preceptor, etc. That will help you to network and also give you things to list on your resume that will make you more attractive as a prospective new employee.

Then you will have the things you need to put on your resume to support your application to a job that will best suit your needs.

It's not just about "marketing yourself." You need to be a "good product" to market. Too many nurses forget that and think that if only they would write their resume better, they would get the perfect job -- forgetting that the most important thing is to actually have the education, experience, work record, reputation, connections (so that your are a known commodity) to be chosen above the other job applicants who are also competent nurses.

Good luck!

[dishes, BSN, RN]

llg's post offers some very wise career advice, can it be moved to the stickies at the top?

regards

dishes