When can I start looking for an RN job in a hospital???

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Hello,

I graduated from nursing school in May and didn't find a job as an RN in Boston until 9/09. I've been working in a skilled nursing facility on a rehab floor since that time. While I feel blessed that I found a job it is most definitely not what I want to be doing. I'm scared that I'm loosing skills and feeling pretty bummed out about the whole thing. I really want to get into hospital nursing in the Boston area but am feeling pretty hopeless. I have my BA in Psych and my AD in nursing. Any ideas, opinions, thoughts would be greatly appreciated! Thank You

Kate

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Specializes in Psychiatry (PMHNP), Family (FNP).

Don't be discouraged! It's just a rotten time to "launch" into nursing. The tides will turn, and you will have more options. Try to learn as much as you can now and bide your time. Something more exciting will open up for you. All the best!

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I would call the HR depts of the hospitals that interest you. Ask how long they keep an application. Tell them if they are hiring new grads that you qualify. Tell them if they are hiring experienced nurses you qualify (best of both worlds!). If most tell you they discard apps in 60 days then every 60 days re-apply. Try to find out names of Directors so you can MAIL them your resume (phone calls may be an interruption to them). Ask HR what you can do to improve your chances of being hired. Ask your previous instructors for names of people in hospitals who can help (they probably are in contact with nurses). Sorry you are having this problem. I believe you did the right thing by taking a job doing nursing somewhere till you find your niche.

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Thank YOu! It's nice to hear some encouraging words! It's pretty hard to find them right now so it's very appreciated.

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Specializes in Oncology/BMT.

Just remember that every bit of experience counts! Don't worry about "loosing your skills" because you will quickly relearn then in the hospital setting.

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Specializes in SICU.

Don't get discouraged! Keep looking. Maybe look into getting your BSN in the meantime?

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Yah, I've thought about getting my BSN. However, I JUST came out of 7 years of college and the thought of that is kind of torture right now. I am looking into doing an ACLS course though.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I think that you got some good suggestions. Another thing to keep in mind is that while you are working in a slower setting, you may (depending on the type of patients you are caring for) at least be gaining some of the basic skills such as dressings, tube feedings, vents (if they have in your facility) and such. This way, you can leave room for the more complicated skills you'd be acquiring in a faster paced hospital. Good luck.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Sorry I missed that you graduated last May my answer was geared toward this years grads but good luck!

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Oh no, I did graduate this past May...May of 09 :)

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