Why is it so hard to find a rn job in a different field?

[jp102677]

I have been a RN for 13 years (1 year adult cardiac and 12 years NICU). I have been looking for a new job for over 2 years with a schedule that will allow me to spend more weekends, evenings, and holidays with my family. I can't take getting home at 8:15 at night, missing great family moments on weekends and major holidays, and working like an animal (holding my pee for hours, not even getting lunch, or only having 15 minutes to shove my lunch down my mouth, standing on my feet for over 12 hours etc...) any longer! This is not a good life. In fact this career has caused me some serious health issues and 3 miscarriages. I have a great resume, have been told I'm great at interviewing, and am very professional. However, I still can't find a decent job with no weekends or holidays. I've been told no to OR and outpatient surgery jobs since I have NO prior experience. No to case management jobs since NO experience. Doctor offices only hire CMA's apparently. I'm at a loss. I do not know what to do at this point. I know I can't continue working in the NICU like an animal. Any suggestions on finding a better job? I wish I had known before I went to school that this what nursing would be like for the REST of my life.

[Libby1987]

I would consider pediatric home health. I'd only consider a reputable system.

I've been in adult home health, have made a good living and haven't missed anything with raising my kids as a single mom. It took awhile to get to my particular schedule but after a couple of years it was perfect for our needs.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Do you have a BSN? If so, look into whether Nurse Family Partnership has a program in your area.

Careers – Nurse-Family Partnership implementing agencies - NFP

[klone, MSN, RN]

Also, if you live in a large city, there are hospices that deal specifically with pediatric cases. I imagine your NICU experience might make you a valuable applicant.

Of course, in smaller communities, the hospices have to take all demographics, and a nurse with a NICU background would probably be valuable for those peds cases as well.

[Butterfliesnroses]

I am a resident care manager. For the most part I work 8-5. There are days that my job is crazy, we get a late admit, or that I come in on the weekend but for the most I get evenings and weekends with my family. I began as a cna for the company and now am a lpn. I worked as a floor nurse then became a manager. Had I told my boss I want the job so I get weekends, holidays, and evenings off she likely wouldn't have considered me. In my experience they want someone willing to work the long hours if need be. If you truly desire a manager type position then I suggest you work some place and let them know your desire to move up. Show them you aren't afraid of hard work and desire quality. Just my 2 cents.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Home Health (post-partum/well baby visits, maybe?). School. Public Health sometimes has some outreach nurses that work with children and families in low income/high risk areas.

Pediatrician's offices probably utilize CMAs a lot but specialty clinics would utilize RNs. Does the hospital you work at have any specialty clinics?