Will I be Stuck in LTC???

[GoMariners]

I am a new grad and the job hunt in my area is grim. The only jobs I have been able to find are in LTC. LTC is not my passion and I fear by taking this job I will be stuck in LTC and won't be able to make it into a med-surg hospital setting. The question now stands do I take a job I really dislike because I need the money or do I hold out for a hospital position. If I do take the job is there any hope of me moving from LTC to med-surg? Has anyone out there had any experience with this situation? Any and all advice will be great appreciated.

[K_girl]

I am in the same situation. I personally think any experience is better than no experience. Also it would depend....Are you financially able to not work for an undetermined length of time?

My fiance pays my bills and supports me financially but I feel guilty for him doing that. So I am looking for anything at this point. Ltc facilities are my main focus right now as there are very few hospital jobs available.

Good luck!

[SoHappyToBeRN]

When I was applying to jobs, I spoke with a hiring mgr at a hospital that said they do t hire new grads but they didn't care where the experience was, it could be a year in LTC Or acute care it didn't matter. This was in California. Good luck to you!

[katiescow]

Take the job for the experience, work there for a few months until a better opportunity comes your way, in the mean time you have something to add to your resume that will look good after coming out of nursing school...not everyone gets their #1 choice fresh out of school but you will have an opportunity to network and find what you really want and show experience to your future employers which is what they want

[pknurse]

My hospital hired 22 new graduates. Of those 22, three came from LTCs and graduated almost three years ago. One works Tele; the other is Med Surg. It's not impossible at all to leave.

[ddd2012]

I was in your position a year ago, I now have my year of experience and want into a hospital and am not having any luck whatsoever with job prospects. I almost feel "tainted" in a way which is sad. I want to work L&D, kids, mother/baby and I feel that's the way I'm viewed. I've put in 20+ applications with no luck so good luck with yours!

[apoppyfield, BSN, RN]

I've put in 20+ applications with no luck so good luck with yours!

Just 20 applications? I have come to the conclusion that the only way to get a job in this market is to show up at whatever unit with your resume and talk to the unit supervisor. With the abundance of applicants, there is no reason they should interview someone they do not know. You have a years worth of experience so highlight those transferrable skills and get moving!