1+ year of experience and can't find a new job??

PediLove2147, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2011

Have you considered any of the units at your current facility? It's always easier to internally transfer.

Good luck, I know it can be frustrating!

SweetheartRN · Sep 20, 2011

What area of nursing are you looking to go to from here?

ShortStackRN · Sep 20, 2011

I have tried applying within my facility but the problem is that there aren't many positions open (as this seem to be a problem everywhere these days). Right now I'm looking to go into critical care. It's always what I have wanted to do and I was lucky enough to have a 3 month practicum in critical care. I decided that med-surg for a year was the best route for learning and experience and because I couldn't get a job straight out in an ICU or the ER.

I have recently applied for jobs in the ER (which is my first choice) and in CVPACU. I'm just sitting around with my fingers crossed that someone will call on my transfer.

The other problem that sticks in the back of my mind is that I work in a facility where everyone knows everyone. My NM made a comment to me after I told her about my transfer request (which I am required to do) that she really couldn't lose me right now as our floor is almost completely staffed with new nurses, coulnd't I just stay until January...basically I'm going to do whatever I can to keep you. I'm just HOPING that this hasn't been discussed with any of the NMs in the areas I have been applying. While I appreciate the flattery, I feel like this is my career, my education, my license and if my heart isn't it then I shouldn't be trapped here.

It's so frustrating.

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Sep 20, 2011

I understand COMPLETELY. I just dealt with the same issue. May 2010 grad. Have been working on a tele/step-down unit so I have a bit of experience with everything. Working on my MSN (I thought it'd give me a step-up...not so sure anymore). Anyway I applied to several places (one of which was a cardiac cath lab) and I only got ONE call back (FINALLY) from the hospital based home health agency. I am VERY excited for this opportunity and am looking forward to it. I feel as though one of the main reasons I got an interview, though, is because I know a fellow RN who transferred over there a few months ago and she put in a good word for me. She told me they kept asking her about me and I finally got an interview.

So if you know somebody in an area you'd like, ask them. If you put in applications, call or email the supervisor directly. I HATE putting an application into cyber space and never hearing anything back.

That's all I can really think of. And just be patient. The right job will come along and you'll be happy it worked out the way it did!

Happy job hunting! I really hope it all works out for you!

ShortStackRN · Sep 20, 2011

So....I got a call back today FINALLY...I have a meeting with an HR rep Monday morning...fingers crossed.

It's so aggravating because I have emailed directors in my facility where I'm trying to transfer directly and to no avail. I mean I didn't even get a response (which I also find kind of rude...even if you aren't interested).

Hopefully something comes from this interview Monday! It's another facility but it seems like a good opportunity!

anh06005, MSN, APRN, NP · Sep 20, 2011

Yay! I know it's such a relief! Good luck on it!

Is it in an area you were hoping for?

ShortStackRN · Sep 27, 2011

It is! Had the preemptive interview with HR today and it went great. It's the area I want, it's considerably more money...only problem is that while it's only about a 20 minute drive it's in another state. Now my concern is finding out how it works paying taxes in two states...yucky...

JenniferSews · Sep 27, 2011

When I was approaching 1 year I started looking, only to find all the jobs suddenly requiring 2-5 years experience instead of 1 like they had when I graduated. I'm approaching 2 now and still can't get a call, just the usual email turn down. Best of luck to you, it sounds like you're getting somewhere.

elkpark · Sep 27, 2011

It is! Had the preemptive interview with HR today and it went great. It's the area I want, it's considerably more money...only problem is that while it's only about a 20 minute drive it's in another state. Now my concern is finding out how it works paying taxes in two states...yucky...

If you're that close to the other state, the new employer will be familiar with having employees from your state and will probably take care of the tax thing for you automatically (in the withholding from your paycheck). I have lived in one state and worked in another before; I don't know if it works the same way everywhere, but I was only obligated to pay state income tax in the state in which I lived, and my employer in the other state, automatically withheld the state tax (for my home state) and sent it to them; at tax time, I just completed my state tax return and sent it in with my W-2 (from the employer in the other state) the same as always.

But I'm sure the HR people at the new employer would be able to explain everything you would need to know -- again, if you're that close, geographically, to the other state I'm sure they're familiar with the situation.

Good luck with the job!