1 year Home Health RN looking to transition to Hospital

[Jammindude]

Alright. So I'm in a bit of a predicament. After I got my RN license, I started out as a home health RN (only place that was hiring at the time). I kept that job because I started an ADN to BSN program and the flexibility of HH was really great. I got comfortable and stuck with this home health agency for a little over a year.

Now I want to get a full-time hospital position to start learning new things, and change things up a bit.

The thing is, I've been applying to a bunch of local hospitals, and I either get rejected, or I get no follow-up whatsoever.

Do hospitals generally not want to hire people with only HH experience? And if I did get hired, would they treat me like a nurse with 1 year experience? Because I feel like I would need some training/orientation at least.

Any insight/ feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Practically every new hire is going to require training. My guess is that the hospitals in your area prefer BSN prepared applicants. Have you completed your program yet? If not, I bet you'll have better luck once you can check BSN” off on the applications.

[Jammindude]

Yes, I have my BSN already. Would have had it for a year this May.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

You may need to adjust your resume. You will want to highlight skills you use in home healthfor example i.e administer GT feeds, assess chronically ill patients, manage PICC line, administer medications in safe practice, Coordinate medication, feeding schedule and pt's activities, deliver high quality care in a 1:1 home situation to...

These are an example. You may want to highlight skills you use in home health to align with the position you are looking for. Take a look at the job description and use those words to highlight your experience

[Sour Lemon]

Home health isn't an ideal stepping stone to hospital nursing ...and as an experienced nurse, you wouldn't be likely to qualify for an extensive new-grad orientation. It's a tough position to be in.

I think I would consider moving to a place where nurses are in very high demand. And if that isn't possible, try to network and meet a friend of a friend who might be able to help get your foot in the door.

[Wbanks]

I went from hospital to home health and I will tell you once you get into the hospital you will be ok. My skills and knowlege base grew a lot in home health just because I was on my own and had to figure it out. Keep trying, your home health experience will transfer well to the hospital.

[Isakolistic]

Right out of nursing school, I worked in a LTC/rehab facility for about a year and a half, then decided I wanted to get a job at a hospital. I ran into a similar situation as yours, as many hospitals preferred "hospital experience" and I was no longer a new grad. Basically, I just applied to any hospital that was feasible for my situation and finally got a few interviews after a few months of looking/applying. When I finally did get hired to a med/surg unit, I was treated as a nurse with 1 year of experience, but I felt the orientation period of 1-2 months with a preceptor and 1-2 months after that with a reduced patient ratio was adequate orientation for me. I would say keep looking and applying, someone's bound to give you an interview at some point!

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Have you applied to any LTACHs? Their pts are typically higher acuity than med-surg pts, and the ones in my area require one year of nursing experience -- but not necessarily hospital experience.

[Jammindude]

Sorry for the late replies, and thank you for all the insight and encouragement. I thought this topic was buried already until I looked in my junk email inbox.

Just a little update: A Friend of mine referred me to her hospital in an observation unit. Nailed the interview and got the position, and with new grad status just because I requested it. I actually start this week! Thanks again!