13 years as an RN ...no interviews!

tokmom, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2011

Maybe an ovesaturation in the areas you are looking into? Do you have ACLS and or PALS to help make you stand out?

Where are you looking?

philophant · Jul 19, 2011

Hello teddysgirl,

I just moved to Olympia 4 weeks ago and started applying for jobs, too. I applied at Providence Centralia and Olympia. I have 17 years RN experience (mostly acute care). I applied for 10 positions in the ED, ICU, Cath. No interviews. Not so much as a reference check. My 34 year RN friend is shocked, too. This is the first time I have not been offered a position I have applied for... and I mean pronto, within days of applying. I'm talking as recent as 3 years ago, too. I haven't worked in 2 years, but I have the glowing references, ACLS. I don't know...... I never thought I would have to work in Medical or a Nursing Home just to get a paycheck. My girlfriend says pester the hell out of them. That's my plan. I hate the whole internet application process anyway. Reading your story makes me feel kind of scared. ONE YEAR HUNTING? That is so hard to believe.

tokmom, BSN, RN · Jul 24, 2011

It is scary. It used to be you could get a job within days. A year makes my blood run cold.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 24, 2011

I went through a dry period like this just over a year ago. You have my sympathies, OP.

I'd aggravated an old knee injury and had to have surgery, then got my hours cut by 3/4 because of low census, essentially being laid off. Then I was told by my ortho that I should never again work the floor. I was 51 years old, and for awhile there I didn't think I'd ever find another job. I mean, I was beginning to think my career was done. My confidence was completely shot, and I had 13 years under my belt, plus management experience, PLUS a second language. I was trying to survive on less than $500 a week when I was used to bringing home a thousand........It was the very first time since 1995 that I hadn't been able to just pick up a job within a couple of days, and it was hell.

But I just kept looking, and I picked up a temp charge-nurse job in a SNF even though my knee still wasn't 100% healed from the surgery. Then I almost literally fell into my current position, which turned out to be the closest thing to a dream job I've ever had, and it's just getting better and better. So---don't give up and don't give in! The jobs are scarce, but they are out there, and you have to look in places you've probably never thought of before to find them. (I found my job through iJobs Healthcare & Medical.)

You can do this!! :yeah:

philophant · Jul 24, 2011

Dear Used Nurse,

That's a terrible username, btw. :) I'm used, too. :) I'm curious as to what your dream job is. Since my last post, I contacted Axis staffing agency because they had posted a corrections position I was interested in months ago that I did not follow up on. I called Axis and ended up applying. The recruiter stated he can get me work at Capital Medical Center. Huh. I applied there already and have not received any calls yet. I informed the recruiter of this. He said... This is not the first time he's heard my story verbatim. There are still positions available. The difference is that now facilities and companies are simply being more picky because the applicant pool is larger. I could care less about the insurance and benefits. I much rather make my own schedule and pick which department I work in.