Nurse Struggles To Find Non-Clinical Work And Is Treated Badly
Right now, I have the perfect ER job. So, admitting that I can no longer physically handle working night shift or thinking that I have reached the end of my career in emergency nursing feels like failure.
But, I need to take care of myself, right?
So it’s time to be proactive and take the next step, right?
Time to take a breath, take stock of my skills, brush up that CV/resume and go forward! After all, I have 32 years of strong nursing experience behind me (including a stint as a shift charge nurse), that wonderful BSN I’m so proud of (and an MSN program pending), stunning communication skills (if I say so myself) and gosh darn it, anyone would be lucky to have me!
Yes?
Uh, no.
*****
I applied for jobs outside of acute care.
You know how new grads can’t find jobs because they all want experience, but they can’t get experience because they can’t get jobs?
Now I know how they feel.
I’m looking into working in case management. I’m smart, got the skills. Communication, check. Verbal, check. Written, check. Organized? Check. Able to priortize? Check. Self-starter? Check. Experience with acute care? Check.
Experience with utilization review, case management, managed care?
<crickets>
So I send in my resume anyway, along with a cover letter explaining my interest in case management, my skills and background and how they will translate over into this new (to me) field
No response. From anyone.
One company in particular looked absolutely fantastic. I’m talking perfection. As in “Kim, this was MADE FOR YOU!” I sent in my application. Followed it up with a cover letter directly to the manager of the Human Resources department.
No response. Followed it up with a follow up letter. No response.
Lather, rinse and repeat to three other employers.
<crickets>
And for the record? All those positions are still posted.
*****
Now, I’m not saying that everyone should hire me. But what I am saying is that (a) there is no chance of making a first impression anymore and (b) where is the courtesy of at least making some contact with the applicant?
You can’t sell yourself anymore. There is no sitting with a manager or recruiter and discussing the job and what you may bring to it. You are just a screen on someone’s computer and if you don’t meet pre-determined criteria you are deleted. Without even the courtesy of a “thank you for applying, but…”
I’d make a hell of a case manager.
Right now, it doesn’t look like I’m going to get a chance to prove it.
*****
Actually, one company did send a response. A form letter.
I applied for Charge Nurse in an ambulatory care clinic (dermatology) , at a company where clients “Thrive”. Got a form email that said I didn’t meet the minimum requirements. Well, the description said “willing to train” so I’m not sure what minimum requirement I missed.
I’ll never know because no one ever contacted me in person.
I’ve spent the last 32 years saving lives, but for some reason, they thought dermatology was more than I could handle.
Those must be some rashes!
*****
Oh, by the way, after I posted that resume on Monster.com?
I was inundated with offers…
From nursing recruiters all over the country…
Looking for ER nurses.
How ironic.
*This blog post was originally published at Emergiblog*
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