Why is it hard to get job in the Hospital? I have Home Health Care experience
It’s pretty hard to transition from outpatient to inpatient because hospitals require certain skills that just are not utilized outside of the acute environment. That being said, nurse retention has been low and resignations high since the pandemic which might work in your favor. Look for nurse residency programs which are made for nurses without hospital experience or a job fair where the hospital might be open to taking on lots of staff at once and provide in-depth training. Have your resume up-to-date and show your interpersonal skills and dedication to your patients when interviewed. It helps to have your BLS certification too if you don’t already. Good luck.
Many hospitals these days use travel nurses rather than full time staff. The travelers get paid well and the hospitals do not have to pay any benefits. It's all about the dollar!
I was an RN for 42 years prior to retiring in 2021. Hospital work accounted for 26 of those years, and home health care kept me busy for the remaining 16 years. At one point, I wanted to return to hospital work. So, I updated my BLS, ALS, PALS, and did a study course for the field I wanted to enter. It was a challenge trying to interview for hospital positions, after I had been "out of the field for so long".... Little do hospitals know that home care is/was the TOUGHEST job for any nurse in the profession. My situation didn't result in an internal position, so I stayed in home care through COVID. I am planning to return to hospital work on a casual basis soon. My advice would be to brush up on necessary skills, then try to obtain a part time or casual position at the hospital before leaving home care. Your perseverance will pay off. Good luck!!
I think it's because of the different skill set. Having said that, keep applying! Make sure your resume lists your skills. I worked in hospice for years, we did IVs, lab draws, feeding pumps, PICC & central line management, etc. The nursing shortage is causing hospitals to take on more nurses who will require some training. Remember, we bring a new level of understanding related to family dynamics because we've spent so much time in patient homes. You have to be customer service oriented as well as a true patient advocate to work as a field nurse.
See if the hospital you want to work at have a RN residency program and apply for it . They will give you more hours of training and they will be confident to start you on the floor.
Sadly many hospitals want hands on on the floor experience. I started in home health then went to a clinic and now I work at a clinic in a hospital. I'd recommend looking for volunteer work at the hospital you want to work at or someone you know who works in a hospital to help.
