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I'm a foreign-born physician, but schooled in US. Can you help place me?		Code: 9000 Hello, Medical JobScout: My name is Raul Luca, MD. I was born in Brazil and attended medical school there. However, I moved to the U.S. and did a residency in Peds in Boston. While there, I obtained a green card and worked, both in a clinic, and also part time in retail to help pay expenses. Now, I am ready to go into practice in the next several months and several colleagues have told me that it will be difficult because I am not an American citizen. You have a wonderful website and obviously have excellent insight. Do I have a problem? Incidentally, I am board-certified, and my English is very passable. --Raul Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Dr. Luca, Most HR people will be reluctant to discuss this with you for fear of being sued. As it is anywhere, people probably are more excited about hiring a person who grew up speaking their own tongue. But, it is illegal to discriminate in hiring based on national origin (as well as on race, religion, etc.). If any “discrimination” does occur, however, it’s this way: some employers will say that they give preference to grads who attended medical school in the US. We have found that, as long as a medical practitioner is academically prepared and has a visa permitting work in the US as you do, they are employable. If you would like to email your resume to us, or Fax at 80-966-3036, we would be happy to represent you at no charge. All the best in your new career! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Nurse salaries, please		Code: 9099 Hello, Medical JobScout: I am planning on going back to nursing school very soon. Can you please send me some information on the salaries of RN's in the south. States such as MS, AL, FL and LA. Several personnel offices do not like giving that information out over the phone for some reason. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: We really don’t see why other agencies won’t help you. We’d be delighted to share what we know! There is not a lot of difference in the starting pay for nurses in various regions of the country. With the nursing shortage that we're experiencing, most staff RNs will earn about $30,000 to $40,000, no matter where they are located. However, there are higher pay rates in large cities where the cost of living in greater. According to HR Magazine, recent pay ranges for newly-recruited registered nurses were as follows: Low: $37,440 Medium: $40,365 High: $49,920 (www.healthopps.com) These figures would, of course, be lower for new grads. Also, the following calculator will help you determine how much money you'd need in your new city in order to have the same quality of life that you have where you are today: http://www2.homefair.com/calc/salcalc.html Some other websites for general salary ranges: http://jobstar.org/tools/salary/index.htm http://jobsmart.org/tools/salary/salhelth.htm We wish you all the best in your schooling, Rae. In the meantime, if you know anyone who is already a nurse and who would like to relocate to a new position -- please share our number (800-668-9559). And, our service is totally free to job seekers! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Haven't found my nursing niche....		Code: 9098 Hello, Medical JobScout: I am currently an RN, having graduated in 1993, and feel the need to make a break from the med-surg, hospital nursing I've been doing. Since my graduation I have tried a few different types of nursing jobs, but so far nothing has really clicked. In other words I do not feel that I have found my professional niche. Nurse paralegal sounds interesting, but I do not have certification or credentials in that area. I like autonomy and desk work or research-kinds of jobs also sound interesting. Can you help or offer any information/advice? Currently, I live in Virginia and am not adverse to travelling within a reasonable geographical radius depending on the job and its requirements. Even working at home is very appealing. Your site is very interesting. Hope to hear from you. Thank you. --- LKD Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Melody is moderating): Dear LKD: We get so very many of these kinds of requests. For myself, after being a chief nursing officer, I had an opportunity to become CEO of this agency, which I did, and have never regretted it. But, I had to relocate to Florida (tough sacrifice!) in order to accept the position. If you want to go the "be-a-nurse-but-not-in-a-hospital" route, the only thing I can suggest is to look at school nursing, doctor's offices, maybe Planned Parenthood, Red Cross. If you have the right academic preparation, you might be able to teach. But, none of these will pay what you're earning in the hospital environment. If you want to work at home, you might look into tele-nurse or telephone triage sorts of things. As far as being a nurse paralegal goes, the only suggestion we would have would be to call some lawyers who do medical cases. Some actually employ nurses to assist with malpractice cases, or with accident claims. (That's not a path I personally would like to follow, by the way. We have enough troubles in Nursing now without giving our attorney friends any assistance in making life more miserable by helping them sue Healthcare....) Some nurses I know have left their full-time positions and now work per diem, and some make almost as much as they did when full-time, but have more control over when and under what conditions they'll work. And, they never get paged after midnight! Some hospitals down here need nurses really badly in the winter time during the tourist influx, but don't need them as much in the summer. So, they'll "lay them off" during the summer, but continue to pay their insurance and benefits until the next tourist season, if Florida appeals to you! If you discover something to add to the list, please let us know! If anyone out there has any other ideas, please share them. Thanks! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Couldn't stand making ER patients wait, and wait		Code: 9097 Hello, Medical JobScout: I too am one RN that has recently left an Emergency Department because of the "understaffing" that management states is "just the way things are going to have to be." Treating people poorly, slowly and inefficiently is NOT the reason I became a nurse. Having to explain to people why they are having to wait on basic needs (like going to the bathroom) and why they are so few RNs to take care of them is NOT for me any longer. -- Thanks for allowing me to vent. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I had a stroke, but want to continue as an RN		Code: 9096 Hello, Medical JobScout: I'm hoping you can help me and I would like to tell you a little of myself: I graduated from a 3-year diploma school in Springfield ma in 1997. I have been a psychiatric charge nurse since in a jail setting and per diem as a medical based nurse there in the jail too. Unfortunately last year Aug 13, I had massive strokes to my right side of the brain which did not leave me physically damaged for long but left me at times forgetful and not always able to comprehend if there is a lot of commotion. MDs think this will pass. I was also give a pacemaker to help the verapamil keep my heart at a steady beat and not go in to a fib which is why they believe I had the stroke. In a very short time I will be ready to work I just don't know who or what type of nursing career will have me. I worked very hard to become a nurse and despite my handicap I wish to do anything in the nursing field I am 42 and want to remain viable to the nursing world and my family Sincerely, Andrew s Manzi AManzi227@aol.com Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Dr. Beth is moderating): Dear Andrew: First of all, I certainly want to jump in with congratulations on getting effective treatment as quickly as you did -- and applaud you for fighting back! I think your biggest problem now will be getting the exact type of nursing job you want. Since you have not indicated any hospital nursing experience, it would seem unlikely that you can land a nursing job there, even per diem, at the moment. Until your difficulties when there is a lot of commotion pass, most hospitals will probably shy away from hiring you, say, on a med-surg unit. Even LTC, where things are calmer, could be a problem for you since it's likely you would be the only RN staffed at certain times and may need to think very clearly, and quickly, to resolve certain situations. (As your disorientation in stressful situations decreases, I would certainly recommend looking at a hospital setting, if that would be your career goal.) In the interim, though, how about applying for some lower stress but still important nursing options such as working at a blood bank, or maybe a clinic setting, such as Planned Parenthood? If you feel ready, maybe a homecare or visitng nurse option would get you back into Nursing. It might also be worth exploring local Dial-A-Nurse services, or looking at working for the Heart Assn/Stroke Assn. Local vocational schools and/or nursing programs might well need substitute teachers from time to time, which would let you step in to use your education without being over-taxed. Then, as you progress so that the forgetfulness and comprehension problems disappear, you can step up your nursing career. But, since you have worked so hard to become an RN and love the field, I have to believe that there are things you can do to stay in your noble profession! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I'd like Per Diem work in the Twin Cities area....		Code: 9095 Hello, Medical JobScout: Hi! My name is Pam Dunbar, an RN, who recently left a job after 7-years with a very busy, state -of-the-art oncology-hematology adult unit. Prior to that, I worked on an inpatient med-surg oncology floor. I'm on the lookout for a job that will allow me the flexibility to have more time to spend with my children and their increasingly-busy schedules. I live in the Twin Cites area and would really be interested in weekend work, per diem, anywhere within about a one hour drive. Any shift would be acceptable to me. Any help that you can give would be very much appreciated! --Pam Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer(Bob is moderating):Dear Pam: we'd love to help, but there's not much we can do for you if all you want is Per Diem. If you were looking for fulltime, or even a temporary assignment, we could certainly assist you. But, Per Diem shouldn't be much of a problem for you. With the ever-growing nursing shortage, most hospitals are willing to stand on their heads to get Per Diem nurses. (Or course, you'd want to pick two or three where you'd like to work and limit yourself to those since you'd have to go through orientation everywhere where you are added to their list.) If you know anyone who could benefit from our free nationwide placement service, please feel free to pass along our name and number. In the meantime, Paula, we wish you all the best of luck in landing some ideal Per Diem slots! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I'm having the hardest time finding work....		Code: 9094 Hello, Medical JobScout: I have been an RN for 17 years and NP for 10 years. I am NYS licensed and nationally certified by NAACOG as a WHNP. I also specialize in HIV/AIDS care. I must say nursing has been good two me, I raised four kids alone, put all of them through college, bought my home, a few cars, and manage to buy a small amount of mutual funds and stock. I am however, staggering in my career goals. I quit my job a few months ago due to stress and lack of any growth potential there. I have been searching daily for a new job, but I'm finding due to my specialties, I am limited. I am currently working on my masters in nursing online at the University of Phoenix. Never in my seventeen years of nursing has it been so difficult to obtain employment. Although I keep hearing, there is a nursing shortage, advanced nurses are scrambling for jobs in New York. NP positions have been flooded by a new wave of nurses who want to go straight to the top. It is difficult for me to compete with my younger counterparts, because they are beginning nursing with masters and doctorate degrees. I have thought about changing my specialties but I've invested a lot of time, money and energy already. What do you recommend I do at this point? I'm still young (45 yrs) and have at least 20 yrs of work ahead of me. I cannot relocate, though. Not ready to quit nursing --J. Ali Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Pete is moderating): Dear J: Each day we hear the three main points of your letter: I quit my job because of stress and lack of advancement I'm a Nurse Practioner and I can't find work I still love my profession and don't want to change J, I do so wish we'd had a chance to talk before you quit. In our agency, we find that it's roughly 9 times harder to locate a suitable new position when out of work than when still employed. (We have a major job opening right now that we're recruiting for, and the hospital absolutely flatly refuses even to look at a resume if the applicant is currently unemployed. I don't say it's fair but, with so many advanced practice nurses and nursing administration people flooding the market, they feel, why take the chance?) A plea to all medical people out there who are contemplating a job change: stay in the job you now have, no matter how awful it is, as long as you possibly can. Remember, it's nine times easier to find work when you are already working.... Several postings here in Community are from NPs who are having a tough time locating an advanced practice nursing job. So many of us were told to go back to school and become NPs that the market is now glutted. Our CEO here at Medical JobScout Recruiting (who is a nurse) recently told of a friend of hers who wanted to take NP training. The school required her to get a letter from a physician's office promising her employment after she graduated. Without that, they wouldn't even let her enroll (because they know that there are too many NPs right now) And, as far as you not wanting to leave nursing goes, good for you! So many people who have years of great experience like you want to quit, to go to work for insurance companies, etc. I'm confident that, with your wonderful background, you will locate a position that suits you. It's going to be much more difficult because you don't want to relocate. This means that you'll have to convince prospective employers that your experience can benefit them more than someone just starting out. It may even mean that you won't start at as high a pay scale as you'd like and as you deserve. But, excellent employees generally are promoted once they get their foot in the door. I wish you all the best of luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Merger short-circuited her career plans		Code: 9093 Hello, Medical JobScout: Thank you for your timely articles. I resigned for a job that I loved and had planned to stay in until retirement. Unfortunately the hospital based home health agency merged with 2 other hospitals, and everything quickly changed for the worst. The workload immediately increased, the patients being sent home were sicker, the radius that the nurses were expected to travel doubled, we started the OASIS for the medicare patients and last but not least we were given new handheld computers (PTCT); and suddenly the paper work tripled. Time spent correcting computer errors were not compensated for, although they were mainly due to a lack of proper training, and insufficent time to learn and experiment with the computer. After being in the nursing profession for 29 years I am afraid to return to work; it's not the technology so much as the paper chase. --BG Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear BG: We're so sorry that this happened to you, and to many of our colleagues across the country. As awful as it is to go through that sort of personal trauma, the fact that there is a growing nursing shortage will at least work in your favor: there are great jobs out there, and more opening up every day. The important thing is to get connected with a well-run institution that will provide the training, support, and stability that we all deserve. If we can help, please feel free to give us a jingle! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Can you help Canadian nurses?		Code: 9092 Hello, Medical JobScout: Hi there! I am a nursing student from the University of Alberta and will be graduating with my BScN in the year 2002. I am wondering if you help Canadian nursing students with job placement. Secondly, I am wondering how many hospitals which you recruit for are willing to hire new grads? I thank you and look forward to your response! ---Dennie Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Yes, we gladly assist Canadian nurses in locating jobs. However, as you know, there are not too many RN jobs in Canada at the moment, but there is a growing nursing shortage in the US. Not sure what the situation will be two years from now, but we expect the US shortage to continue to grow. As it does, more and more hospitals will hire new grads. Don't worry, in Canada or elsewhere, there are always good jobs for good people! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Interim CNO questions.....		Code: 9091. Hello, Medical JobScout: I have 2 questions: (1) I would like to know more about interim CNO/VP positions in nursing. I am at a place where I could do this right now. I have a dual Master's degree and 25+ years experience, mostly in management including DON expeirence and Senior Management related positions. - I want to do CNO work but would love to try it as an interim first. Do they pay expenses to fly you back home periodically? What length of thime is the typical assignment? Would they look at you permanently if you (and they) are interested? (2) I have had similar expeirences as some of your readers with recruiters - they are excited to talk to me, love my resume and credentials, will get working on things "right away" and then I never hear back from them. This has happened on many occasions...so skeptically I write you for advice or thoughts on this.... Thanks...bewildered Denise, RN, MSN" Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Bob is hosting) Dear Denise, So sorry that recruiters have dropped the ball with you. That's one thing that never happens with us here at JobScout -- once we agree to represent a client, we're there all the way until you are securely settled in your new job. Unlike most recruiters who work on commissions, we are on a salary and have no vested interest in dropping one candidate for another who promises to land us a higher commission fee. One problem that you need to confront right up front, Denise, is that most hospitals looking for an Interim CNO are going to require someone who has already been a CNO. We have former Chief Nursing Officers in our agency and, in fact, our CEO is a former CNO. While we can't say for certain, we have never heard of a hospital that pays for periodic flights home. Most will feel that it's enough to pay for your temporary move to their community, to pay your rent (some also provide rental cars), and to pay you above-average salaries. But, yes, if you have been hired as an interim and -- if you seem to be a good fit -- it's very likely that you will receive an offer for a permanent position. The average interim position would probably be around 3-6 months. I might add that interim CNO positions are very, very, very few and far between these days (as are actual fulltime CNO openings). The reason is that the host of hospital closings, mergers, and consolidations have left a fairly large number of highly-qualified and experienced former Chief Nursing Officers out there, either jobless, or working as unit directors, waiting for their opportunity to move up again. It sounds as if you have great experience, Denise. But, you are asking to move into a new job category, for which you have had excellent preparation, but no experience. A lot would depend on whether or not you're willing to "pay your dues" by accepting a position for a couple of years in any smaller community willing to give you an opportunity to get the experience you need to land a more "plush" job down the line. Another option might be to take a unit director's position in a hospital that says they have an opening looming on the horizon for which you would be the preferred candidate (we have situations like that avaiable, by the way). We would be delighted to work with you and promise to return all calls, answer all emails, and generally take your career search as seriously as you do! If any of this seems reasonable to you, why not email or fax your resume at: 800-966-3036? Afterwards, call Melody at 800-668-9559 and let's see how we can assist you. Good luck, whatever you decide, Denise! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Career trouble: have to move too soon		Code: 9090. Hello, Medical JobScout: I'm going to call myself "Molly Move-too-soon" and I hope you can advise me. I have been a Chief Nursing Officer for only four months. All my life I worked toward that position. Now, after getting here, my husband's company is transferring him to a huge job in Southern California. We agree he should take it, but what can I tell prospective new employers? I really need the advice! Molly Move-too-soon" Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Bob is hosting) Dear Molly, Well, the old adage "honesty is the best policy" certainly applies here. You're going to have to explain exactly what happened. Fortunately, if you select our JobScout recruiting agency to locate your next position, we will have to do the explaining, not you, since we're the go-between. Still the issue is a real one: if you had to leave one CNO position to follow your husband's career, how likely is that to happen again? If it is likely to happen again, you might well want us to assist you in finding a "more-than-interim" CNO slot. For example, situations arise where a hospital is going to be merging with another in a year-and-a-half. They may want a Chief Nursing Officer who understands that her/his job may not last forever.... I'm not saying that you would do this (some would), but it's important to avoid at all cost any temptation to imply that you're likely to stay a long time in your new job if it's not true. Feel free to call us to discuss the situation once you are actually ready to begin looking for opportunities in your new community. And, don't worry too much, the right situation will present itself! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting ++++++Comment from Chere Simpson, HR Director, Toledo: I'd like to add one thing to your comments to Molly-Move-Too-Soon: If it were me doing the interviewing, I'd take the unusual step of requesting her husband's resume. I'd want to see first hand whether or not he tends to have many, many short stays in his industry, whatever it is. If he does, I don't think I could consider Molly's application. Hiring new people costs a lot of money, and results in incalculable turmoil in the hospital. We couldn't take the risk if she'd be likely to move again soon. Sorry, Molly. ++++++Comment from Edie Petrocello, RN, MSN, Houston: To the issue of Molly-Move-Too-Soon's problem: I'm a CNO who is also an Acting CEO, which gives me a unique perception. When we moved here, before we could get our mortgage approval, the bank wanted a letter from my new boss (the old CEO) that my "prospects" for "continued and prolonged employment" were good. I think I'd take the unusual step of asking for something like that from the husband's new boss. ++++++Comment from Peter Winchley, RN, CNOR, Tuscon: We hated to do it, but my wife had an opportunity to become a Chief Nursing Office (worked her whole career to achieve that position!) and we made the difficult choice to temporarily separate. If I left my job now, I'd be in the same short-timer category as Molly-Move-Too-Soon. I have to stay here at least 7 more months to have a "respectable" two years in. So, Donna is 700 miles away doing her CNO thing. The long-distance bills are bad, and the airline ticket are worse! But, we both are able to preserve the integrity of our resumes, and we'll be together again soon. I know this isn't for everybody, but it's an option, albeit a difficult one. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
New boss, new troubles!		Code: 9089. Hello, Medical JobScout: May I withhold my name? I'm a Women's Services director in a large Midwestern city. I've been here for 6 years and have always enjoyed a great working relationship with my colleagues. But, we have a new CNO and, frankly, she is just a witch. She seldom smiles, alienates everybody, and has been caught in several lies. I have loved my job and this hospital, but can't stand this. Ideas? Name withheld and Sad Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Anne is hosting) Dear Sad, Ouch! It's one of those occupational hazards, I'm afraid. The person you describe is probably awful to everybody, not just you, am I correct? If so, you may want to get a few colleagues together and make an appointment with this woman. Don't do it alone -- she has the power to fire you, unfortunately. And, when you meet, don't be threatening. Don't accuse her of a lot of stuff. The tack I'd suggest is that you tell her you know how hard it must be settling into a new job and ask if you directors can help her in any way. You've noticed that she's been tense -- and you're sure that it must be the job that's causing it -- and you as a team will be glad to help take some of the pressure off. Document the meeting, even quietly tape it, if possible. If things don't get better, the same group makes an appointment with the CEO, providing her/him with a copy of the "minutes" of your meeting with the errant CNO. Those minutes should carefully itemize how you identified the problems (anger, lack of support, deteriorating morale, etc.) and be sure to include the offers of help you made. If that doesn't work, you may need to begin thinking of leaving. I had a job as a Critical Care Unit Director in Texas that very closely paralleled your situation. My excellent old boss left and the new one was straight from Hell. Eventually, the "Life's too short for this realization struck, and I left. Best decision I ever made. Good luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Can you help Canadian nurses?		Code: 9092 Hello, Medical JobScout: Hi there! I am a nursing student from the University of Alberta and will be graduating with my BScN in the year 2002. I am wondering if you help Canadian nursing students with job placement. Secondly, I am wondering how many hospitals which you recruit for are willing to hire new grads? I thank you and look forward to your response! ---Dennie Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Yes, we gladly assist Canadian nurses in locating jobs. However, as you know, there are not too many RN jobs in Canada at the moment, but there is a growing nursing shortage in the US. Not sure what the situation will be two years from now, but we expect the US shortage to continue to grow. As it does, more and more hospitals will hire new grads. Don't worry, in Canada or elsewhere, there are always good jobs for good people! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
New boss, new troubles!		Code: 9089. Hello, Medical JobScout: May I withhold my name? I'm a Women's Services director in a large Midwestern city. I've been here for 6 years and have always enjoyed a great working relationship with my colleagues. But, we have a new CNO and, frankly, she is just a witch. She seldom smiles, alienates everybody, and has been caught in several lies. I have loved my job and this hospital, but can't stand this. Ideas? Name withheld and Sad Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Anne is hosting) Dear Sad, Ouch! It's one of those occupational hazards, I'm afraid. The person you describe is probably awful to everybody, not just you, am I correct? If so, you may want to get a few colleagues together and make an appointment with this woman. Don't do it alone -- she has the power to fire you, unfortunately. And, when you meet, don't be threatening. Don't accuse her of a lot of stuff. The tack I'd suggest is that you tell her you know how hard it must be settling into a new job and ask if you directors can help her in any way. You've noticed that she's been tense -- and you're sure that it must be the job that's causing it -- and you as a team will be glad to help take some of the pressure off. Document the meeting, even quietly tape it, if possible. If things don't get better, the same group makes an appointment with the CEO, providing her/him with a copy of the "minutes" of your meeting with the errant CNO. Those minutes should carefully itemize how you identified the problems (anger, lack of support, deteriorating morale, etc.) and be sure to include the offers of help you made. If that doesn't work, you may need to begin thinking of leaving. I had a job as a Critical Care Unit Director in Texas that very closely paralleled your situation. My excellent old boss left and the new one was straight from Hell. Eventually, the "Life's too short for this realization struck, and I left. Best decision I ever made. Good luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Telephone Triage job?		Code: 9087. Hello, Medical JobScout: Currently I am looking for some openings within the field of Teletriage....or as some call it telephone advice nurse. Do you have any information regarding this? Any employment opportunities? Any information or leads you may have would be greatly appreciated. I am very interested in opportunites in Florida, but would appreciate information in any state. Thank you for you time. --Heather Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Bob is hosting) Dear Heather, That's not the sort of job that recruiting agencies normally can assist with. We can place Registered Nurses, Nurse Managers, Physicians, licensed Practioners , and Therapists, as long as they are willing to conduct their job search over a large area, usually at least a quarter of the country, such as the SE or the NW, for example. But, for what you're seeking, I think you're going to have to go on the internet and just start scouting the classifieds of newspapers in the communities you're interested in. Also, some hospitals either run "Dial A Nurse" themselves, or sponsor them. You might check some hospital HR folks in your target communities, too. In the meantime, we'll certainly ask around and will contact you if we can come up with any ideas. Sorry we couldn't do more! --Bob --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Office job in Atlanta		Code: 9086. Hello, Medical JobScout: I am a A.R.N. with over a decade of nursing experience. The experience is vast. I have worked in some of the largest hospitals in Atlanta Georgia in many areas, but always concentrating in the area of maternal infant. However thru working with agencies I have experience in Clinics, Home Health, and many other areas. I have relocated to Valdosta Georgia and would like to stay here. However, I am seeking office nursing. Hopefully in management. Have any suggestions? Thanks, D, RN Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer (Melody is hosting) Dear D, RN, Our agency really can't help you as long as you want to stay in Atlanta -- even though we have an office right on Peachtree in Buckhead. We specialize in placing folks who want to relocate. My own thought is that, if you want office nursing, is to actually hop in the car and start driving in ever-increasing circles outward from your home. Stop everywhere you see an office that looks like the sort of place you'd like to work, and just walk with a resume. You probably should also include a brief Cover Letter that is pretty much like the posting you sent us (above). It's brief, makes you sound nice, and clearly states what you are looking for. Good luck, D -- and please feel free to refer any of your colleages to us, if they want to move! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Can't help with local per diem work, sorry		Code: 9085 Dear Medical JobScout, I am a RN living five miles west of Boston. I am looking for a per-diem position in either a hospital or a doctor's office. My experience has been as a cardiac nurse on a telemetry unit. I also have an interest in mental health. Could you give me any suggestions of where to look? I've been told to look through an agency. Thank you, Steph, RN Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Stephanie, Well, there are temporary nursing agencies in Boston, I'm sure. And, you may want to register with them. But, if I were you, I'd just circulate my resume directly to hospitals and clinics you would like to work for. Same with doctor's offices. Just tell them you're available per diem and my guess is that your phone will ring and ring and ring. Of course, you'll need to go through orientation at the various hospitals where you want to work, so pick only those you're seriously interested in, since orienting new nurses is a very expensive and time-consuming process for the employer. As far as your "interest in mental health" is concerned, your wording suggests that you have not yet gained any experience there. If so, you probably won't have much luck with per diem work in psych, at least not until you develop some background in that field. (Per diem people pretty much have to be ready to step right in and cover a patient load when there's an unexpected vacancy and can't just follow a mentor around -- the need is immediate and serious -- otherwise they wouldn't be calling a per diem nurse in the first place.) Boston is just oozing with mental health services, clinics, outreach programs, etc. If you have a real interest in that area, why not go work for one, even part-time, and establish some psych credentials? All the best of luck, Steph! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Nurses! Doc is tired, dislikes fighting, too		Code: 9084 Dear Medical JobScout, I'm Barney, a general surgeon in St. Louis. I'm really a nice guy but, yesterday, one of the nurses at a hospital where I have priveleges, blurted out, "you're such a moody creep -- no wonder nobody around here likes you!" I was shocked, honestly. I try hard to be nice to everybody. I know some docs are arrogant and treat everybody like dirt, including the nurses, their patients, their families, even the other physicians. But, I'm not like that, and I was stunned. The only thing that I can think of is that I usually get two or three telephone calls ineterupting my sleep every night (at least a couple of nights a week I have to get dressed and go over to the hospital). Then, I go in and make rounds dead tired, and still have a full day seeing patients, performing surgeries, and more rounds to face. I really don't intend to be abrupt -- I'm just tired all the time. With all due respect to the professional nurses who run the hospitals, they generally have their shifts to work, even long ones, and then they get to go home and sleep. Except for the on-call nurse manager or director, few will be awakened from much-needed sleep at 2am, 3am, 4am, etc. We try really hard to understand the problems nurses work with today (not enough equipment, short-staffing, testy doctors, and the like), but can you please tell them that being a physician is certainly no piece of cake, either. Tell them, please, we all have to cut each other some slack. Thanks! Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Dr. Barney, We don't think we could have said it any better. Thanks for telling your side of the story and balancing the equation for all of us! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Industrial health?		Code: 9083. Hello, Medical JobScout: Looking for a position in the industrial field or employee's health services in various hospitals. Looking in around 25 miles. Thanks -- G.B. Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear G.B., Your request said you want a job withing 25 miles, but you didn't say within 25 miles of where. Our best bet is that you have newspapers (plus internet resources) where you live, and we suggest that you look at those for job openings. And, since you don't say what you do, whether you're a nurse, physician, educator, etc., it's hard to know how to advise you. But, we are sending you an email with many useful tips -- as well as some of the pitfalls that many medical jobseekers fall into. Good luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting +++ +++Comment from Edie Russer, MD, Clairville, MI: It sort of sounds as if G.B. is an Occupational Health physician. He/she should have been able to write a question with some more detail. That's my field. It doesn't pay as much as private practice, but I tend to be able to spend nights and weekends with my family! ++++++Comment from Nina Quinn, RN, Fort Worth: Hey, G.B., you have to say what you're really looking for. Are you an educator? Then you need to be in a hospital. Are you a nurse who wants to give flu shots and put on bandaids, then maybe industrial nursing, or school nurse is for you. But, there are only about a zillion of us who'd like to get off nights and do that!. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
First nursing job in 30-years		Code: 9082 Dear Medical JobScout, I will be a new graduate on Feb. 11, 2000. I will be graduating from William Carey College School of Nursing, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I want to present the best resume that I can to perspective employers. I have only held one job in my 30 years so there is not much work history. Could you please assist me in creating my resume? Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear New Grad, First of all, congratulations on your graduation. Hope you enjoy Healthcare as much as we have! Secondly, we would be happy to assist you in assembling a resume. Try this: We're sending you a sample resume to work from (or, just pick up a sample at Office Depot, Office Max, etc. They have them both in paper and CD Rom form.) Put an OBJECTIVE right at the top of the page, right under your name, address, phone, email, and degree. Clearly state that it is your objective to begin using your BSN and that this is a second career, or later-in-life career for you. That will explain right off the bat why there isn't a lot of professional content to follow List any nursing-related stuff you may have done (did you work as an aide while in school? Volunteer at a hopsital? Do job fairs?) because any career-related experience will help establish you as serious about the profession you're now entering You may certainly put down a bit of information about what else you've been doing, but avoid a great deal of detail about your previous non-nursing background. Just give the broadest possible outline to account for those years. Prospective employers will skim it, anyway Since you have no real experience to report, we suggest getting some references to include. Not the pointless "References Will Be Furnished Upon Request" line that too many people use. (H.R. will look at that and say, "Duh!") Instead, get profs, some actual "working nurse manager" from your Clinicals, and supervisors of any volunteer programs to write actual brief letters attesting to your proficiency. Include those right with your resume. Feel free to send the package to us and we'll gladly look it over at no cost and help you with any fine-tuning that we can suggest. Also, if you are going to be seeking a position outside your current community, if you're willing to relocate to start your career, please let us help find you your new job. There's no charge. Good luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Exiting First-Line Management		Code: 9081 Dear Medical JobScout, I'm not sure exactly what to do here! I am currently in a managment position in a Home Care agency and am at the "burn out" phase, actually, I am past the burn out phase! I am looking for something less stressful, less "all consuming" and still pay the bills! I also need health insurance. I have been an RN for 20 years and have alot of varied experiance. I am looking for something near my home and children that allows me to be a mom and a professional without tearing my hair out. Doesn't that sound great? Does anything like this exist? Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Claibo1, Other than the things we've said to other folks (scroll down the page), we really don't know how to help you -- although we sure wish we could! These situations are tough! Can anyone help? --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
What courses should I take for nursing?		Code: 9080 Dear Medical JobScout, Hi. I am 18 tears old and I have about 2 years left of high school but the problem is when I decide to go to university I don't know what courses I have to take to be a nurse. I would like to work in labour and delivery because I love children so much.... I don't even know if the universitys will except me because i'm in adult high school not regular high school but I still get the same deploma. Please help me ? I really hope that you can answer my questions Thank you, Brent Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Brent You don't say where you live but, in most areas, your high school should have a counselor who will help you take university-entry courses. If they know what you want to do with your life, they should help you study the things now that will make university admissions easier. Another alternative is to decide where you want to get your nursing education. Near your home? Another communiyt? Even another country? If it's near home, go givig the admissions office and speak with a counselor about their admission requirements. They'll generally be very helpful. Also, ost nursing programs have internet sites these days. Visit them, write to Admissions, and ask all the questions you may have. Don't do it just once.... Stay in touch with them as you go through your next two years of high school. You should also know that schools don't operate just "to be nice." They are in business and need students in order to keep their classrooms full and their faculty paid. You really won't be bothering them; you'll be helping them by showing interest in studying there! (By the way, biology, math, and any computer classes you can take certainly will help!) --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Interested in Detroit Oncology nursing		Code: 9079 Dear Medical JobScout, Can you let me know how I can monitor and keep aware of positions available for oncology nursing, specifically in the metro detroit area? I am currently working in a clinic administering chemotherapy; enjoy it much, but am looking for a change within the field. Thank you for your help and guidance. Thank you, Amy RN BS OCN Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Amy, If we're reading your inquiry correctly, you are already in the Detroit area. If so, the very best thing that we can suggest is to closely monitor the classified ads and area hospital/clinic websites. It's also a really good idea to get to know some of the ONC nursing people, offer to do some Per Diem work, take them to lunch, join their associations. People hire their Friends so, as you develop those relationships, your name will be the first one to come to mind when a vacancy arises. If you are looking for a position anywhere outside the community you're already in, however, we'd be delighted to help you with your placement at no charge! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I'd like to go to the Caribbean for private duty		Code: 9078 Dear Medical JobScout, I am a Canadian (Manitoba) LPN with many years experience. I am seeking private duty in the Caribbean. Could you please tell me what I need to do to find out if/where my education is accepted? Thank you, Audrey Mactier Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Audrey, There is no simple answer to your question, that we know of. However, we'll keep our fingers crossed that one of our readers have a suggestion. We have an office in the Caribbean and one of our vice presidents has spent considerable time in the West Indies. Your question about where your education is accepted wouldn't seem important if you are going to do Private Duty. You would only have license issues if you were to work in a hospital or governement clinic. But, in many Caribbean nations, non-residents such as yourself should have work permits, to be "official." Your employer would normally be the one to pay for that, however. As to how to locate a private duty LPN job, though, we suggest checking our Newsgroups for the various islands. All the best of luck in your search! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Nursing Relo $$$ ?		Code: 9075 Dear Medical JobScout, I'm a nurse working in California. I want to move to New York. Can I get relocation money and sign-on bonus? Thanks, Vicki Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Vicki, Yes, depending on your professional level. If you'd a CNO, Unit Director, or Unit Manager, your new hospital will assist you in relocating. However, most are financially unable to do so at the staff nurse level. The other side of the coin, though, is that many hospitals will pay Sign On Bonuses for new staff nurses. Some are sizable enough to pretty much pay for your move. Plus, since we here at JobScout are a non-for-profit foundation, we often have modest grant monies that can assist you in getting resettled. --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
School nursing info, please		Code: 9074 Dear Medical JobScout, I am interested in finding employment in school nursing. Any information you could send me would be appreciated. Thank you, Danny D Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Danny D, Hopefully, one or more of our readers will be able to offer you some advice. In the meantime, though, check out The National Association of School Nurses: http://www.vrmedia.com/Nurses/ Good luck, Danny! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Arab jobs, anyone?		Code: 9073 Dear Medical JobScout, I am looking for a job in Yemen. Can anyone help? Thank you, Amy M Dear Amy, Yes, we can, as well as other recruiting agencies. If you want to go to an overseas "posting" such as Yemen, however, you should know that many are for pre-determined contract lengths, usually at least a year, some longer. If you're interested in our placement help, which we provide at no charge to you, just send us your email. Good luck!--Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Try to stay in Healthcare while waiting for RN license		Code: 9072 Dear Medical JobScout, I am a registered nurse from Malaysia with 17 years of experience in patient care, student nurses and patient teaching in multidisciplinary hospital. I migrated to US a month ago with my family with green card. Currently looking for job as a nurse but was not successful because I do not have NYS license. I am in the process of applying for the license and the NCLEX exam. While waiting and preparing for the exam I wish to get a job to make end meet and support my family. Kindly guide and lead me to suitable job where I can earn a little for the family. I do not mind even a part-time job. Your kind consideration and guidance would be very much appreciated. Herewith attached a copy of my resume. Thank you in anticipation. Your truly, Sok-Gek Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Sok-Gek, It's too bad that no one told you about the NCLEX while you were still in Malaysia. Other foreign nurses reading this -- take note. If you pass the NCLEX while still in your own country, it will speed things up when you arrive in the US. It is good that you already have your Green Card, however. We recommend that you find something in Healthcare, even working as an Aide or a Tech. If you do this in a hospital, clinic, or physician practice, if will help you once you have your RN license and begin applying for work. At least, you will have some Healthcare experience here in the US on your resume, which will put you ahead of others who have none.Good luck, Sok-Gek! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Here's some help for job close to home		Code: 9071. I will be a new graduate in May and I am anxious to begin my job search. My hearts desire is in L & D. Do you have any suggestions or tips that would help me? Is it extremely to early to be worring about this? Should I wait until I have my license in hand? I live in Houston, TX and I am not interested in relocating. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Michelle Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Michelle, Just got your email. No, it's not to soon to begin planning (but, no worrying!) If I were you, I'd go over to whichever hospitals you are most interested in working for. (Forget about Human Resources for now...you're not applying for a job yet...just Networking.) Go up to the unit and ask to see the L&D Director. Maybe it'd be worth investing $10.00 in taking her or him to lunch. Could even get your prof to authorize you to write a report for a school assignment and you could use the lunch to gather research! Then, just ask this person what it's like in L&D, how they got started, what they think the best way to get a foot in the door might be. When it comes time to go out and look for work, you will already have a friend on the "inside." --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Here's some help for job close to home		Code: 9070. I live in Passaic County, N.J. and am looking for a job close to home. I am curious what you can find along the line of case management or MD's office. I have a resume typed up but was not sure how much info. you would need for this as I have not tried this before. Thank You- Cindy Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Cindy, Recruiting agencies aren't generally able to assist you with a placement so close to your home, unfortunately. However, we have taken bits and pieces of various articles we've written and boiled them down into a few helpful paragraphs that we can email to folks. We'll send it to you right now. In the meantime, if you find any additional techniques that you could share with our readers, please let us know. Good luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Long-distance educator?		Code: 9069. I am looking for a job as a long distance educator, in a school of nursing. Do you have any information on these types of job opportunites? Thank you. Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Nursing Friend, It's a new one to us. Still, we're in a wonderous age and new innovations are coming along each day. It could be that there is a school of nursing that is offering at least some of the non-clinical courses over the internet. We'd recommend that you start by contacting nursing school Continuing Education departments. Please let us know if you turn up something so we can share it with our readers. Good luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
L&D Nurse needs help entering Research		Code: 9068. I am a BSN Rn and currently working in a Newborn and Level II nursery. I have since I was in school felt the strong desire to get into a job position that would allow me to do research. I live in the Midwest. Would you have any ideas for me to follow up on? Thank you. Sue Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Sue, To be frank, this is going to be a tough transition for someone without a masters or a PhD and will require some real commitment on your part. That having been said, the lack of a masters may be your ticket into Research. If you are willing to go back to school, you'll be able to pick a university setting that offers participation in research studies. We see from your address (we're withholding it) that you are only about a half-hour away from a pretty good-sized university. We'd certainly suggest giving them a call! Another possibility would be to try doing research, of a sorts, right where you are. QI/PI involves gathering data and may provide you the outlet you're seeking. Good luck! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting +++Comment from Ruthann, MD, Detroit: You should look at the health news and see where research is being done, who is issuing reports. Write to their HR people and offer to move there and even tell them you'll take a pay cut just to get the experience. A few good references won't hurt, and you'll certainly be getting advice as to where to go next, academically, or professionally. +++Comment from Sonja, RN, Cincinnati: Personally, I prefer being where the action is here in the ED. But, if I were interested in Research and not wanting to move too far away, as suggested by Dr. Ruthann, I'd probably go to the local county Health Department, Planned Parenthood, the AIDS treatment people...anyone who is doing good work and needing continued funding. Chances are that they are taking some sort of a "needs" survey. Maybe you could connect there and get your foot in the door. You'd also learn research techniques, statistics, etc. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I'm going to be a nurse -- but where?		Code: 9067. HI, My name is Stacey and I graduate in May 2000 as an R.N. with an Associates Scienc Degree. I previously have an Associates in Arts. My goal is to move somewhere, I am not exactly sure but somewhere interesting and fun. My long term goal is to become a flight nurse. I understand I need to become an EMT, and challenge the Paramedic test, also have 1-2 years experience in critical care or ER. Anyway, I don't know where to begin to look for a job, because I'm really not sure where I want to live. I like seasons, but not too cold places. I haven't really been out west, but tomorrow I am going to California. Can you help me, give me some advice? My email address is yecats11@hotmail.com Thanks, Stacey Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Stacey, One of the good things about the nursing shortage is that nurses are in demand everywhere. So, wherever you decide to go, chances are that there'll be a job there. The real problem for you (and for me!) is to choose from among the many wonderful places that are waiting! Since you're headed to California tomorrow (I'm headed to The Bahamas tomorrow!), let me tell you about San Diego. I was a critical care nurse there, and I lived on the coast Solana Beach, right across the highway from the ocean. And, almost every job I've had since is either on the water, or close enough to get there on my day off. But, that's me. Now, what you have to do is figure out what's cool for you. San Diego has, for me, probably the best climate on earth. There's not too much humidity, it never get really hot or really cold, and it's just an overall wonderful area. But, the cost of living has gotten so high that "regular" folks can hardly afford to live there these days. We here at Medical JobScout currently represent a hospital in northern California, where the weather ain't bad, either! They have a great temperate climate, but are very close to mountains that get snow on them. Snowy mountains on one side, ocean on the other: that's pretty wonderful, too! If you want really exotic, we have a hospital in the South Pacific that's looking for nurses (see home page). We have a Carribbean Basis office, too, representing hospitals and clinics throughout the West Indies and Central America -- Cost Rica is great, since you like adventure! There's a great book called, "Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow" by Marsha Sinetar. You can get the idea just from the title! When you do get ready to launch your nursing career, give us a jingle at 800-668-9559. In the meantime, have a wonderful time in California! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I want to be a nurse again. Help?		Code: 9066. HI, I was wondering if you could give me some advice- I graduated in '92 when there was no nursing shortage and it was hard finding a job - So I took a non-nursing job working for major company I want to go back into nursing but I don't know where to start - How do I become marketable again? -- Frustrated RN Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Frustrated, It's going to depend on whether you want to nurse right where you are, or whether you're willing to relocate to re-launch your career! Do you have an active license? If not, the first thing to do is decide where you want to work and we'll help you contact that state's Nursing Board and get you signed up. If you're going to stay right in the town you're in, let us know and we'll forwasrd you a helpful little article that gives you some resume tips. By the way, many hospitals are now offering "refresher" courses hoping to get folks just like you back into the nursing marketplace. --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Extra sensitivity needed at Holidays		Code: 9065. Hello, Medical JobScout: Can I just get on a soap box for a minute? To us nurses and doctors, the Holidays are just more days to work. But, to our patients and their families, this is an especially difficult time. We need to keep that in mind. I know that, as a single mother, I really have to struggle to keep my mind on my patients when I know that I have kids at home who want their mommy, even more at Christmas than at other times of the year. Maybe you have a situation like that, too. But, when we're with patients, they have to come first at that moment! (I mention this because I just saw one of my colleagues and a nurse going at it in a patient room and the patient all but cowered under the sheets!) -- Corrine Simpson, MD, Tampa Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Dr. Simpson, You're right! We really do have to go out of our way to be more sensitive, even though we may be stressed and even ticked off because we have to work! It's hard, hard, especially for medical care providers who are also single parents. There's such a balancing act, trying to work, to find time to spend with the kids, and it's often enough to make us a bit short with the patients. Gotta try extra hard to be nice to them -- they're suffering more than we are! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting +++Comment from Patricia, RN, Charlotte: Yeah, well, that's fine but the patients and their families seem even snottier and less appreciative than usual around the holidays. It's like all the full moons of the year rolled into one! +++Comment from Lonnie, MD, Houston: Come on, Patricia! I have to agree with you that the patients and patient families can be real bears at Christmas. But, they are so scared! I mean, they're always scared, being sick is so terrifying. But, at Christmas, they're even more agitated. Our being short with them, or with each other where they can hear us, only makes it worse. +++Comment from Francis Maiken, MSW, CSW, Oakland: Yes, to all the above. But, we also have to try to remember that, when a patient is stressed, their prognosis isn't as good. Healing takes place in an atmosphere of calming encouragement. Happy holidays, everybody! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Will the Nursing Shortage last long enough to help me?		Code: 9064. Hello, Medical JobScout: I am a current RN student wondering through the vast halls of endless MED SURG books, and endless care plans. I am quite frankly loving Nursing School so far. I attend College Of The Sequoias Registered Nursing program here in Visalia, CA and am only 20 years old. I know there are always ups and downs in the nursing career but I hope I am picking a stable career to go into. Right now there is a vast shortage in nursing, and from what a lot of sooth sayers dictate, they claim the demand will remain consistent for quite some time. I am curious to know your input on this subject? Are the changes in health care, and the growth of the older population, going to create a mass shortage that will keep many jobs open? I guess I am just worried about getting a job and maybe I am impatient. I just want to be making a living right now! I see all these open doors and I can't enter them yet, until I get my RN.... Well only three more semesters to go :) Just curious where do you think of this shortage and where my career choice will take me. I definitely know its up to me. I know one think i want to get my masters one day...but heck i am only 20 i am taking one step at a time. Your paranoid Nursing student Joshua Yarbrough 3:00am Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Joshua, Lots of people out there are concerned about whether or not the current nursing shortage will last. (See article attached with a link at the bottom of our comments here.) Past nursing shortages have come in cycles: Nursing Schools turned out tons of new RNs to meet the demand, then there were too many nurses, so, some nursing schools closed, with other admitting fewer students, so we have a new nursing shortage! But, your point about the aging Baby Boomer generation is a good one. There will be more and more folks to take care of as the years go on and, nursing shortage or glut, there will always be jobs for those who are conscientious and caring! One thing, though: you never mention that you love caring for people -- only about getting a job. If all you want is a steady job with a good future, switch to Computer Science. They need lots of new grads, and the demand seems endless! But, if Nursing means more than a mere meal ticket for you, stick with it. We need nurses who are "in it" because they Care! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Read our Nursing Shortage Update: Incentives to lure nurses growing by the day! Current Article by Bob Martin, RN, MS It's the ol' Law of Supply and Demand kicking in. Hospitals in serious need of nurses are putting up big bucks for relocation, very unique benefits (how about a free computer!?), and even rent subsidies! +++Comment from Marnie: Cool comment! I was a Computer Science major who converted to Nursing because, well, the high-tech stuff was interesting, but lacked feeling! Nursing is real hands-on, people stuff. I love it. Good luck, Josh! +++Comment from Bob: I don't see what's wrong with being in Nursing for the money. I mean, we have to work nights, weekends, holidays. And, let's face it, most hospitals are only factories, anyway. I give them 8 to 10 hours of production, they pay me. Seems fair. +++Comment from Cindee, MSN: Ouch! Bob, yes, you should get paid for the work you do. And, possibly get paid better than you do. But, you have no place in our Profession if you're only in it for the money. Why not go open a shoe store? The hours are better. (Of course, you might not succeed even there if you continue not to give a damn about anybody!) We are disgusted when certain doctors are "only in it for the money" and those people stick out like sore thumbs. They should also have their licenses taken away. If you don't care about people first and foremost, you should not be in Nursing. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
High risk -- low pay		Code: 9063. I am a labor and delivery nurse in California. I love doing what I do, but there must be a place in my area that pays me more to work in such a high risk environment than I'm making right now. I have 7 year experience in L&D, and I work high risk L&D at this time. Like I said, I love it. We have a level-4 nursery and have great outcomes with gestations as low as 24-25 weeks. The docs and the staff are great, but for whatever reason, this facility does not pay their nurses as much as they should. Many nurses get their high risk experience at our facility and move on to better paying jobs. can you help? sincerely, (Name Withheld) Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Maybe that's why the pay is low -- they can get folks to come in, get their training, and then move on. It's ironic, but we have found in our Recruiting agency that some of the more out-of-the-way hospitals pay the best because they can't get great staff to come in any other way. The "hot-spot" hospitals in locations everybody wants can pay less because they have tons of applicants. At least that's one perspective.... --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Need help starting my home consulting		Code: 9062. This is the first time I have written to Medical JobScout's Community – and Thank God for you! I am an RN with 20-years of experience. I was terminated form my job one day before Thanksgiving. I have been in a state of depression ever since. I worked as a Medical Review Specialist for a third party liability company. I was to begin telecommuniting one week before this happened – I felt it was the ideal job for me, working from my home, etc. I am now in the process of starting my own nursing consulting business. But, I need some help as to how to get started, marketing for clients, etc. This depressed state I am in is overwhelming. I did medical review on claims for Medicare and I would like to continue doing this on a consulting basis. But, how do I get started? Today, I am very sad and heart-broken the way I was treated by this company. I have no motivation and I feel somewhat hopeless. If someone is out there who can help me with my concerns, please email me as soon as possible. Thank you! CWCwilliams1@cs.com Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, It's so sad that you are going through a depressing time right now. One thing that we nurses and physicians have in common: we take care of other people, but never take care of ourselves! You should reach out -- go to a counseling service in your area, or to a pastor, if you feel comfortable with that. Tell them you're unemployed, maybe they can structure payments to help you out for the time being. Or, under COBRA, you may still have insurance carried over from your previous employer. But, you aren't going to be able to get much done on starting a business until you get your Heart to calm down! Please, do that first -- talk with someone. You should not have to go through all that pain alone! Then, go to a local community college, business school, or vocational school. They probably have some free materials that will help guide you in setting up a business. Or, look up the U.S. Small Business Administration. They, too, have free assistance and, in some cases, even start-up money. Next, start calling hospitals, clinics, and medical practices in your area. See which ones would like the kind of service you'd be wanting to offer. Get the names and addresses of the people who show interest. Then, bop down to your neighborhood Office Depot and get some business cards printed up. The last time we heard, they had a plain-but-effective card for only $10.00. It takes about a week to get them, which would be perfect timing for you to get going right after Christmas. Good luck!!! --Medical / Nursing JobScout Recruiting +++Comment from Randi: Hi, Depressed. I'm a nurse who is just finishing up my law degree. You might have some legal rights against your previous employer, if you weren't fired "for cause," that is, they didn't claim that you stole, or violated the terms of your employment in some way. They apparently promised you continued employment telecommuting. You might want to consult a lawyer. Most will see you on an initial consultation for free. If you are in a state that is called an "Employment at Will" state, the boss can fire you any time with no reason. But, if you are in a "Right To Work" state, which most of them are, they can't just let you go without following certain procedures. Again, check with an attorney. Maybe you could get some back pay, or at least a positive letter of reference, which would help you in getting new clients! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Er, "Doors" singer is not Irish!		Code: 9061. Dear Medical JobScout: Hey you guys! You said that Jim Morrison was an "Irish" rock singer! You been sneaking into the Meds Cupboard!? What gives? (By the way, I love your website, and tell all my friends about it. Thanks, Martha Renseal, HR Director in Michigan Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: You're right! Our editor knows full well that Jim Morrison was the "bad boy" leader of the Doors! It's Jim Morrison (Moondance, etc.) who is from Ireland! Thanks for catching that.... Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Women should also be allowed to show anger... but ....		Code: 9064. FEEDBACK FROM OUR POLL QUESTION as to whether women should be allowed to show anger the way men do. +++Both sexes should be allowed them selves equally. However I don't believe either should be rude or ill-te mpered around patients andor their families. We are professionals and s hould be above that. I work in behavior modification and pyschology and fi nd it remarkable that after working so hard to teach adolescents better way s to control their anger that such a question should come up on a web site for medical professionals. Let's get it together - if you are that upset excuse yourself and take a few private moments to recompose yourself! -- Sue Schmidt RN Lakeland Regional Hospital, Springfield MO Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Need a live-in nurse, but travel is included...		Code: 9063. Dear Medical JobScout: I am in need of an RN or LPN who is available to live with and travel with a 67 year old very high functioning woman who is currently undergoing treatments that require her to receive a 4 hour infusion daily. This nurse must have some experience with pumps, although there will be on-site training. I am looking for a mature woman who would live 6 months of the year in New York and 6 months of the year in Florida as well as some travel. The nurse would be provided with room and board, all travel expenses as well as salary. The nurse would not be responsible to stay with her patient at all times. There will be a lot of free time. I am not sure if this is something you handle. If not is there anywhere you can refer me to. Thanks !!! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Help for Russian doctor in US...		Code: 9062. Dear Medical JobScout: Hi, Can you perhaps tell me how a doctor from Russia could go about trying to find some kind of employment in the medical field? Is there perhaps an agency that asists with getting transcripts evaluated and information on which state exams need to be taken. I am new to this country and would like to work in any kind of field. Labratory, nursing, etc. Thank You Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Dr., As you know, you cannot practice medicine in the U.S. without serving a residency here and meeting other requirements. However, you ask about any "nursing" possibilities. Unfortunately, most Russian doctors are not nurses. Therefore, you coulnd't practice nursing here, either. Are you a nurs, too? That could help.... +++Comment from Angie, RN: If you are a Russian nurse as well as a phsyciain, you'd still have to pass the NCLEX exam. +++Comment from Dr. A., MD: Are you here on a visitor's VISA? If you have the right papers to work here, you might be able to get a job as a First Assistant, if you have surgical experience. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Now, my fulltime job is looking for work...		Code: 9061. Dear Medical JobScout: My career has been my career. I know that sounds silly, but I have been downsized out of my CFO position. Now, my career has to be learning how to get my career going again. I need training as to how to search for and find a good job. Can you help? Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Out of the Loop (but, hopefully, soon to be back in!) It's tough out there for CFO's right now. So many mergers and consolidations are taking place that "economies of scale" have resulted in only one CFO being needed for the new group entity. "Extra" CFO's are told thanks, but no thanks. Here are some thoughts for you to consider: Cast your net wide, be willing to look outside your current geographic area (even outside Healthcare, if necessary, although we think you won't have to do that if you take our advice). Think of this as a time to reevaluate your life's priorities. Have you always wanted a smaller town, to live in the mountains, at the seashore? Begin thinking outside of the box: this is an opportunity for you to live the life you may have always dreamed of.... The pay may be less in a small mountain town, but your personal rewards may be much greater! So, you want a job pay and responsibility equal to what you have now? Okay, let a reputable recruitment agency such as MedicalJobScout help you. There's no charge for our services. Or, we can recommend other recruitment pros whom we trust. (800-668-9559 to talk -- it's a free call!) Instruct your recruiter to apply to every job that seems even close to what you're seeking, even if it's not precisely the job of all jobs. You never know, maybe they have another one, still unadvertised, just about to come open in their group. You'd be the first CFO candidate in America to hear about it. Talk about "your foot in the door!" While all of our recruiting job search services are totally free to the candidate, we do have a consulting service for which we charge, if you're interested. (Not trying to sell anything here. We're a non-profit agency. But, we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention it to you.) We have had so many requests that we've put together a program that can help you do what you love to do, show you how to locate it, how to get interviewed for it, what kinds of sacrifices you'd have to make to get there -- and, we offer a trained professional in your chosen field to be the one to do live phone consultations with you. The service costs $250 and will help you actually get into motion on your career search path by helping you write letters of introduction, showing you the kinds of references to get and how to present them, and will help you figure out the kinds of people and institutions you'll have to network with in order to move in your chosen direction. And, because you'll need a new slant than you used eleven years ago when you landed your last CFO job, we also offer free resume fine-tuning as a part of this program. Good luck, whatever you choose to do! +++Comment from Carolann: I was a hospital CFO, too, and got downsized, just like you. I went to a huge local auto dealership, and left hospitals for good. I know car dealers don't sound very glamorous, but they are amazed at how much financial knowledge I bring to their operation. I never realized how hard financial work was at the medical center level. Compared to that, this is a piece of cake. And, I am really appreciated. Love it! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I don't want to leave town...		Code: 9060. "I'm a Physical Therapist in San Diego. I just left my most recent employeer because of some fundamental differences in style. Can you help me locate a new position? I don't want to leave San Diego, though." Thanks, Monte Jacobs Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, this is Bob in the Hosts chair for the moment. No, Monte, sorry. There's not much that we can do to help a candidate who wants to stay in the same town.... The fact is that you already know the lay of the land there, who the "good" employers are, and who's to be avoided. I used to work in La Jolla, though, and don't blame you for wanting to stay put. What great climate! We do have a compendium of articles that we've put together to help medical folks who want to seek jobs in their present communities. I'll email it right back to you. Good luck, Monte! +++Comment from Bob: Hey, Monte. There are too many of us out here right now. Hospitals don't need any extra PT's right now, and most PT clinics have more therapists than they can use. The schools are to blame. They take our money but don't tell us that there aren't any jobs. +++Comment from Ray: Monte is right. Only, what I did was stop and think, "who would want a PT -- like, who is below us on the food chain?" I figured that a massage therapist might secretly want to be able to do physician therapy, but can't so I went around and found a classy massage operation and offered to come in with them. They took a step up in prestige and I get a place to practice with plenty of referrals. Besides, the office smells great! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
"New" not the best news for Nurse Practitioners ...today		Code: 9059. I'm a new grad Nurse Practitioner ready to land my first position. I want to go only to the state of North Carolina, and would prefer Wilmington. Can you help me get set up in a good career slot? Thanks, Suzie Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Suzie, Unfortunately, it's tricky for Nurse Practioners just now, particularly new grads such as yourself. Here we are in the midst of a nursing shortage, but we have too many NPs at the moment. I wish I could be amazingly optimistic, Suzie, but we are having difficulty placing even highly-experienced practitioners. An ICU Unit Director who used to report to me, recently decided to become an NP. When she applied to the school, they required as a prerequisite that she produce a letter from a practice guaranteeing her employment after graduation because of today's difficulty in locating suitable positions. The best advice I can give you just now is to get onto the internet and begin searching cities up and down the coast (probably going to have to look beyond Wilmington, unless you get really lucky!) Check out cities that you'd even consider, their Sunday papers, and see if you can't locate something. Send your resume everywhere you find an opportunity. Hopefully, you'll land something that will at least let you get your foot in the door. The good news is that these things are cyclical and, in a year or two, there may well be a shortage of Nurse Practioners! I do want to congratulate you on advancing your career -- I only wish that the news for the immediate future could be brighter! --Nursing JobScout +++Comment from Lois: I worked as an ICU nurse for 11 years and then decided to make an investment in my career and became a NP. Wanted to do more than just work in a hospital forever. Couldn't find a job. Back in the hospital, now. Unit Director says not to worry that in a few years there won't be enough NP's to go around but that I have steady work until then. +++Comment from Sally: I agree with Lois but I found a different problem. PA's don't have as much education as we do and docs offices will hire a PA first because they don't have to pay them as much. +++Comment from Paul, NP: I found a physician practice that's pretty big, they do outpatient surgery, and they needed both a PA and a sort of a DON. They combined the two and hired me. Maybe you ought to forget looking for NP ads. Look at PA ads and go in. Maybe they'll be delighted to get somebody who is also an RN. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Readers, can you help with Agency Start-Up Advice?		Code: 9058. I have been an Agency Nurse for 9 years and have enjoyed my job. The freedom agency nursing gives me is great. Now I've decided to move to an area that doesn't have Agency nursing and doesn't even know what Agency nursing is: The capabilities, their abilities, the usefulness of using an Agency for supplemental staffing, etc. I view this as a career opportunity....a need to fill.... for me but I don't have the foggiest idea as to how to go about setting up an agency. Can you help? WILL you help? Thank you for your time and consideration! Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Nina, We have an all-healthcare professional staff here at Medical JobScout Recruiters at The Career Institute...but none of us has set up an agency before. We'll hope that some of our readers can help you! In the meantime, here are somethings you can try: Invest some $$ and a few days and visit a community that does have the sort of agency you're interested in starting. You'd be surprised at how helpful they are likely to be, especially if some nice people helped them get started! You might try the local county and state regulators; after all, they're the people who will have to license you (if a license is required in your chosen area). Could be they've wanted someone to open something like this for years, and will help you with all the red tape. The other thing you could do is look for a community college or a business school in the region and see if they'll assist you in developing a Business Plan. HELP IS WELCOME FROM OUR COMMUNITY!!! +++Comment from Therese: My brother always wanted to have a body shop. He loved working on cars for all his friends. But, he didn't want to go to the local vocational school to learn the trade (I disagreed with him at the time). But, he instead went to work for a body shop that was already running and learned all kinds of things, stuff to do, and stuff not to do, and then opened his own business. You should do that. Go to work with an agency that's already running and get on-the-job training while being paid to learn. Worked for my bro! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Can you help me with an address?		Code: 9057. Hi! Could you please help me? I need the number of the licensing board for Minnesota. Thanks, E Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Do you already have your job lined up in Minnesota? Our CEO went to college there and we have numerous "connections" that can help you land a position, if you don't already have one! Here's the address of the folks you'll need to contact: Minnesota Board of Nursing Executive Director: Joyce Schowalter, Executive Director Phone: (612) 617-2270 FAX: (612) 617-2190 2829 University Avenue SE Suite 500 Minneapolis, MN 55414 All the best of luck, E! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
How come these recruiters never called me back?		Code: 9056. I've sent my resume to several recruiters, two called me back all excited and were going to find me jobs "right away." One of those two called me once for more information, and the other one has never been heard from since (and won't return my calls). What gives? I'm a US citizen, Board Certified general surgeon physician, interested in going anywhere at all where there will be several other doctors in the practice to spread out call coverage. I don't know why they haven't called -- I'm even nice! Ron Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Dr. Ron, You've put us in a difficult position -- we really don't want to slam our profession (or anyone else's, for that matter!) But, we do have an idea or two for you. It used to be that we all whined about crumby service at the mall, the car repair place, our linen suppliers, and the like. But, now, the lack of service seems to have crept ever upwards. If you doubt our assessment, what has your Congressional representative accomplished the past couple of terms!? Some of this is due to cutbacks, fewer people trying to handle a greater workload with fewer resources. Things are slipping through the cracks with increasing frequency these days. At the risk of giving ourselves a big plug (well, this our website!), things are different here at Medical JobScout and Physician JobScout. We're all healthcare professionals with a minimum of a half a decade service. We have been out there where you are and we know the importance of staying in touch with jobseekers. These are not statistics we're working with -- these are real people's real lives! If you choose to work with us, we'll dedicate ourselves to locating a great new medical employment or physician practice opportunity for you. Or, if you prefer, we'd be happy to give you the names of other physician jobs recruiters with whom we've worked and for whom we can vouch. Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
How much do nurses make, and what could I do?		Code: 9055. Hello. I go to Hinds CC. I need information on RN's, like the salary and different fields RNs can go into.... It would be great if you could e-mail me some information on that -- I would be delighted! Thanks in advance, Joey Sims Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Joey, Nurses make from about $7.00 an hour in doctors' offices to over $100,000 a year if they are CRNAs, or Chief Nursing Officers in large hospitals. To get an idea of the various kinds of nursing options open to you, we suggest visiting our Nursing Jobs Open pages, which have links at the top, bottom, and side of this page. Good luck -- healthcare is a wonderful profession! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
I'd really like to become a nurse. Or...would I?		Code: 9054. After reading the "negative to nursing" editorial written by one of your readers, I must say I am a bit disturbed. As someone who has just recently made the decision to go to Nursing school, am I so sure of my decision? Being 26 and finally making the decision to do something permanent in my life felt very good, and very right. I've tired of being and office worker/ waitress/ bartender. When I was younger, I had thoughts of going to medical school, but now I dont want to spend that much time or money in school. Maybe I have just seen to many episodes of ER; but when I went to the Nursing orientation, I was so excited to know finally make a permanent decision in my life. Finding out about the starting pay made me very happy as well. To me, $ 27,000.00 plus to start is a big jump for me. Especially doing something I believe I would enjoy, and be very good at. I am single, and dont plan on having children, which may be different from your situation. Am I the same new, happy, naive nurse that replaces you once you leave, keeping this cycle of overwork, underpay, and unsafe conditions in practice? My goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner, am I just wasting my time? And just as important to me, my money, or the money I will have to pay back for all the student loans I will have to take out to do this? A big investment that I cant afford if its all in vain. Thank you for your candor. I hope to hear from you other nurses! Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Basically, we have a wonderful profession -- and there's nothing to be afraid of! I, too, was a waiterss and bartender, and thought of going to medical school. But, instead, I went to nursing school, becamse an ICU Unit Manager and, eventually, a Chief Nursing Offices, V.P. for a major national hospital chain -- you can do that, too -- or become a wonderful Nurse Practioner! It's a great business, steady work (sometimes the hours are rough, though!), we get to help lots of people, and the pay is really fair. There have been many hospital mergers, though, and federal funding cuts, which has forced hospitals to make do with fewer nurses and managers, making everyone work harder than they used to. Some people, like the reader who wrote the editorial you're responding to, would prefer "the old days" when it was just much easier. I remember seeing an old Peace Corps ad that said that the Peace Corps "was the hardest job you'll ever love." That sums up nursing -- stick with it -- we need people like you! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Doc's new ER job not all bargained for!		Code: 9054. Dear Medical JobScout: I recently took a position as an Emergency Room physician at a hospital that I thought was well-managed. After moving to this Western community with my family, I discovered that the place is horribly-run. Each day, I discover more federal and state violations. The community physicians with privileges are lobbying the board of directors to fire the entire administrative team. I feel that I should get out of here at once, but, I've only been on-board two months, and am concerned that such a short turn-around will severely damage my career. Ideas?" Dr. P. Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: "Short Turn-Arounds" certainly were a more serious problem in past years than today. Healthcare & Nursing employees who left a job in under three to five years, or longer, were designated as "drifters," which was a professionally dangerous reputation to have! Today, however, downsizing, consolidation, etc., have resulted in so many institutions closing or merging, causing literally thousands of medical Practioners to leave jobs quickly, often in a year or less. Today, if you can demonstrate that leaving was due to circumstances that you couldn't control, you'll probably find that the person interviewing you will say, "Ouch! That happened to me, too!" Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Help for Brooklyn work-at-home		Code: 9053. I am an rn with BS and cert in gerontology computer literate currently working per diem in home care agency in Brooklyn am looking for similar type position (administrative only), on-site, telephone nursing, home care management type cases do anymore of these types of jobs exist??? Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Brooklyn! That's a tough one.... Maybe one of our readers can help. The next best thing to do is get our the "ol telephone book and start calling to see if there are any openings for a per diem administrative telephone nursing person in home care. Our guess is that these sorts of agencies must need some part-time evening and weekend coverage, so stay positive in your thinking! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Pay scale help, please		Code: 9052. Could you tell me the approximate pay rate for RN Hospice Nurses in Monterey, Ca, Manchester, NH, Portsmouth, NH, and Anderson, SC and Naples, FL. Thanks, Joanne Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, JoAnne! We have links to some great salary calculators on the bottom of our home page. Just click the "Home" Button in the left column and scroll down to the bottom. Good luck! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Midwife info, please?		Code: 9052. I am considering a return to school for Midwivery program. In the job > market, is this a wise decision? Are there many jobs available and what is > the average salary? --Kathy Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Hi, Cathy, Since we don't know what state you're in, it's hard to say what the salary would be. I can say, though, that we find it very difficult to place midwives. Unless you're going into a midwife practice, it's tough. Many physicians consider Midwifery to be direct competition and, therefore, will do little to encourage its practice. Still, maybe the following sites will help. All the best of luck, Kathy! Some very use information on ACNM site: http://www.acnm.org/prof/ http://www3.primary.net/~tricky/Mdwflinks.html Also, here's a salary calculator, which may be helpful: http://www2.homefair.com/calc/salcalc.html Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
"Im a new grad moving to Orlando. Can you find me a job?		Code: 9051. Hi, I'm Kelly, and I'm about to become a new grad RN. I want to move to the Orlando area of Florida, but am uncertain as to exactly when that will be. Can you help me locate a nursing job, though? Thanks! Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Congratulations on your graduation! We certainly need more nurses today...the shortage is growing. Kelly, there's not a lot that we can do for you just yet, especially since you aren't sure when you'll be moving to Florida. We can say that, unlike many Florida communities that flourish during the winter tourist season, Orlando is pretty much year-round, and needs nurses throughout the year. That's in your favor. A negative, though, is your new grad status, from the hospital's point of view. They really want some experience, so it's great that you're working in a CCU. I personally took the critical care route, which eventually landed me a CNO position before leaving hospital life to run this agency. ICU is definitely a better route to management (if that's your ultimate desire) than, say, Med/Surg. Anyway, your CCU work is a good choice for now. It'll make you a "guicker hire" than someone walking in with no experience at all. To find the Orlando area hospitals and medical centers is a cinch: just type them in on a search engine and you'll get a whole list. Click around until you find their Career or Opportunities of Human Resources page, and you're all set. If there's anything that we can do for you as you get closer to your moving date, please just give us a call. Good luck! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Atlanta physician looking for employment		Code: 9050. Hello! I'm a family practice physician in Atlanta our practice group, CIGNA, is completely shutting down it's operations here. I need a new physician practice opportunity, but really need to stay in Atlanta. Can you help? Thanks, Robert Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Dr. Robert: It is too bad about the CIGNA situation in Atlanta. As you know, Medical JobScout Recruiting has a regional hub office right on Peachtree Road, so we are well aware of your plight. Hundreds of physicians are in the same situation. If you aren't willing to leave Atlanta, the next best thing you can do is get your resume/cv out and around early, before the flood hits. The earlier the better, because there will only be a limited number of positions available for the hundreds of doctors who will be looking. Another option: why not get several docs in similar circumstances together and form your own group? The "economies of scale" can be significant -- one bookkeeping department, central purchasing -- and, of course, much better call coverage. Good luck! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
New grad wants help in New Haven		Code: 9049. Hi! I'm a new grad in New Haven, Conn. Can you tell me the salary I'm likely to get? Also, I'm interested in Emergency and Trauma Nursing. Is this a good career choice? --Marcy Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Salaries vary widely throughout the nation, but you can probably figure on somewhere between $14.00 and 19.00 an hour. Plus, since new grads almost always have to work night and weekend shifts, you'd be getting a shift differential, too. As far as you choice of nursing fields is concerned, trauma and emergency nursing are great. You can help many people, plus they are wonderful avenues for advancement. I came up through ICU, and became a Chief Nursing Officer before moving over to run this agency. But, it was the critical care route that did it for me. Now, as far as working in New Haven is concerned, since you're already there, the best thing to do is hit the local hospitals, Samaritian, etc. Good luck on your boards! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
My latex allergy has stopped my nursing career. Help!		Code: 9048. Hi, My name is Carla, and I have developed a disabling latex allergy. I love Nursing, but just can no longer work in a hospital -- can hardly leave the house. Do you have any suggestions? Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Carla, We're so sorry about your allergy. As you know, it's going to make it very, very difficult to practice in any kind of a hsopital setting. The only thing I can think of at this point is that one of our vice presidents used to study with Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of "Love", Medicine & Miracles" and "Peace," etc. He founded an organization called Exceptional Cancer Patients in New Haven, CT. The director, or education director, as I recall, was a woman. I wish I knew her name. But she had latex and other really serious allergies and they redid the whole building for her, using special techniques for putting down the carpet, etc. You might call and see if she's still there. Maybe, just maybe, there is a group that works with this and she might be able to point you in that direction. ECaP Exceptional Cancer Patients, Inc. 300 Plaza Middlesex Middletown, CT. 06457 Telephone (860) 343-5950 E-Mail:ECaP (Please reference your request to ECaP.) Then, of course, you can simply search "Latex Allergy" in Yahoo and all sorts of resources come up. All the best...we wish we could help in some really meaningful way! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Advanced Practice Nursing contract		Code: 9047. What is your advice regarding negotiating contracts for advanced practice nurses? Any related information would be valuable, there seems to be little in current literature regarding this topic. Thankyou! Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Thanks for dropping us a note. You're right: there is little information out there re. negotiating contracts. Your question asks many more questions, though! A contract, by the way, is "an exact meeting of the minds" and is provided "to avoid misunderstandings." It has to have three main components in order to be valid: 1] it has to stipulate that something will be performed (a service) or title to something will be transferred (selling a house). 2] It has to offer "something of value" in return for the service of transfer. This could be the salary and benefits, or could be the selling price. 3] There absolutely has to be a date by which the agreed-to transaction will be performed. You express interest in negotiating contracts for an Advanced Practice Nurse. But, what kind of Advanced Practice Nurse? CNS, NP, Midwife, RNFA, CRNA? Each has its own unique salary niche, ranging from the $50's for the first three, to probably $60's - $80's for an RNFA. And, a CRNA could be over a hundred. Also, "contract" implies so many more things than just salary. There's the matter of pay increases, bonuses. Often a promotion schedule is included ("The current department head is retiring in 11-months. We agree that one of the conditions of your employment here is that you will move into her position upon her departure." Length of employment guaranteed? Interim contract? One-year contract? Private practice contract that provides services to a clinic or hospital? Severence issues are sometimes addressed in the contract, too. Then, there is the matter of perks, incentives, guarantees, relocation allowances, etc. Some contracts provide for the employer to pay malpractice insurance, to provide tuition reimbursement, even to pay for meals during the work day. The contract would also normally address matters such as "call" requirements, number of FTE's to be managed, amount of vacation time, and the number of seminars that the new boss will pay for. Occasionally, child care is included. Depending on the scope of practice, some hospitals will contract to pay for office space, supply clerical and billing services, and maybe even provide equipment. Then, there's stock, pensions, 401-K or 403-B participation. The best advice we can give is to make a list of the things you want, the things you need, and the things without which you wouldn't even consider accepting a position. For help in what is "normal" for your speciality, I would certainly advise contacting your particular professional association. And, I should mention that, if you are using a recruiter, a reputable one (such as our agency) would certainly do the negotiating for you once the offer has been extended. Finally, if in doubt, obtain an attorney's help. The small fee you pay may be a very worthwhile investment, in the long run! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
Work-at-home advice?		Code: 9046. Dear Medical JobScout... I'm a very experienced professional nurse but I really need to work at home during this phase of my life. Please make suggestions. Thanks! --Angela Medical JobScout Recruiting's answer: Dear Angela, We are very sorry, but I'm afraid that we can't help you with your for a home-based position. We are pretty much specialists in placing Registered Nurses, Nurse Managers, Physicians, licensed Practioners , and Therapists working full-time outside the home. As I said, I don't think that we can do much for you at this point, but it might be a good idea to revisit our websites ( http://www.southern-healthcare.com or http://www.jobscout.org ) from time to time. If you spot something that you think fits, please give us a call! You didn't say which city you're in but some have Telephone Triage-type services and they may be something that can be done from home. Or, an "Ask A Nurse" or "Dial A Nurse" service. You might check around your town. If there isn't one already, you might get a hospital or temp agency to start one! We'll add you to our mailing list for monthly updates of nursing info, hospital humor, headlines, etc. Maybe that will help you stay in touch with our nursing profession. ---Look in the yellow pages (or on the internet) for hospitals, clinics, or practices that interest you in your chosen area. ---Prepare a resume and a very brief letter telling them that you would like to work for them. ---You may mail these, drop them off, or even FAX them to the Human Resources Director. (Most HR offices are very comfortable receiving resumes by FAX today. Just call the switchboard and ask for the HR FAX number, then send it in.) Good luck, Angela! Email your comments to: careers@jobscout.org
"I'm a BSN who wants to work at home now."		Dear Hospital Jobs Magazine's Nursing Division: "I would like to work partime from home using my nursing expertise i have attained over the past 20yrs. I work in a emergency dept as a fulltime staff nurse, and I have a BSN." Hospital Jobs Magazine's Response: Dear Friend (sorry, you didn't give your name), The folks over in The Recruiting Group here at The Career Institute say that they're getting more and more requests for information on working at home. Unfortunately, the nature of the beast is that it's one of those things that you have to do alone! (Well, the idea is to work at home, but still, it's terribly important to stay "networked-in" with other nurses. Search the internet for home-based businesses and visit their sites. Participate in some news groups, too. "The Key is to find something you love!" You didn't say which city you're in but some have Telephone Triage-type services and they may be something that can be done from home. Or, an "Ask A Nurse" or "Dial A Nurse" service. You might check around your town. If there isn't one already, you might get a hospital or temp agency to start one! Good luck -- and please let us know what you decide to do and how it works out for you!

"You published an article telling how a Chief Nursing Officer can change. But, ours is a total creep! How can we change her?"		Dear Hospital Jobs Magazine's Nursing Division: "We're a group of four unit directors who are writing from Texas. Your writer, Tom Kelly, wrote about how a CNO could be better liked. ("The CNO who came down off her pedestal") But, it's the other way around with our Chief Nursing Officer. She's a total creep, angry all the time, aloof, unhelpful, and always acts as if we are about to knife her in the back, which we are not. Ideas? --Flumexed Lonestar Nursing Unit Directors Hospital Jobs Magazine's Response: Well, how about trying some of the same techniques that Tom suggested in his Nursing Career Energizer? Only, try them in reverse. "Our CNO is like the Kiss of Death" You say that she acts as you are about to jam a knife in her back -- maybe she feels that way, even if it's not true. She sounds very isolated, alone, and may feel really vulnerable. How about trying some things from your end to show her that she is not alone? Set up a series of "team" meetings and invite her to attend. Could be a clinical ladder study team, education, "How to Interface with the Lab," it really doesn't matter. Getting together with her is what's important, providing an opportunity to show her your kind, helpful sides is the biggie. Lower the stakes even more and make these meetings "cozy" by including some snacks. Have flowers on the table.... Too often we end up in the CNO's office only when she/he wants to chew us out...or to issue orders for some new project. Try going out of your way to visit her in her office with offers of help, or praise. "Suzie, we noticed that patient satisfaction surveys aren't too positive about Administration. We were wondering if you'd like us to tell you about situations where patients or their families seem to be boiling about something. Then, you could come in with us and help calm them down." Or, "Miss Suzie, we heard the way you stuck up for Nursing with that surgeon this morning -- we just wanted you to know that we appreciate it. Your support really means a lot to us!" We know it's hard to be nice to someone who's treating you like dirt, but "seduce" her. When it's her birthday, get her a card and have everybody sign it. Or, give her a "just because" card, thanks, appreciation, etc. Probably she's unpleasant in her life outside the hospital, too, and very likely doesn't get nice cards from anyone! If things don't improve, you might have to bite the bullet and arrange a "clear the air" meeting with the CNO and the CEO. We hate to suggest that a meeting in the CEO's office wouldn't help but...on the chance that it won't...go to the Board. This is tricky and probably should be in the form of a gentle, no-anger-just-the-simple-facts letter (unsigned, if you value your jobs). In it, outline the problem along with a statement of understanding that this person must be plagued with many pressures, and ask for help. In most cases, the Board doesn't have a clue as to the dynamics of daily goings-on at the hospital. But, they are likely to ask the CEO to take some remedial steps. Use this only as a last resort! You have to be very careful not to ever, (not ever!) go to a hospital's board of directors unless there seems to be no other choice. This shouldn't happen more than once or twice in your entire career. But, it is a viable option in cases where a nudge from the Very Top might get things moving in a better direction. Good luck!

"Our Med-Surg Nursing Unit lives in constant fear of being down-sized"		Dear Nursing Jobs Magazine's Nursing Division: "One of the polls you run on your great magazine's homepage recently said that the majority of nurses are concerned about being down-sized or laid off. Any suggestions?" --LT, MSN, RN Nursing Jobs Magazine's Response: This problem isn't going to go away, unfortunately. Our parents could pretty much count on spending their entire working lives employed by the same company they started off at. We live in constant fear...." We recently read that today's graduates should plan on changing employers 6 times over the span of their careers. So, what can you do to prepare for what seems likely to be the inevitable? 1) First of all, it's important not to feel like a "loser" because you have to change jobs through no fault of your own. Some of us still have parents who can't figure out "what's wrong" with us because we "can't seem to hold a job." "...I worked in the same factory for 43 years...." etc., etc., etc. Times, as Bob Dylan told us, they are a-changin'. 2) Maintain friendships with your nursing colleagues at other institutions. They'll keep you "in the loop" about openings, and the likelihood of job security, at their place. 3) Keep your resume up-to-date -- now! Remember, if your hospital has a big layoff, dozens of nurses will all be scurrying across town to apply for the same job. Timing makes all the difference in these situations! After you're terminated is no time to begin thinking about scraping a resume together. The nurses who already have them in hand will be hired while you're still assembling dates and the names of your past employers! 4) You need to be thinking about Competitive advantages that will make you a more desirable candidate than others who may apply for the same job down the line. Increase your job skills and marketability. If your current hospital offers tuition reimbursement for attending seminars and workshops, go! If you have an opportunity to author (or co-author) an article or a report, do it! If you have a chance to get trained on some special new technology or equipment, go for it! If you are offered an in-service to learn a new treatment or technique, be there! All these things give you a "leg up" and look great on your resume. 5) Be visible! If you have a chance to join some sort of a community-based committee, sign up, especially if it'll have people from other hospitals or nurse employers there. Volunteer to do anything public, get your name out. Work job fairs, offer to speak at school "career days" (those kids have parents, and some of those parents work at the hospital where you may need to apply for a job some day!). And, a final word is in order, too: even if there is a lay-off, why do you have to be one of those who are given the pink slip? Unless your medical center closes altogether, they'll need at least some nurses. Increase your chances that you'll be on that list by doing the things we've mentioned up above. Plus, difficult as it may be, volunteer for the overtime that the nursing unit director is always needing. Be cheerful. Always go the "extra mile" and help out whenever possible. (And, as the Bible says, "don't hide your light under a b asket," either. Don't do it in an obnoxious bragging sort of way, but make sure your bosses know that you are a "team-player" who can always be counted on. Chances are, you'll survive the "cut" if you do these things. Good luck!

"I'm an Oncology Nursing Unit Director who's been told to look the other way about ethical improprieties. What should I do?		Dear Nursing Jobs Magazine's Nursing Division: "I'm an Oncology Nursing Unit Director and I've lately been noticing that some procedures are being written up as performed, even though I know for a fact that they haven't been. I'm guessing that somebody's being paid for work that was never done. I've been told that this doesn't concern me and to keep my eyes on my own work. In other words, keep your mouth shut. What should I do?" --MAJ, RN, MSN Nursing Jobs Magazine's Response: First off, we need to make it really clear that we are not lawyers and may not offer you any legal advice. However, we have discussed your situaiton with nursing and healthcare administration types here in our office, and we can share with you what they say they would do (or have done in their pasts). "I'm really boxed in here!" Document what you have been told to overlook. Be aware that the courts have ruled that the things you save in "your" computer at work are actually the property of the real owners: the hospital or medical center. The same could apply to paper files you create and store in your desk if this is part of the "production" that you are paid to do on the hospital's behalf. Best to create and keep your documentation at home. It can be as simple as the date you were given the instructions that make you uncomfortable, the name and title of the person who said it, the names of anyone who may also have heard it, and describe what you were told. This should include not only what you have been told directly, but things which you felt were strongly implied. Describe your feelings and why you felt that way. Write down the names and titles of anyone else whom you believe may have been given similar messages, as well as the dates (approximate, if necessary), circumstances, and so forth. Go to your hospital's nursing administration and calmly but clearly explain your concerns. Make your suggestions as to how you feel the situation should be remedied. Go to the CEO, if necessary, but it might be better to have whoever gave you the "orders" invited to the meeting. Go home and carefully document your recollections of what transpired. Keep a log of every instance where you are again instructed to look the other way, along with each time you express your objections, and each time you recommend a solution with which you would be more comfortable. Don't make a fuss, don't get fired, just quietly get what happened into your record. If you feel that the problem is so severe that you are inclined to go to the authorities, just be very aware that the courts have recently overturned the confidentiality protections previously accorded to "whistleblowers" and some people have been already been fired for approaching governmental and regulatory agencies with reports of alledged violations. It's a tough choice, we know. One person in our office suggested that an anonymous letter to the authorties may be the only way to go in the current climate. If things get so uncomfortable for you to stay, it's best to locate another job before you depart. (One person in our office was a nursing administrator who tells us that she left a job paying over $100,000 a year rather than turn a blind eye to what she believed where medicaid billing irregularities. Another reports that she left a similar post when the CEO at her hospital refused to terminate the privileges of a surgeon who was having such a high incidence of bad outcomes that she referred to him as "Dr. Death.") Again, we stress that you might want to consult with an attorney. But, to recap,the consensus here in our office is to immediately distance yourself from the supposed wrongdoing, to carefully document the particulars as you see them, and to make good-faith attempts to bring the situation to Administration. Whether or not to become a whistle-blower, to report matters to the authorities, or to resign, would be huge decisions. In addition to a lawyer, you might want to talk with your spiritual advisor and, perhaps, a psychologist or counselor. All the best to you!

"I'm a Critical Care Nurse Manager with a few super-lazy nurses on staff..."		Dear Nursing Jobs Magazine's Nursing Division: "I've tried asking, demanding, threatening, coaching and counseling, even two and three day suspensions. Nothing has worked. And, nurses are getting to be in short supply, so I certainly don't want to fire them! Their co-workers are getting tired of these other nurses slacking off and are starting to make nasty comments. My Chief Nursing Officer has tried too, but we're all at our wit's end. Ideas?" --CJ, BSN, RN Nursing Jobs Magazine's Response: We think your more-dedicated nurses may be on the right track. You say that the nurses who act responsibly and do their jobs well are now starting to make less-than-kind comments. Have them keep making comments, only of a different nature! We suggest trying to heap extra praise on the "good" nurses, aides, and other unit staffers. Tons and tons of positive regard. This will reinforce the professionalism of the conscientious nurses...but...be sure to do your praising in front of the slackards! Conspicuously missing will be any praise for the deadbeats. Behavior experts say that, in most cases, the people who are missing out on the praise and recogniiton will try to get some. And, be sure to tell the hard-workers to bite their tongues and cease being critical. Instead, get them on the bandwagon. When Nurse TweedleDee gripes that she never gets a pat on the back, have the rest of the team gently tell her how she can get her share of the bouquets. It may sound a bit naive to think that this could work but, why not give it a try and then let us know how you make out. Good luck to all!

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"We've been spied on! The new light in our Nursing Station illumintated more than our room!"		Dear Nursing Jobs Magazine's Nursing Division: "About a month ago, the buildings and grounds people at our hospital came into our Maternal Child Unit Nursing Station to install a bright new light. None of us could figure out why, exactly, since we already had plenty of illumination from the fixtures that were already there, and had been for years. We were told that this improvement was in the budget, so we were going to get it, period. All went well until last week, when the new light unexpectedly fell off the wall hook where it had been hung, less permanently than we'd imagined at first. Odd. There were two wires instead of the usual single electrical cord. The second wire looked kind of like the sort of wire you'd find hooked to your VCR or stereo. Curious, we looked on the other side of the wall and, sure enough, this cable came out over there, ran along the ceiling, through another wall, and into an adjacent closet. What do you suppose we found in the closet, in a box? A video camera, that's what! So, we went back to the light that had fallen down and, to our surprise, there was a tiny tv camera behind a small hole that had been drilled into the plate, or base, of the light fixture. Angry as hell, we went straight to the Chief Nursing Officer's office...but she very believably insisted she knew nothing about it. To make a long story short, our CNO went to the buildings and grounds guy, who told her that a stethoscope had been stolen and that the surveillance camera is legal as long as it was approved by our Unit's Nurse Manager! One of our nurses' husbands is a lawyer, who agrees that that is the law. We're mad as hell...nothing else has ever been stolen up there...no drugs have disappeared for over two years.. and there just isn't any excuse for this! We really aren't asking you to do anything about this for us...but...please warn other nurses to check any new fixtures that go up in their unit offices, nursing stations...heck...we'd even wonder if these people might not be capable of hiding a camera in our powder room! Now, not only don't we trust much of anyone around our hospital...we especially can't ever again trust or respect our unit's Nursing Director!" --MJ, RN Nursing Jobs Magazine's Response: Whew! Thank you for telling your story. We feel that there are certainly times when it's appropriate to have hidden cameras in the typical workplace, especially if there've been muggings, rapes, and so forth: Stairwells, Parking Garages, Secluded corridors, Perhaps in labs or offices where someone is particularly vulnerable working alone nights or weekends. However, in those cases, the employees should be aware of the surveillance -- and be happy that it's there! Even though you didn't ask for advice, we'd like to at least suggest that you consider circulating an open letter, or a petition, getting as many staff to sign it as feel the way you do. Then, it should be presented to your Chief Executive Officer, or even the hospital's board of directors. And, unless the Nursing Unit Manager has a really, really believable explanation for agreeing to spy on you folks (and has otherwise been a trusted colleague over the years), there will be some serious fence-mending ahead! Good luck to you all!

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