Finally!

I am proud to say that I finally got a job. The week before we left to Disneyland I interviewed for 2 jobs. The first was a clinical intake RN for an insurance agency, basically taking claims. I didn't want the job, but thought it would be good to brush up on my interview skills since I haven't interviewed for a job since 1999.

The second job I interviewed was for a hospital nearby. I went to the recruiter's office and tried to get a job. She said they were not hiring new grads because of funding, but they were hiring the new grads as Acute Care Assistants. Once a RN job becomes available, then the ACA new grads will be internal applicants and get the job. I thought I'd give it a try, so I applied. I had an interview with the hospital and thought it went pretty well. I think the manager liked me. They said they would call me in a few weeks for a second interview. Well, the next morning, I got a call requesting my presence at a second panel interview that day. I made childcare arrangements and was interviewed by a panel.

On Tuesday at Disneyland, I got a call from the recruiter offering me the ACA job. I accepted and start on 12/7. I will be working nights from 7pm-7am. The first week of employment is training all day M-F.

I am excited to get my foot in the door and get my feet wet since I have not been in a hospital since June. I'll definitely be paying my dues working as a ACA, and will be thrilled to finally use my skills, knowledge and training when a RN position becomes available. To look on the bright side the recruiter said the RN manager really likes me and said a RN position is opening in the very near future. I'm not sure what very near means, but hopefully less than 2 months.

I have to say that because the job market for new grads is so bad, Jeff suggested I volunteer at a hospital. I was leary, with this new job at least I'm getting paid and now I'll be an internal employee; as a volunteer I would not be considered an employee. Thankfully I held out.