Guest Post By: Kelly Korb.
So you’re still waiting for your next adventure….?
Maybe you’ve just finished your first assignment.
If you have, congratulations! Maybe you’ve finished your 6th, 7th, or 8th assignment. It’s been a few days, perhaps maybe a few weeks, but the question remains. Where am I going next? You’ve reached out to your recruiter, and they say they’re still diligently being proactive in locking you into a place. Some places perhaps haven’t even responded yet to your submission. It happens, and I know how frustrating and nerve-wracking it can be. You’ve entered what I call “job limbo.” So in the meantime, what do you do?
PRN work?
Do you still have any connections from any previous jobs? Do you know a nurse friend who works in a great environment? Are they looking for PRN employees? Why not pick up a few extra shifts if you are able? I still work PRN, where I was previously employed, and it definitely helps keep everything sharp. Just be sure to check with the manager/supervisor regarding the PRN requirements, as they vary from place to place.
Relax.
No, seriously, relax! Enjoy the time off! The plan that get-together with your friends you’ve meant to arrange. Start that book (or Netflix) series you’ve heard everyone ranting and raving about. We, nurses, are busy in the throes of our job. Enjoy some much-needed and deserved “you” time.
Don’t panic.
It’s all good! Something will come up! Some facilities respond to submissions in as little as a day. Others may take up to a few weeks. With both of my assignments, it took about 2 weeks before I got a phone interview. It’s a process that can’t be rushed, and trust me, freaking out and panicking isn’t going to help anyone.
Don’t settle.
So you nailed a phone interview! Your mind is thinking, “ok, I’m ready for this! I’m going to take it!” My advice would be to proceed with caution. My recruiter sent me a crisis rate offer, which means they’re basically looking to hire nurses ASAP. The package and the job looked excellent on paper, but when I listened to what the job really entailed, I realized it would not have been a good fit. I know how tempting it is to jump on the first interview you get after going through a spell without a nibble, but I believe it’s better to wait perhaps a little longer than to sink your teeth into something without really knowing all the details.
Job limbo can be highly frustrating because I know firsthand that nurses don’t like to sit idly. We have to be busy, busy, busy because downtime causes us to become antsy. Stay positive, stay in touch with your recruiter, stay positive, and remember that the best is yet to come!
