I am very discouraged about finding an RN job with NO recent experience in the last couple years.  I did manage to get on at a home care agency, but haven't been getting any hours.  I did send out resumes and cover letters to some area Nsg homes, but they want recent experience.

I have met some great people but they tell me we have tons of GN's here that can't find jobs either, What do I do?  get a CNA?  start over?  I have considered finishing my BSN, but you are lucky to get $20/hr here, and to be honest there are better paying 4 year degress with better hours. AND...I was told by a good friend (who was an EXCELLENT nurse) that she can't find work with her BSN either, they want....Recent Experience!!!

I really can't leave Iowa, but I am hearing other states are even worse!!   Bleah!

So what do you think of my starting over as a CNA idea?

Listen to Michelle here, jcameron. Why go backwards.

You don't state a lot. How many years did you work as a nurse? How long is a "couple of years" exactly? Did you quit more than one job without advance notice? Were you ever fired? Flunk a drug whiz quiz?

What are you willing to do? I would work at a nursing home as a RN before I worked at a hospital as a CNA.

And is your RN licensure current and unrestricted? Why can't you leave Iowa?

where are you in Iowa? I  currently live down by Ottumwa Iowa but am trying to relocate to Des Moines. I just graduated and took/passed my RN boards. I was having a heck of a time finding a position but finally got a position with Healthyconnectionsinc. will have one client that I will take care of 3-4 days a week, 12 hour days. got a call today for another interview with a different company. 

I would say you may have luck in nursing homes down here if you are located in SE Iowa. I know Bloomfield nursing home is hiring, and yes i do believe they would hire you even without recent experience because they hire new grads with NO experience. let me know if you are located anywhere near ottumwa iowa. and good luck 

JC, I am in Albia down past knoxville on hwy 5, I took a job that is an hr away and deffinantly not what I want but it is a job and as a single mother that is important at this time. I am trying to move back to Des Moines, (moved here to help take care of my dad about 9mnths ago, has AML, In remission now) but as said trying to get back to Des Moines because my daughter hates the school here as do I, she wants back in Brody.. not to mention small town living isnt for me.

My point is that if you can handle the drive you may have to widen your search area. When I get moved back to Des Moines if I still have this position then will be driving over an hour each day. But I am not just gonna sit and not try for another position am actively still looking for other position. And will be honest not at all happy with position am working, But as mothers we do what we have to do.

you can also go to sites like careerbuilder or monster or indeed.com to help with your job search, that is how I got this position. Or if you like you can email me directly and I will also keep a look out for positions for you even though sounds like we are both looking for pretty much the same positions i will be more than happy to send info on positions to you..

Good Luck and hope to hear from you....