This guest blog post was written by Eric Meiri, RN, a Nurse Resident in Independence Plus’ Home Nursing Residency program.
“One Year Minimum Experience Required.” This phrase has haunted me since graduating from nursing school in December 2012.
Almost every time I found an open nursing position, it would include this phrase. What made my job search even harder is that most open positions also required a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) – and I have an ADN (Associate’s Degree in Nursing).
I felt like an untouchable. I was an ADN and a new graduate looking for work in the Chicagoland area. It really made me wonder: How the heck do they expect me to get experience if no one is willing to give me experience!?
Thankfully, Independence Plus identified this problem – and found a solution.
I was not very optimistic walking into the Chicago Tribune Career Fair this past September. Things started to turn around when I approached Independence Plus’ booth and their recruiters told me about “Private Duty Nursing.”
And then things got even better. I learned that Independence Plus was launching its Home Nursing Residency program and they were accepting ADN nurses! After submitting my application, I researched Independence Plus and was very impressed by their reputation. After extensive interviews, I was accepted into the program. I later found out that I was chosen out of more than 100 applicants!
My prayers were answered when I was hired by Independence Plus as a Nurse Resident. I experienced firsthand how Independence Plus is setting the standard for healthcare in the home.
This program is more than I ever hoped for. Instead of feeling like an untouchable, I now feel like a desired commodity. Independence Plus’ Home Nursing Residency has done wonders for my confidence and motivation as a nurse. Independence Plus has taken on a big challenge by creating a program that prepares new graduates to care for medically fragile, technology-dependent patients at home.
I can honestly say that Independence Plus has done everything within their power to make this program as successful as possible. They are doing things the right way and have supported us in every way possible. Is it perfect? No. Nothing is ever perfect in healthcare. But they have done their best – and exceeded my expectations.
Someone had to give us a chance. Independence Plus was willing to give it to us. I am forever grateful to them for it.
To apply for a Nurse Resident position, please go to our Careers site.