Job advice

[GraysonKelly]

Hi all!
I am hoping that maybe some of you out there will be able to give me some suggestions. I just read the responses to the "career academic advice" thread and thought maybe getting some outside opinions could help. Here's the deal. I've got a BS and MS in Exercise Physiology but I work as a nursing assistant. I started that job while I was still in school but was never able to find a job. It's the "they want experience but I can't get it if no one will hire me" problem. I don't want to be a personal trainer. Im really interested in cardiac rehab and am willing to move (preferrably to CO) but what I really like is educating people. I like to "teach" but not necessarily in schools. I'd love to do community, employee wellness or work for a company/organization that does education about diabetes, heart disease, women's health issues, children's health/fitness, etc. Anyone have any suggestions?
Because of the stress at work and general downward spiral of health care, I've also considered getting out it all togethe and doing something like employee safety, lifting techniques, biomechanics teaching (I'm not sure what that's called)
Any advice? I'd appreciate it.
Gray

[Zen]

Have you considered putting your resume on CareerBuilder or Monster?

[Jolt]

You might check and see if the American Heart Association has anything you could do...as far as cardiac rehab, I would think that involves a lot of patient education so it sounds like it would be really good for you. I know what you mean about the whole "experience" thing--it's a real catch-22, isn't it? I've been in that boat--because of the same issue (just got RN license in February, still in school for another year to become a nurse practitioner) I am currently working in a nursing home when what I really wanted was to work in a hospital setting, specifically in cardiology since that's what I think I'd like to specialize in as an NP. Anyway, the AHA or cardiac rehab would be my suggestions. Are you at all interested in research? That might be another option.

[Velobambina]

From someone who "settled" for a secure career in a field that is not my passion, my recommendation is to follow your dream. Do what you love.

Gray, sending you lots of good karma. Be persistent and it will work out for you.

[nancielle]

Have you considered free-lancing? The agency I work for periodically hires people to come in and do an in-service training on some of the topics you mentioned. They not only set up the training for the staff but offer it to our clients as well.

Our local hospitals regularly offer classes on some of the areas you touch on as well. That might also be an avenue to explore. Or an alternative health/wellness provider.

Good luck.

[TrekTheKaty]

I don't work in this field, but would that be considered physical therapy? I know there is a physical therapist shortage. My former employer, RehabCare was always looking for people.