New grad agency nurse?

[OBRNinTN]

I am just wondering if new grads should even apply for these jobs?

It sounds so lucrative, and from what I can read...great pay!

But, wouldn't experience be needed for these positions?

In other words, when I graduate, should I just stick to "the hospital" for the first year?

Thanks!

[suzanne4, RN]

Don't even consider it. You do not get an orientation, you are expected to just drop in and function.

You won't find any reputable agency that will take a new grad now, and if you do find one that will, run as fast away as possible. You should really have at least two years of experience to find your comfort level.

Remember that your learning curve is just beginning when you finish school, it definitely did not begin when you started school.

Take your time, and do not think just about the money.............you will like yourself much better afterwards.

[OBRNinTN]

Thanks...I didn't think so either.

I know a nurse who was offered a job through an agency. She had 6 months experience. The job called for at least 1 year experience. The nurse manager said they usually "wave" that requirement.

That seems scary.

I didn't even know until surfing these boards that new hires got an orientation.

I think that is great. I really had the naiive notion that you were just sort of dropped in.

Thanks for the reply!

[suzanne4, RN]

Thanks...I didn't think so either.

I know a nurse who was offered a job through an agency. She had 6 months experience. The job called for at least 1 year experience. The nurse manager said they usually "wave" that requirement.

That seems scary.

I didn't even know until surfing these boards that new hires got an orientation.

I think that is great. I really had the naiive notion that you were just sort of dropped in.

Thanks for the reply!

Most places should give you a three month orientation..............what did they tell you in school?

I worked agency as a GN, but that was 25 years ago and things were done quite differently back then. Schooling was also different.

[Michael Malecki]

I didn't even know until surfing these boards that new hires got an orientation.

I think that is great. I really had the naiive notion that you were just sort of dropped in.

Orientations periods will vary by units and departments. A general Medical/Surgical floor can be 6 weeks while an OR can be 6 months. Where ever you end up neever feel uneasy about asking for additional time if warranted.

-Michael