HI , have any of you recent grads(i'm dec 04") decided to work in other areas other than hospitals, ( doc office) or any areas that are slower paced? I would like to hear of your experiences. I'm on a crazy cardiac unit, and I can't take it any more- I fear for my licence- too easy to make mistakes, or miss something important. I have some really sick people, and sometimes I get 5, and many admits and discharges with those real sick people. I know 5 doesnt sound like much, but it is when one or two are having chest pain at the same time, and your other 3 get ignored, it is too much. It's either find a slower paced unit or job, or get out of this completely before I end up being a pt on this floor!!I hope I hear good trhings- Thanks - jr

Hi Jr.

I'm a recent grad and some of my friends have obtained jobs in other than a hospital. I was told by a nurse in ER that you should apply for whatever specialty you are interested in because more likely than not the hiring dept. is willing to train. She got her ER job straight out of nursing school. Also, you have some experience under your belt to be able to get something other than a hospital job if that's what you want. I know of another nursing student that got a job in an outpatient surgical center right after school. She had no prior experience because before nursing she was a cake decorator!

I say just go for it. It's better than putting your license on the line. I hope this helps.

DMG