Im about to graduate nursing school in May and I'm looking for advise on how to get on the path to the career I want. I'm graduating with a 2 yr. RN and am signed up to attend an RN to BSN program already. I have some experience in long-term care, but limited. I'd like to work in critical care. Do I take any job I can get at this point?

do a search on these threads for the difficulty new graduates are having finding jobs. In the end it is up to you, but my advice:

aim for the job you want, take whatever job you get.

As a new grad, I would not limit my options! still apply at the units that interest you, but at the end you should take any job offer! It's hard enough to find a job as a new grad, it's even harder to get into specialty areas! At this point I would look to get at least 1-2 years of experience even in areas that don't interest you! I worked jobs that made me miserable, depressed, I even started to hate nursing ! I stayed strong, was aiming for 1-2 years experience, and today I am working in a specialty that I loved from day one in nursing school and I thought I would never stand a chance to get hired in this specialty, and today I can honestly say, nursing is bigger than I thought! It's more than just one nursing job ! Those years of sacrifice got me where I am today! Good luck! Positive vibes :)

Thanks for the advise and encouragement, I appreciate it!

Start applying NOW. I already had my job secured by this point of my senior year of college. By all means apply for critical care but don't hold your breath. I don't know what the market in your area is like, in my area ADN new grads are lucky if they can find jobs in LTC as hospitals in this area are BSN only.

I offer a combination of all that's been said already -

Start applying now!!!

Aim for what you want.

Take what you can get.

Starting before you graduate is smart because you may be lucky enough to have offers to choose from without the pressure of needing to keep a paycheck rolling in quite yet. Good luck to you, love!

A new grad without a BSN? Look for a job now and take whatever you can get. It is not surprising to hear new grads still without a job offer 6 mos after graduation.

Start applying for jobs now. It's great that you know which area of care you'd like to go in (I was geriatric/ med-surg myself) but don't limit yourself to that one type of job. Look at telemetry or ER as well. Many places require experience and it would be a shame to turn down an opportunity because you have your heart set on one area. If you get another job use that time to really focus on your skills, assessment, and building up to apply for your dream job by getting a certification or ACLS. That way when you apply you can really push yourself as the best candidate for the job!

Good Luck!