[Motivated, SN]

I'm just wondering if most agencies require six months to a year experience; or do they hire new grads? Also, do you think having some work experience first is preferable before doing agency?

[aus nurse]

Just speaking my opinion here...not sure how it goes over there.
I think it would be very hard to do agency as a new grad. I have just done some agency work and have now switched to a float pool one.
It is hard enough for me...20 years of experience.....to adjust to being in a different place every shift. Just knowing where things are and how each unit does different things is challenging enough without trying to learn your nursing skills as well.
I think being assigned to one unit gives you orientation and time to settle, with one set of rules, and gives you time to develop your skills and time management.

Just my opinion, happy to hear other views

[Brownms46]

Hi Motivated SN..,

Sorry you got a message stating my private message box was full. I have no idea why it said that, but I just got the email stating it. I checked my box, and only had 4 messages???

Anywho..I would not advise any new grad to go agency. But yes there are those that will hire new grads, but again I would totally advise against it. You worked hard to get thru school and when you take an pass boards, you will want to hang on to that license you worked hard for. Beleive me...it's a whole lot better to wait until you confident enough to walk into just about any situation, and handle it without losing everything.

There are agencies that have new grad programs, but I totally would adivse against dealing with them. Someone else might have a different opinion, but this is mine....

[nightingale]

Do yourself, your paitents, and your license a favor; wait at least 1 year before doing agency work.

You need the skill and confidence to perform the duties as well as the instincts of when to say no to an assignment.

Get with a good presceptor and learn all you can that first year. Then maybe think of waiting two years before doing agency.

Just my HO.

B.

[prmenrs]

I agree wholeheartedly with the other posters---go to a hospital that has a GOOD new grad program, and stay there for AT LEAST a year. You need the support and structure to get your feet on the ground and learn how to handle whatever comes your way. You will absolutely NOT get that from an agency, if they would hire you in the first place. I'll bet there are some agencies out there desparate enough for a warm body to do it, too. And I bet they'd also hang you out to dry if you got into trouble.

BOTTOM LINE: DON'T DO IT!!

[Cindy_A]

I agree wholeheartedly with the above posters!!!!! Nursing is difficult enough when you start in one place as a new grad, get experience first!!! There are some places you would go to as an agency nurse that would give you the most difficult patients, not help you, etc. Basically, they eat you alive!! This is difficult to deal with with experience, impossible without. GET EXPERIENCE!!!!

[Love-A-Nurse]

I too agree with the other posters. As an experienced nurse it was "hard" for me and I just didn't like the moving from place to place.

Give yourself time in one place and then pick up a day or so with an agency and see how you do with it.

To me, the extra money was not worth the possible consequences.

[Cindy_A]

Just my other $.02. I would be very leery of an agency that hired new grads. That just doesn't seem like good business practice. Besides, what kind of places would hire an agency that hires new grads? They would probably be horrible places to work. I had a friend who worked at an agency after graduation, the agency went out of business after about 6 months, which didn't surprise me one bit.

[graysonret]

I've worked for agencies for years, here in Virginia. Usually, they require a year's experience at a hospital or nursing home, before they allow employment. It's a good idea. Agency work can be very challenging and you're expected to be up to date on new meds and treatments. The more experience, prior to agency work, the better. Good luck!

[Motivated, SN]

I'm glad I asked. Thanks everybody.