[JLC88RN]

Im a new grad.... just passd the 4month mark on an oncology unit. and i am sooo happy to say that i will be transferring to peds in two weeks!

the preceptorship will def be a big help in getting hire... but if that doesnt work out, still go for what you really wanna do!

in my case, i contacted the peds nurse manager and she said she couldnt hire a new grad into peds, but said get a job in med-surg and after 3months call her again if i still want peds... i was a little skeptical and afraid i might be stuck in adult med/surg forever... but 3months flew by, and i called and made it clear that peds is where i wanna be... and she actually had a position opening i could take!
in the end, these past 4months have only helped me become more confident in my skills. but im so happy to be leaving

GOOD LUCK!

[BSNDec06]

My hospital frequently hires new graduates, especially those who have done preceptorships or clinicals at our facility. Pediatrics is so different from adult medicine that I question the benefit of spending time in an adult med-surg unit first. If your interest is in pediatrics, I say go for it!

As an aside, peds usually pays less than other specialties. Be prepared for this possibility.

[Jolie]

Originally Posted by BSNDec06

As an aside, peds usually pays less than other specialties. Be prepared for this possibility.

Does you hospital have different pay scales for different nursing units? I experienced that as a relatively new nurse (20 years ago), but thought that practice went out with the dinosaurs!

[BSNDec06]

I work in a children's hospital, and the pay is up to five dollars an hour lower than other (adult) hospitals in my area. I have heard that this is true in many markets. I have no experience with pediatric units contained within adult hospitals as there are none to speak of in my area.

[Jolie]

Originally Posted by BSNDec06

I work in a children's hospital, and the pay is up to five dollars an hour lower than other (adult) hospitals in my area. I have heard that this is true in many markets. I have no experience with pediatric units contained within adult hospitals as there are none to speak of in my area.

Gotcha!

It has also been my experience that children's hospitals pay less than nearby "general" hospitals.

[RNmom08]

I graduated in December with my ADN. Took boards in January and I am working on Pediatrics - fresh out of school. I love it. I get along great with the other staff. So far, so good. Gotta watch the kids though. Things can happen FAST!! You have to know your stuff.

[perfectbluebuildings]

Originally Posted by BSNDec06

I work in a children's hospital, and the pay is up to five dollars an hour lower than other (adult) hospitals in my area. I have heard that this is true in many markets. I have no experience with pediatric units contained within adult hospitals as there are none to speak of in my area.

I concur with this.

Also, to the OP, I went into peds as a new grad and don't regret it one bit!! The floor I work on is basically a pediatric med-surg (more med than surg) floor, just to give you an idea of my perspective.. 4-6 patients apiece. Make sure anywhere you apply has a good preceptorship and education/orientation program; that makes a lot of difference especially since we get so little exposure to peds in nursing school.

[3KittiesRN]

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all of your responses and encouragement! I am happy to know that it is possible to get a job in peds as a new grad. Right now I am just trying to finish school! This last semester is so tough! But I will hang in there! I will definitely keep you guys posted about that preceptorship, I won't find out until about April. Well, I should get back to my studying! Thanks! And wish me luck!

Erika Ann

[bluebabiesrus]

We hire new grads right out of school into our CVICU. We have a bigtime orientation and new grads always have a buddy nurse next to them with experience for quite sometime. The learning curve is huge and you learn at warp speed. We realize here in Arkansas that pediatric CVICU RN's do not grow on trees.... so we grow our own! There should be plenty of opportunity after graduation. Good luck!

[amj12]

I'm a new grad and was hired by a teaching childrens hospital. The bigger the hospital the more likely it is that they will hire on new grads. It costs a hospital alot of money to hire and orient new grads..Thats why the smaller the hospital the harder it is to get on to a unit w/o experience. If I were you even if it says experience apply for it anyways. I accepted my position on a hem/onc unit, but then interviewed at another hospital for the NICU for position in which they wanted experience. I was offered the job anyways...So just apply, the worst that can happen is they aren't interested!