Hello! I am excited to say that back in March, I received my acceptance letter for the Traditional BSN Nursing Program at my University. I will start in the fall and I am counting down the days! I have an idea of what area of nursing I would like to pursue, which is critical care. My overall goal is to become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Significant traits about me are that I am detail-orientated and like to plan ahead and have alternative plans established so I can make the best decision possible on a situation. I have read many threads on this forum about new graduates having difficulties finding jobs after graduation. This worries me, so I want to do all that I can to enhance my chances of getting a job. In doing such, I have come up with different possible course of actions to take now until graduation to accomplish my goals. I would like your input as which route is plausible for me to make my dream into a reality. Ultimately I will be talking with a nursing advisor as well, but it is nice to hear from the allnurses community :).
Here is a little background info about myself before I start. I am currently a cna on the Med/Surg floor for more than three months. I have previous experience working at a nursing home as a cna before transitioning to a hospital. I am fast learner and have already orientated new aides on my floor even though I was still new. I have been a member in my university's student organization taking on leadership roles and enhancing my planning/organizational and critical thinking skills.
Plan A:
1.) Continue working as a cna on the med/surg floor during nursing school
2.) Do two summer nurse intern programs in a critical care setting after my 1st year and 2nd yr
3.) Work as a Med/Surg nurse on my floor for 1 yr after graduation
4.) Transfer to the ICU or step-down unit
5.) Transfer to the ICU
6.) Work as a ICU nurse for 2-3 yrs
7.) Continue my education and get my masters to become an ACNP
Plan B:
1.) Continue to work as a cna on my floor until I complete my first year of school
2.) Do a summer nurse intern program in a critical care setting after my 1st yr
3.) *Apply and transfer to a nurse tech position in the ICU at my hospital if available; if not, continue on my floor
4.) Work as an ICU nurse after graduation
5.) Work as an ICU nurse 2-3 yrs
6.) Continue my education and get my masters to become an ACNP
I having a hard time deciding on whether to stay on my current floor and work in med/surg to gain that first year experience after graduation. I've read threads on here with mixed emotions on whether to start out on the floor or go directly into a unit. I really feel for my med/surg nurses because of the patient load and demands. Even though I did not like working in LTC, the months I've spent working there as a cna was an invaluable experience that further helped me with my skills when I transition to a hospital. In a way, working in med/surg would have that same effect for one before moving into a specialize unit. However, I have read great stories about new grads going directly into the unit and really enjoying it. That's why I want to intern in a critical care setting and hopefully find a tech job to in the same setting. Also, I will work on my resume and cover letter and take additional classes, if needed, as well.
***I know it is not a 100% guarantee that I will get a RN position after graduation immediately. I have heard from several nurses on my floor that you have a better chance of getting hired into a hospital as a RN if you already work in a hospital environment--i.e. nurse tech. This scenario is assuming I get an immediate position.
