Agencies and New Grads

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a New Grad RN with my BSN. I talked to one agency and they said they typically hire New Grads with a BSN. I would like to hear opinions about this I'm not sure what to do. They usually have placements in clinics and doctor offices. I am torn between going for an interview with them and not because it may not be a good fit. Please help me.

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In my opinion, based on twelve years of nursing experience an agency position is not the place to start your career. The facilities that use agencies expect that the nurses they send have the knowledge and experience to perform in the job with no further training and almost non-existent orientation. You would be putting yourself and your license at risk if the agency hired you. Most agencies I have worked for expect at least one year acute care experience if not critical care experience. I think most nurses would agree that you learn more once you get out of school than you did in school. I would beg you to get real experience to build on the foundation that started in school. There are many new grad preceptor programs. I have seen a lot of new grads get in over their heads because they thought they knew everything. I didn't know what I didn't know. Find a facility that will give you time and a good preceptor to guide you. Ask lots of questions. And listen. Don't risk your license so soon after

you just got it. Please.

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In my opinion, based on twelve years of nursing experience an agency position is not the place to start your career. The facilities that use agencies expect that the nurses they send have the knowledge and experience to perform in the job with no further training and almost non-existent orientation. You would be putting yourself and your license at risk if the agency hired you. Most agencies I have worked for expect at least one year acute care experience if not critical care experience. I think most nurses would agree that you learn more once you get out of school than you did in school. I would beg you to get real experience to build on the foundation that started in school. There are many new grad preceptor programs. I have seen a lot of new grads get in over their heads because they thought they knew everything. I didn't know what I didn't know. Find a facility that will give you time and a good preceptor to guide you. Ask lots of questions. And listen. Don't risk your license so soon after

you just got it. Please.

Thank you so very much. This is exactly what I had been contemplating about. The lady said a BSN basically replaces the 1 year experience because of the additional courses we take compared to ADN. After that was said I thought to myself really because clinical wise I feel like BSN nurses are kinda behind because we focused more on the theory than clinical. I also agree that you learn more once you are out of school than while in school. I am in CA and I have applied to every New Grad program out there I think I will just call tomorrow and tell them thanks but no thanks. I am not one to get in over my head nor feel as though I know everything I am very humble and willing to learn new ways of doing things the right way. I guess I'll just sit back and continue to be patient.

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i had a bad experience with agencies.. and i'm a new grad.

go read my posts.. i think my experiences will scare you haha. but i think u should be scared.. run!!!!

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i had a bad experience with agencies.. and i'm a new grad.

go read my posts.. i think my experiences will scare you haha. but i think u should be scared.. run!!!!

OMG are you serious??? Okay I am about to read them like RIGHT NOW!!!

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Specializes in rehab.

BSN replaces the one year required?! haha! Those agency recruiters (who are not nurses by the way) will say anything you want to hear to get you to sign up. That's just a "sale" to them, when you get to the facilities they will send you to...you are on your own.

Do not do it.

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BSN replaces the one year required?! haha! Those agency recruiters (who are not nurses by the way) will say anything you want to hear to get you to sign up. That's just a "sale" to them, when you get to the facilities they will send you to...you are on your own.

Do not do it.

That is the same thing I did but then being a new grad and really wanting to get a job that statement vanished. I have been thinking about it constantly because I have seen agency postings and they always say 1 year experience required. This is why allnurses.com is the best site for nurses.

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If it were a home health agency, I would say "maybe." As far as a regular staffing agency, I echo the posts here and it's a big "N-O." As a new grad myself, I wouldn't put myself in this position even with as desperate as I was to find a position a few months ago. Your first job out of nursing school should really be a solid foundation for the rest of your career. There's enough stress that comes along with a good orientation/internship as a new grad. You may bite off more than you can chew by signing up with an agency that once you get to your assignment, you will be thrown to the wolves.

You'll find a great opportunity as a new grad, just may take a little while longer. Hang in there, and good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

Tell them you will do a home care case only. At least you will earn some $$$. Good luck to you! :nurse:

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If it were a home health agency, I would say "maybe." As far as a regular staffing agency, I echo the posts here and it's a big "N-O." As a new grad myself, I wouldn't put myself in this position even with as desperate as I was to find a position a few months ago. Your first job out of nursing school should really be a solid foundation for the rest of your career. There's enough stress that comes along with a good orientation/internship as a new grad. You may bite off more than you can chew by signing up with an agency that once you get to your assignment, you will be thrown to the wolves.

You'll find a great opportunity as a new grad, just may take a little while longer. Hang in there, and good luck!

Yes I agree with every one's feedback. I will def hang in there I know God hasn't brought me this far to leave me something will come up. I told me husband April was my month to finally start my nursing career. I get down some days because next month will mark one year since I've been out of school. I already became certified in ACLS maybe I'll go and get the PALS cert next also I have been trying to find a EKG class. Thank you all for your comments.

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Tell them you will do a home care case only. At least you will earn some $$$. Good luck to you! :nurse:

I'm actually earning some money right now with babysitting so the money isn't an issue its finding a job as a New Grad. Also, I wouldn't risk my license just for the money so for now I will stray away from the agency world of nursing.

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Well here's the thing, the agency I dealt with promised me these regular positions at a hospital such as VA etc etc in the near "future". bold statement they made!ha but i don't believe a word coming out of their mouths.

They got me into doing a LVN/CNA position at a school and told me it was RN. i felt a little cheated cause they wouldn't disclose too much about the position until i agreed to do it-- and it was already too late to say no. but i eventually quit and it was for the best. it's all sales for them.

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