New Grads and Temp Agencies

That may involve relocation. This concept is not unique for nurses. People all over the country are wiling to move for employment. We have fallen into hard times and the days of rolling straight into a job at you local hospital are over. I am a fairly experienced nurse with specialty certifications, and I have to commute just over 100 miles one way to my place of employment. We are all effected and it is unreasonable to think we should have a plethora of jobs open in our local areas. Additionally, no body is forcing you to move; however, you may have to move if you want to nail a job. This is an unfortunate reality most people in this country face, not just nurses.

totally different from what we're talking about. we're talking about going into hospital settings.

i have done:
medsurg
detox
LTC
sub acute
rehab
home care per visit
home care block time

i stand by my original assertion. Unless someone has prior expreience, such as a LPN that has bridged to RN, they have no business doing agency.....the flu clinic idea being the only exception i can think of....

I agree with morte, any agency who would take in and place a new grad on a floor is one that you should NOT work for. Nobody is saying that new grads are useless, and we aren't having an attitude with you. What I am saying, at least, is that as a charge nurse, when I have an agency nurse come in and work, he/she needs to hit the ground running. I will show you the supply room, the bathroom, the break room, where your meds are, and get you temp access to the pyxis. That's about it. You need to be able to go from there. And frankly, even if you were #1 in your class, there is no way that you are going to be able to get through the whole day solo, because you just don't have the experience. Inevitably there will be multiple situations that you are going to feel you need back up, because you haven't experienced them before. And when I have an agency nurse, that means staffing sucks that day. Which means that I will be very busy. So I don't have time to hold your hand and guide you through the day. Thats why you need to be experienced, it's not that we don't want you, it's just the nature of the situation. I feel for all you new grads who can't find jobs, and I don't have the answer. But you do NOT want to do that to yourself.

New grade can do certain skills we are not that bad! so we will not put our PT in risk if the agency will match us with what will fit our skills such as G-tube PT. Please If you have ajob and the economy never affected you or your spouce don't say " Oh , I know how is the economy, cause you don't". New grade are looked at as something bad to the healthcare know. Do you know how long it takes to get a new job now. What do you wants us to do? I was thinking about going back to work as a C.N.A just to pay my bills or at least my student loan. If you have some thing nice to say it your are more than welcome if not please keep it to your self. THIs web site is my escape now don't ruin it for me or others. yesterday I went to look for ajob from 11-4 pm filling applications and taking tests. I was so tierd when I came home. this morning I started again after I dropped my daughter to school. I am afraid I can't do this any longer cause I have no money for gas !!! At the store I had to choose between buying "pull ups " to my 2 years or Milk and bread!!!! GIVE US A BREAK PLEASE.

i'm a new grad RN and i've been looking for jobs long before i graduated... hungry for knowledge and experience, and in very desperate need for money. i understand that some new grads feel confident enough with minimal orientation to jump into agency and home health nursing, however i am not one of those. i realize that desperation warrants some drastic actions, but i will not risk my license for experience (agency & home health) and money...

registered with two flu clinics, spent countless hours online to get shifts, and even did home health aide/cna work... it'll just be a dang shame if i should lose my newly acquired license over some careless mistake d/t my not having seen or learned a certain condition/procedure.

now! here is someone who has a clue!!!! thank you

Not all agencies are the same.
A couple of my classmates went through an agency and have found temporary work as a RN at a Psych facility. They were never offered anything else. My classmates said their shifts only involved paperwork. I was going apply at the same agency, but it seems they have too many new grads for that type of work.

I suggest that everyone start in LTC,,,those jobs are easy to get and the pay is usually good. You will learn the basics of a lot of things. While doing this you can work PRN in the hospital float pool. After a year you will be ready for agency.....remember to put on your thick skin.
Ive been an agency nurse for 6 years...an LPN.My Best friend has been a traveling agency nurse, RN, for 5 years... I can tell you that most places we both have went, we had to know very little other than being a glorified med pusher.
I think a better answer to you would have been "Congrats, if you have any questions let me know.Make sure you ask questions when you get there and try to team up with someone that is seasoned from the facility." Agency will hire anyone because these places need a body on the floor....may not be safe...but its reality....Dont do anything your not sure of....but no other way to learn than to hit the ground running...
Oh and most agencies will give you orientation time when going into hosptials for the first time. Even if you have to do a couple hours here and there unpaid or for less pay. In Florida I took half the salary the first two days on a med- surg floor to get use to the place.

Best of luck