Advice for Grad, Jobs: Fact or Fiction

[i♥words]

At every clinical, my preceptor asks me what area of nursing I want to be in, and when I say I'm not sure yet because I like too many things I get puh-lenty of advice.

• Don't specialize too quickly

This one comes up a lot.

"Don't get into pediatrics unless you are for sure, or you won't be able to get out."

"Don't work at a doctor's office, or you won't be able to get a hospital job."

• Start in med surg even if you don't like it

This sometimes goes along with the first bit advice, but sometimes it is on its own. Many have the opinion that med surg is the best starting spot for new grads, and that if you don't start in med surg you won't learn nearly as much.

• Go back to school ASAP

Are advanced degrees the "in" thing right now, or are they really going to be the new required in the next several years? The majority of my classmates have plans to become CRNAs and NPs. Most of the nursing instructors encourage advanced degrees as well.

Thoughts?

[i♥words]

Thanks for the thoughts. If I stop comparing myself to every student who seems to have their entire career planned out, I think I'll be a lot less nervous about not knowing exactly what I want to do in nursing. Yesterday I had this sudden thought that I have no idea what I'll be doing this time next year, if I will be starting my first nursing job, or if I'll have passed the NCLEX! I'm hopeful if I apply to an array of jobs I'll be offered one and, even if it isn't where I want to stay forever, I'll learn a lot in the process.

My dream was always to go into NICU. I ended up being hired into med-surg and, after a year :-), ended up in the ED... which, after 4 years, is probably where I will stay for the duration.

I still have some interest in ICU but, the truth is, I think I would get bored. I work with a number of nurses who came out of the ICUs and few have any desire to go back because of the slow pace. On the other hand, I know one colleague who left our department for the CTICU and specifically likes the slower pace.

NICU is probably one of the more difficult areas to penetrate coming from adult land simply because it's so specialized.

[AMICURN]

You can specialize, but it will obviously be determined by your grades, preceptorship, instructor recommendations (maybe), facility, interview skills and location. I realize a lot of ADN students have difficult finding jobs with an ADN, but I started out with an ADN in a MICU at a level one trauma teaching hospital after their usual application cycle had closed. Before that, I turned down an ER position and a MICU position at a smaller facility. Some specialties may have more limited mobility, but I think you can always overcome that, especially if you're willing to move. Just make sure you have all of your ducks in a row. You should seriously consider relocating if needed.

You should also frequently (1-2x per week) call the director or HR manager with new information and display your enthusiasm. That can make you memorable (so long as you don't do it in a negative manner). Be professional, kind, confident, humble, and inquisitive.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

It's tough. I say make the best of your schooling and try to get an "in" through working. Then spin that experience to make you a "must have." I was hired as an ICU nurse but had a job offer for an ER at my old job. Hated it and went to go work for an ER 4 months later where I am just starting.

I had experience as an EMT in private ambulance and fire department so I was able to get a patient care job in an ER. When that laid me off, I became a unit clerk/paramedic in a bigger ER closer to my job within the company. Some of my classmates are struggling to find jobs. It takes them months. Some have just now started getting a job and a lot of them started out in nursing homes or home health. Some even prison.

My advice?

- Find an in at a hospital through working as a CNA, unit clerk, ward clerk, etc.

- Work really hard

- Apply to jobs early. In the beginning or the middle of your final semester. Keep track of automatic rejections

I am super happy to go back to an ER. 2nd day on the job and I'm getting into the swing of things.