Outpatient Jobs for New Grad

I don't have any information for you, but I am wondering the same thing. I'll be a new grad in December and will be moving to Boston at that point. Hopefully someone will respond to these posts!

First of all congrats :hatparty: I am just starting this fall. Try looking at hospital websites...for example, partners.org has sites for their outpatient community clinics. I have seen postings for nurses there. Most want experienced though. but you never know

best wishes

Check out Lahey Clinic in Burlington (just north of Boston). They have a huge outpatient practice. The pay is probably not quite as good as Boston, but outpatient generally pays less anyway. Good luck.

I feel the SAME way! I want to enjoy my job, and I feel like if I have to work on a med surg unit I will dread going to work every day and my patients will suffer because of it. I, like you, am not interested in critical care, ICU, neuro, etc. Blows my mind that a new grad can work in the ICU, but not at the public health department. How frustrating.

2 main reasons

1. Outpatient jobs tend to have more attractive hours ... and therefore there are plenty of experienced nurses who want those jobs. The employer has enough experienced nurses who want the job who will require less orientation and support to be "picky" and to require experience.

2. Most outpatient jobs require that the nurse be fairly independent -- and in many cases, be the leader of the team. Often, the RN may be the only RN in the immediate area and be expected to supervise colleagues with lesser education (e.g. MA's, LPN's, CNA's, etc.) and to be the leader of the team in an emergency situation. The RN is the one the other people come to for expertise, help, and support. Those positions require an RN with enough experience to have true nursing expertise in order to be able to exercise expert judgment in difficult, complex situations. A new grad doesn't yet have that expertise.

In an ICU, the new grad is surrounded by experienced RN's, phyisicians, Respiratory Therapists, etc. who can help that new nurse take care of the patient and handle any unusual or difficult situations. A good ICU also has an extensive orientation program designed to help the new grad transition from student to staff nurse. Out on her own in the community or as one of only a few RN's in a big clinic, a new grad doesn't have that much-needed support.

That's why most outpatient jobs require experience.

llg

There are other options. For example, my hospital has a unit that has 2 sections -- one section that specializes in outpatient procedures -- and another that includes a few ICU step-down beds. The nurses work in either section. They hire new grads. A lot of hosptials have specialized units that hire new grads and that offer some unique experiences. You might find yourself happier in one of those units than in the large general med/surg units.

Few people in any profession get their "dream job" as their first job. Most people work their way up the career ladder and/or have a couple of jobs during which they develop their professional skills and/or find the right fit. If you have to accept a job that is not your first choice as a new grad, treat it as part of your education. Do your best work, make a good impression on those around you (who can help you in your career), and learn as much as you can. You'll soon have the experience you need to qualify for a larger variety of jobs.

Good luck,
llg