What to do for first RN job

[cloudtalk]

Hello all, I was hoping you could give me some perspective/feedback on my plans for working as an RN after I graduate in a few months. I'm currently working as a PCT in dialysis, and they have offered to hire me as a nurse when I get my RN. I'm grateful, and it's interesting and I like it most of the time, so I'd like to stay to learn the nursing aspects of it. Also I think it would be a little bit easier way of starting out as a nurse since I already am somewhat familiar with a lot of it.

But I'm also thinking of the bigger picture. I'm going to need a broader knowledge base. I really think I would benefit from the extra training and support if I was able to get into a new grad residency program. I know there will be a much steeper learning curve working on a regular hospital floor, and I'd like to get past that with as much support as possible. I think I'd like to work in an ICU, and probably eventually go back to school for a graduate-level degree.

So, would it make sense for me to stay for about 4-6 months to train and work as a dialysis nurse, and then apply for new grad residencies (and stay in dialysis prn)? The residencies I've looked at in my area say that they define a new grad as a nurse with less than a year of experience. But I'm wondering if it would look good or bad for me to have a few months experience when applying for these. Would I have a better chance of getting hired if I applied as a newer new grad? Should I just stick out the first year in dialysis and then apply to regular RN jobs? Or can I have the best of both worlds?? I want to make good decisions; any advice or feedback would be appreciated!