What kind of nursing should a new nurse do?

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

Yes and no. There's a shortage so it's really hard to get a job. If you get a job, hold on to it till you get a different job if you hate it. In general, it appears to be common for new grads to feel like they are bad at their jobs and not understanding it for up to a year. After a year, they adjust and start to feel more competent.

My advice is to try and stick it out as long as possible, at least 1 year if not two. You don't want to string along lots of jobs where you quit too soon because they may label you.

My personal experience? I hated my first job and jumped ship at 4 months. I went to an ER.

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

I also graduated last month, but this isn't my first degree or career. (The only reason I left previous jobs was because it was physically impossible for me to commute over 1000 miles to get to work after I moved. Landed in my new state, discovered that nursing really was what I was heading for all my life and that my first degree was just practice.)

New grads are notorious for wanting immediate satisfaction, which...isn't exactly out there. Especially in healthcare. So give your first job a year, like applesxoranges said. It will make you look more reliable for future employers and will also encourage hospitals to continue to hire new grads. I was talking with an HR representative about all this and was told that they are reluctant to hire new grads simply because it costs so much to the system to orient and train them, only to have them leave after six months. It is, ultimately, a loss for the unit. (This entire paragraph brought to you by a very chatty and helpful HR rep)

Which, well, isn't the greatest news if you discover that you're not too keen on whatever unit you've ended up in. However, another thing to try doing is to look at it as a learning experience. Also, your clinical rotations from nursing school can help. For example: I discovered that while the odd OB/GYN shift wouldn't be a problem, doing it full time would drive me crazy. On the other hand, I adored my Psych rotation, ER rotation, and discussing things that usually aren't seen (i.e. chronic diseases like TB and HIV, homeless populations, SANE nursing), so I'm applying to a Psychiatric facility and to become a correctional nurse. Two different areas, yes, but they both use aspects of nursing that I discovered that I enjoy and that I am good at, and also take into play my previous employment and personality.

One caveat to all this, though, is if you find yourself getting sick at the thought of going to work. That's not a good work environment for you, so first talk with somebody and then start looking for another job.

malenurse69, MSN, NP · Jun 30, 2014

Yes and no. There's a shortage

Lol no

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2014

There's a shortage so it's really hard to get a job.

Lol no

I think the previous poster meant to say there's a job shortage. After all, there's no true nursing shortage.

Seriously, now is not the time to be picky because no new nurse can afford to turn his/her nose up at any job opportunity. Good luck!

allnurses Guide · Jun 30, 2014

The job you should do is the one that you have or the one that you get. Do it for at least a year, preferably two, before jumping ship.

Nonetheless · Jul 4, 2014

only to have them leave after six months./QUOTE]
If new grads are repeatedly leaving after 6 months, it means the hospital has a retention problem, not the new grads.
Good retention rates = good sign
Poor retention rates = bad sign
Contrary to popular belief, most new grads would be perfectly content working in "less glamorous" units like med/surg for at least 5 years without quitting provided that the job is steady, pays reasonably well, the staff is professional and does not utilize lateral violence, and the management is fair/ appropriate.

DatMurse · Jul 4, 2014

Contrary to popular belief, most new grads would be perfectly content working in "less glamorous" units like med/surg

I beg to differ. Many new grads dread it and leave after a year.

Nonetheless · Jul 4, 2014

I beg to differ. Many new grads dread it and leave after a year.

But why do they dread it? My "dream hospital" has an excellent retention rate. New grads and experienced nurses alike stay for years. i spoke with the NM of my dream unit, and she told me that over the course of the past 3-5 years, only 4 people left. One got married, and 3 got into graduate school after having >5 years experience. They don't even have contracts that say "you must stay xyz amount of years or we will sue you for $10,000!!!!" because historically their new grads STAY!!! They offer research opportunities, good pay, opportunities to do stuff like preceptor and volunteer in the community, and a union. I also did clinicals there and the staff is extemely supportive and acts like a TEAM.

Now compare to another hospital where my friend worked for a year then ran away from: they had 3-year contracts and would fine you heftily for leaving. Opportunities to get involved were few and far between. The staff wanted to baptize the new grads "by fire" so they were not as supportive and had lateral violence. The pay was also lower.

both are in the same location, but one has a much better way of running things than the other.

if i get an excellent first job in, say, med/surg in a hospital where my team is supportive, i can get involved outside work in projects, and where I am

paid a comfortable living wage (I dont ask for great wealth FYI), i will stay foe >5 years. But if i get a job at a place like the second hospital in my dream unit (ICU/ ER) i will leave as soon as another job presents itself, or, as soon as the contract terminates. Work environment is the most important thing to me, and i want one that isn't hostile! Poor retention rates oftentimes indicate a poor work environment. Its not the only factor (for example very rural hospitals may have a hard time retaining new grads due to location, thereby changing retention rate) but it is important to take into consideration.

DatMurse · Jul 5, 2014

if i get an excellent first job in, say, med/surg in a hospital where my team is supportive, i can get involved outside work in projects, and where I am
paid a comfortable living wage (I dont ask for great wealth FYI), i will stay foe >5 years. But if i get a job at a place like the second hospital in my dream unit (ICU/ ER) i will leave as soon as another job presents itself, or, as soon as the contract terminates. Work environment is the most important thing to me, and i want one that isn't hostile! Poor retention rates oftentimes indicate a poor work environment. Its not the only factor (for example very rural hospitals may have a hard time retaining new grads due to location, thereby changing retention rate) but it is important to take into consideration.

There are some people who enjoy medsurge and stay within it. Not many people transfer to medsurg to stay in it, regardless of the city. I dont have any friends that stayed in it for multiple years.

BTW retention rate only refers to the hospital, that doesn't mean people do not transfer out of it when they have a chance.

It's going to be different for every location, but in Texas, many news grads would not choose medsurge.