Need career advice for an RN who doesn't know where to go

[mcdq]

Hello everyone! I graduated with a BScN, passed my CRNE, and now just about to start my first job as an RN in acute geriatrics unit in a hospital. The main reason why I took this job was because I just wanted to get some experience already and I got so sick of applying for months for a job. I do think that working in geriatrics is great since the bulk of our population will require geriatric care (baby boomers!) - but it's just not for me. Perhaps I will stay in this position for 1 year or so then I know I would have to move on.

Now the problem is, I have absolutely no clue where I want to be in nursing. I could take courses and certifications but I don't know where to start! I was thinking of getting Critical Care Courses but I don't even know whether I want to be in Emerg or ICU-and let's face it, these courses are not cheap. I don't want to spend my time, energy and money taking courses that won't even need after all. Mental health is interesting..but as novice nurse, I think I would be more marketable when I have acquired my " acute nursing skills" first. It seems like Cardiac nurses are in demand nowadays but again, that would mean I would have to take Coronary care courses, which is very expensive and I'm not even sure if that's what I want. Community Nursing would be interesting as well or working in outpatient clinics. Someone did mention to me about the De Souza designation for nurses working in Oncology. This interested me simply because it is free and it is a great asset in a resume if I wanted to be in Palliative/Oncology care. Would taking this course help me in getting a job in Oncology/Palliative care in the future? Travel nursing would be interesting as well, but it seems like the demand is for Emerg and ICU nurses. (I am an RN in Ontario, Canada)

Sorry for the long blurb ... I just want to know, how did you get to the area that you like? Did you just keep on changing areas/units until you found what you love? What steps did you take going from one area of nursing to the other? Any advice would be greatly appreciated :)

p.s. I am 22 years old with no dependents. I currently work part-time so I guess that creates a great opportunity to study part time as well :)

[nikki_nurse]

Hi,

I feel like I'm in the same position as you. In a RN and I worked acute care in a rural hospital for a year and now I'm working in LTC. I'm thinking about trying to get into acute/ER care at our small hospital so I'm working on getting my ACLS since they require it.

I would advise to think about where you want to work (which is hard - I'm still not sure where exactly I want to work) and if needed get additional certifications if needed. Looking at job applications for similar positions and see what type of requirements is helpful.

[mcdq]

A lot of newer grad nurses after getting a solid year, transition to a float nurse position, if they are wanting to try out different areas. I have nursing 5 yrs, and am wondering if the perfect "fit" actually exists. A lot of other factors are important such as: schedule, people, and commute, ect. which influence finding that "perfect" job that works for you. I am a believer that education is always a good thing. But if you don't want to spend the money, try applying to areas of interest and see what happens. Experience is always the most valuable asset in nursing.

I really like the idea of being in a float-hopefully an opportunity comes up within my hospital in the near future!

[mcdq]

Hi,

I feel like I'm in the same position as you. In a RN and I worked acute care in a rural hospital for a year and now I'm working in LTC. I'm thinking about trying to get into acute/ER care at our small hospital so I'm working on getting my ACLS since they require it.

I would advise to think about where you want to work (which is hard - I'm still not sure where exactly I want to work) and if needed get additional certifications if needed. Looking at job applications for similar positions and see what type of requirements is helpful.

yeah I was thinking about that.. Just wasn't sure if I need the requirements first, or if I can get hired first then get my certifications (hoping the hospital would at least help me get them). Good luck with your (maybe) future application in a hospital! :)

[JaneSmithRevisited]

With budget cuts, unless you have experience in acte care or you consolidated on a critical care floor or have the critical care certificate... it'll be kinda difficult to get hired on critical care areas. MOST of the nurses hired on our ICU came from the float pool or an inpatient post-op unit. However, there's no hurt in trying to apply for a position there.