Graduate in 4 months and need advice

[tash14]

Hi! I graduate with my BSN in 4 months and need some advice. I have always wanted to work in pediatrics. I think I want to work in pediatric oncology. My problem is that we do not have a pediatric unit or a children's hospital nearby. We do have a peds unit at the hospital I work at, but it is mainly for surgical overflow. My second passion is mental health. I have thought about working in mental health until I have enough resources available to move to a town with a children's hospital or pediatric unit. My question is: should I go into mental health first then when the time is right, look for pediatric positions? Would I get a pediatric position since I would have no experience starting IVs and skills of that nature? I've thought of school nursing as well. It seems as if the pediatric positions are hard to get into in my area (small town & it's hard to get into a pediatric position in this area-office, school).

[anon456, BSN, RN]

Are you willing to move if offered a peds position somewhere else in the country?

Also, starting IV's is not a skill they even care about when they interview you. They want to know about time management, education, experience as a nurse (adults or peds), and they want to have people who have that little something extra.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You start very few peripheral IVs in pediatric oncology as most kids have some sort of central access.

[tash14]

Thanks! I apologize for not replying earlier. I couldn't log in for some reason... Anyhow, I am all for relocating, but my husband & I can't at this time due to financial issues-working part time on a CNA salary & having to pay my own way for this degree (no financial aid due to having a bachelors in psychology). I think at the moment, I am looking into working on a med-surg floor for experience then moving onto peds private duty if we stay in this area. If we do decide to move, I will be looking for a position in a children's hospital or something similar.