Advice on when/how to begin job hunt

[kk2000]

Hi everyone.

i will be graduating in Decemberffrom a PN class.

I do not want to work full time in either a hospital or nursing home.

Is is realistic to consider agency/pool work and to try to find a home health position? I know that there are several hh agencies that will hire new grads, but I know that I need to learn and keep the hospital skills.

Any advice as to when and how to start a job search? Would I put my clinical experience on a resume and just start a "cold" search.

Any advice at all would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

K-

[fireflyLPN]

Hi everyone.

i will be graduating in Decemberffrom a PN class.

I do not want to work full time in either a hospital or nursing home.

Is is realistic to consider agency/pool work and to try to find a home health position? I know that there are several hh agencies that will hire new grads, but I know that I need to learn and keep the hospital skills.

Any advice as to when and how to start a job search? Would I put my clinical experience on a resume and just start a "cold" search.

Any advice at all would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

K-

It is unlikely for an agency to hire a new grad, but it is possible. Most HH agencies in my area say that they will not hire a new grad, but I know of several people that got hired straight outta school.

As far as putting your school experience on your resume, go ahead. That is what I did, but honestly I am not sure it helped me that much.

As to when you should start you search, I would recommend you begin right away... I think your chances of getting hired at an agency as a nurse would better if you already worked for them as an Aide.

I think you might consider the negatives of coming in, straight out of school, as a Agency nurse. Frequently they get the crappiest assignments, and this is not an easy thing to deal with as a brand new Nurse. This is besides the fact that you will have to deal with all kinds of unfamiliar paperwork, and adhering to the rules/expectations of the facility you are at! So while I admire your determination, I would really recommend you get some good experience before you follow through with an Agency.

Best of luck with your pursuits!

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Good advice, Fire!

[Darlene K.]

I agree the above posters....In addition, some agencies tend to try to take advantage of even the most "seasoned" nurses, so be careful and choose your assignments carefully.

Good luck to you.