Advice Needed? Should I do this?

[ilovenursing2009]

I am a new graduate nurse. I have been working flu and wellness clinics because those are the only places that will take me due to my lack of experience. There are few new grad programs here at the hospitals and it seems like to get in you need to know someone and have a BSN. So I am out of luck there.

My goal is to work urgent care or ER. But, considering the circumstances I will take almost anything (nursing homes are not an option....23 patients for 1 new RN is not worth it!!). I truly love nursing and get joy out of even the tiny moments of teaching I get working wellness clinics.

Yesterday I was offered a position as a part time home care nurse. The director of nursing said she would be willing to train me personally and go with me for a couple weeks to clients homes.

Should I do this? Will this give me enough experience so people don't just throw my resume away (like now!). Anyone have any experience with homecare you can share with me?

Thanks everyone!

[nurseams]

I am a new grad and the only experience I have is from my clinicals but I loved VNA. I am currently in a new grad ICU program. My suggestion to you is to take the job. Here, in the Boston Area, the hospitals won't hire you unless you have a BSN. They are trying to wean out the RNs of the hospital setting. If they are already there then they keep them, but our ERs do not have any RN workers and now require BSN. They also generally don't let you work there without some kind of experience, usually Med-surg.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Bummer. I would take the job but keep an eye out for other positions if, and when, the economy changes. Also, consider that BSN

[ilovenursing2009]

I am currently in a RN to BSN program. I was tired of people telling me I needed a BSN. Sad because the skills set between a BSN and a RN are no different. My 1200 hours of being on a med surg floor for clinicals prepared me very very well. The classes I need for my BSN won't make me a better nurse.

Anyway...I hope it will be good experience and open up some doors for me.

Thanks!!

[kcochrane]

I would take it. You will get some experience with treatments and teaching at the least. I think its great that the DON will go with you personally. Sounds like a great company to work for.

[jschut, BSN, RN]

I agree. I would take it. You never know till you try, right?

[dekagirlsRN]

My first RN position was at a nursing home--not where I wanted to be but was grateful for all I learned while I was there. Eventually I landed my dream job after six months. Plus, I think you're much more marketable if you're working some place, rather than no place.

[misschiatia]

If you have an experienced nurse willing to work with/train you for 2 weeks then that is truly an opportunity. Think about it. Experienced, older nurses that are willing to teach can be hard to find. And you need all the experience you can get right now.. I've worked hospital med surg, hospital psych, long term care floor nurse, long term care management and am now considering hospice. Expose yourself to as much as you can. If you've got a couple of weeks of good solid training, and a chance to get your feet wet, GO FOR IT!

[CorpsmanRN, BSN, RN]

I am a new grad and the only experience I have is from my clinicals but I loved VNA. I am currently in a new grad ICU program. My suggestion to you is to take the job. Here, in the Boston Area, the hospitals won't hire you unless you have a BSN. They are trying to wean out the RNs of the hospital setting. If they are already there then they keep them, but our ERs do not have any RN workers and now require BSN. They also generally don't let you work there without some kind of experience, usually Med-surg.

Isn't a nurse with a BSN still a Registered Nurse? Do you mean that the hospitals no longer want to hire RN's with only an Associates (ADN)? The way it's worded makes it sound a bit odd - to me anyhow.

[ilovenursing2009]

Isn't a nurse with a BSN still a Registered Nurse? Do you mean that the hospitals no longer want to hire RN's with only an Associates (ADN)? The way it's worded makes it sound a bit odd - to me anyhow.

The hospitals where I live (CA) do not want ADN's. The majority of job positings state "BSN prefered" which translates to we only want BSN's. I have had many recruiters say "well if you only had your BSN we would consider you." Ticks me off! I think it is a politics thing. They are needing BSN's to keep there magnet status.

My favorites are the postings that say "BSN new grad welcome to start on the floor, ADN's need a preceptorship (but, sorry we dont have any of those at this time)." Not to be bias, but there are so many BSN programs that focus on community health and public health that they are not ready for the floor. I did most of my training in a hospital not a classroom talking about Florence Nightengale! The state where I came from (HI) the BSN's have a hard time on the floors as new grads.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

Ilovenursing2009 -I am going for my second interview for Hospice/Home Health RN. I like you am a new grad and can't get experience anywhere (and I have a BSN!). I applied for Hospice Job, first they told me they never take new grads, then manager called me in for interview several days later because she liked me so much! I realize that going into hospice/home care without a year/two experience is not ideal...but I love what hospice is and does and means, plus this hospice is not for profit, and they are all soo supportive. I am so hoping it works out. let me know what you decide...we are in similar boats. Good Luck!

[caliotter3]

You would not be the first nurse who started out this way. The fact that she said she will personally train you is a big, big plus. Take it. You are way ahead of the game and may not even know it yet!