Advice for a New Grad

[BRITT BSN, RN]

I want to be actively involved in the nursing profession. I know that after a week of being a registered nurse I may be thinking a little ahead, but I want to know any pointers you all may have. What professional organizations should I join? What certifications should I get that will be beneficial? I am going to be in surgical care, so should I get my ACLS?

Anything you you post would be greatly appreciated!

[SierraBravo]

I think you're thinking too far ahead. It's going to take you anywhere from 6+ months just to start feeling comfortable in your new role as a nurse. If your unit requires ACLS, they should pay for it and send you to the class. If I were you, I would be focusing on the acutely needed skills that you need to develop right now, such as how to provide safe care to patients, medication knowledge and administration, time management, etc...

You can join the ANA. If you are in a specialty area you can join that organization (i.e. critical care or step down, AACN). In terms of certifications, you aren't eligible for anything right now as most certifications require a certain number of hours at the bedside before you are eligible to sit for the exam. Again, it depends on which area you are working in. If you're a med/surg nurse, you can consider the med/surg certification through ANCC.