Advice for a New Grad

Kitiger, RN · Jan 17, 2018

Another thing that I am confused about is one of the SNF interviews is for a charge nurse position. They found me on indeed and contacted me for this position even though they know that I am a new grad. They said that they would provide training for this position, but it seems like they are very desperate for someone to fill this position.
QUOTE]
Do not take this charge position. Run away! They are desperate and are not at all likely to give you decent training.
They want a warm body. That's it.

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 17, 2018

There is NOTHING wrong with starting in SNF or LTC. But no no no, run away, far away----- from a charge position as a new nurse. Like said above, they want a warm body. I will let you in on a dirty little secret: LTC/SNF are notorious for very, VERY short orientations like days only and then set you out on your own. Don't be fooled into thinking this charge position will be any different. You are not ready to take charge as a new nurse out of school in any capacity. Nope nope nope.

As a new nurse, you may have to take whatever you can get. Lots of RNs take jobs in less-than-desirable positions like LTC. And I am not downing LTC; I have done it and it has its definite rewards. But the pay generally sucks, and the nurse-resident ratios can be daunting. But---- It's a job, it's a paycheck, but most importantly, it's experience.

But do not be fooled or falsely complimented that you are "so smart or capable, etc" that you can take a managerial or charge position as a new nurse. That is not feasible, wise or smart----and surefire way to fail.

Good luck. Cast a wide net, take any entry-level RN position you can find until sometime more desirable opens up.

I wish you the best.

FishBones · Jan 21, 2018

Thanks for your advice. I went to the interview very skeptical and they didn't have much to offer.

FishBones · Jan 21, 2018

There is NOTHING wrong with starting in SNF or LTC. But no no no, run away, far away----- from a charge position as a new nurse. Like said above, they want a warm body. I will let you in on a dirty little secret: LTC/SNF are notorious for very, VERY short orientations like days only and then set you out on your own. Don't be fooled into thinking this charge position will be any different. You are not ready to take charge as a new nurse out of school in any capacity. Nope nope nope.
As a new nurse, you may have to take whatever you can get. Lots of RNs take jobs in less-than-desirable positions like LTC. And I am not downing LTC; I have done it and it has its definite rewards. But the pay generally sucks, and the nurse-resident ratios can be daunting. But---- It's a job, it's a paycheck, but most importantly, it's experience.
But do not be fooled or falsely complimented that you are "so smart or capable, etc" that you can take a managerial or charge position as a new nurse. That is not feasible, wise or smart----and surefire way to fail.
Good luck. Cast a wide net, take any entry-level RN position you can find until sometime more desirable opens up.
I wish you the best.

I understand that there's nothing "wrong" with starting off in LTC or a SNF, but I feel as if I would be "settling" for anything that comes just because I'm a new grad and have no experience. I am not particularly interested in being shackled to a field of nursing that I have zero interest in for 6 months when I could just tough it out for a better department. I'm not worried about needing a paycheck since I am currently working part-time and it pays well enough to support my lifestyle.

RockinNurse2018 · Jan 21, 2018

You may have to take a position in a skilled nursing position if that is what is currently being offered to you. That's where I am, and despite many applications elsewhere, it's where I'll likely be for awhile. Thing is, the position is actually more interesting than I initially expected. Patients come to us with a variety of health conditions, and many of them are barely stable enough to be out of the hospital, if they truly are. Some of their health conditions decline rapidly, so there's a lot of transfers out to the hospital. Medication pass is a huge part of it, but so are treatments, other procedures and assessing residents for change in condition. It is definitely a nursing position and can be good experience if you let it be. It was/is not my first choice, but other opportunities have not yet presented themselves so it's up to me to make the best of it.

At the same time, I would not take the charge nurse position. You would have to be a resource person and most, if not all, new grads are not ready for that. I, myself, have been in my current position for about 20 months, and I would never think about taking a supervisory position. For me, it's enough responsibility, currently, to precept new employees when I, myself, am still learning.

FishBones · Jan 21, 2018

You may have to take a position in a skilled nursing position if that is what is currently being offered to you. That's where I am, and despite many applications elsewhere, it's where I'll likely be for awhile. Thing is, the position is actually more interesting than I initially expected. Patients come to us with a variety of health conditions, and many of them are barely stable enough to be out of the hospital, if they truly are. Some of their health conditions decline rapidly, so there's a lot of transfers out to the hospital. Medication pass is a huge part of it, but so are treatments, other procedures and assessing residents for change in condition. It is definitely a nursing position and can be good experience if you let it be. It was/is not my first choice, but other opportunities have not yet presented themselves so it's up to me to make the best of it.
At the same time, I would not take the charge nurse position. You would have to be a resource person and most, if not all, new grads are not ready for that. I, myself, have been in my current position for about 20 months, and I would never think about taking a supervisory position. For me, it's enough responsibility, currently, to precept new employees when I, myself, am still learning.

Thanks for your input. I currently have 3 other interviews in LTC/SNF that I plan on going to. This field of nursing is my back-up of all back-up positions but as you have said, I won't disregard a good offer if it is presented to me. If you are willing to share, may I ask what state you are working in and what was your starting pay? Thank you.

AutumnApple · Jan 21, 2018

When I was a travel nurse, this place tried to put me in charge literally the my first day there. I didn't even know where the restroom was yet, much less what their med pass system was.

I declined to be in charge.

That was a move by an experienced nurse who knew they had no leg to stand on if they got upset about it. They're trying to take advantage of you, hoping you're too passive to say "no" to it. Not only would I turn down that specific job, I'd think twice about working for that facility in any position they offered. They've shown their true colors.

Homecare seems to be becoming more prominent and in some places, they don't mind GN's.

guest52816 · Jan 21, 2018

OP, I have no idea where you live, but are you in a position to move?

There are LOTS of nursing jobs in the area where I live (central Kentucky) and many hospitals are offering a sign-on bonus. If you were willing to relocate to eastern KY, there is a hospital there that is offering a HUGE sign-on bonus.

I completely agree that you shouldn't "settle" for something you have no interest in for your first job. As another poster suggested, cast your net wide and far and see what you catch!

RockinNurse2018 · Jan 21, 2018

Thanks for your input. I currently have 3 other interviews in LTC/SNF that I plan on going to. This field of nursing is my back-up of all back-up positions but as you have said, I won't disregard a good offer if it is presented to me. If you are willing to share, may I ask what state you are working in and what was your starting pay? Thank you.

Without going into specifics, I am working in the Midwest with a pay in the mid-upper $20's/hour. This is less than many nurses in my area, especially if they are working in the hospital, although it is comparable to similar facilities in my area. They do offer great holiday pay, though, so for the first 8 hours of any holiday I work, the pay is upwards of $50/hr. It's not the best offer in the world, but it could be a lot worse as well.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2018

This advice isn't going to be helpful now but the best time to apply for new grad positions in hospitals is generally before you graduate. I know there are some states that that doesn't apply to but literally everyone I graduated with way back when had a job secured before we graduated and many were re-locating around the country. There are generally fewer new grad positions in the winter since more new grads graduate in the spring.

I would not accept a charge nurse position as a new grad. My guess would be that an employer who is recruiting a new grad for that position needs an RN in that role and cannot find anyone experienced because they are a crappy employer.