Advice for new nursing grad...

ckh23, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2012

I think a lot of that depends on you. If you are in no rush, don't need the money, and willing to move to another state than I would wait to see if you can land a job in a field you want.

churchsgirl · Feb 27, 2012

Abbles, where are you from? I live in Colorado Springs, also a new grad, and I am having a hard time finding a job. I have a BSN and I do not care where I start at....any suggestions????

Perpetual Student · Feb 27, 2012

Holding out for just L&D or peds might be a bit of a stretch. There are relatively few jobs in those specialties and they're pretty competitive. How's your resume? Any prior health care experience?

My plan after I graduated from my RN program was to take the first hospital job I could get. I continued to work as an RN for my private duty agency, which I'd already worked for as an LPN for a few years. So even though I had an actual RN job making decent money, I was going to take what I could get. Fortunately I was turned down for the positions I probably would've ended up hating (e.g. medical floor), though I would've taken 'em if offered.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Feb 27, 2012

seriously? unless you are independently wealthy or married to someone who can support you, take the first job you get. you might not get another offer for a loooooong time.

besides, it might surprise you to learn that you like it. so many people go to nursing school thinking "peds or ob" (i was one, onceuponnatime) ...and thank goodness most of them end up doing something else. there are just not that many babies being born or children needing hospitalization but there are sure as shootin' lots of other folks in need of nursing care.

allnurses Guide · Feb 28, 2012

Yup. In this economy, you take the job that is actually offered to you. You'll have far better odds of moving into your preferred specialty with acute care experience under your belt than you ever will as a new grad. True story.

Good Morning, Gil · Feb 28, 2012

Well, the longer you wait to get a job, the less marketable you become (b/c you become stale). So, a few months probably wouldn't be a bad thing, and you don't have to take the first undesirable thing that comes along, but be prepared that if you turn that job down, you may not have any offers for a long time. And, peds and L and D have the lowest turn-over of any specialty, so you could be sitting, and waiting for that one for a while (especially with no experience; those jobs typically go to RN's with experience).

However, if you live in an area that has a children's hospital or large children's hospital, that is not the case. They usually hire new grads. If you have a women's hospital near you, as well, that may be the case. But, if you don't live in a major city that has these things, then...you could be waiting a while.

Have new grads gotten hired into these areas in the past? That'll be your best predictor. But, just keep applying, applying...Be sure to follow up! And, have a polished resume, one that stands out from the crowd! Good luck to you!

Worst case, you could work in an area you don't really like for 2 years and then do an internal transfer into the area of your choice. Tele would be very good experience

Good Morning, Gil · Feb 28, 2012

I should say "recent past" like in the past year b/c as we know, the economy has changed things.

KRomney · May 14, 2012

Abbles, Were you able to apply to the New Grad positions at Memorial Health that were posted a week or two ago? Or have you already taken a job somewhere else?

aea_11 · May 16, 2012

Honestly, the longer you hold out for your "dream job", the more you lose your new grad status. Right now the economy is tough, and getting into your specialty of choice is difficult. I say, apply everywhere and anywhere, and once you gain experience, then you can apply and move into the unit of choice, and get the "dream" job.

Candyn · May 16, 2012

Try to apply for your dream job for all other states while keep your mind open about accepting whatever comes first.