Alternative Job Options for New RN?

[drbeckrn, NP]

Hello Everyone,

I completed my ASN degree at the end of 2014 and was licensed early 2015. My end goal is to become a FNP so I immediately entered an accelerated RN to BSN program and completed it in August 2016. I would like to apply to NP programs but, most are requiring post RN experience to be considered. I enjoy primary care and outpatient positions and was never really comfortable during my clinicals in acute care setting on med-surge floors. I would like to work in a setting similar to something I would be doing as an FNP with regard to primary care/outpatient setting, however I am having trouble finding work as an RN in positions other than acute care in hospitals (ER, ICU, Med-Surge, Tele). I was wondering if anyone knew of other positions besides hospital care that hired nurses? Another issue I am running into is that most jobs I find online (indeed.com, career builder, etc) want RN with at least one year experience. This is an issue since I am a new BSN nurse and haven't worked formally in the clinical setting yet. What would someone suggest in my position? I know I need to work something not only for money, but also to show to grad programs what I have been doing since my degree. I have completed a wound-care preceptorship pre RN and briefly worked with gerontological drug research company (conducted physical and cognitive assessments, phlebotomy, drug administration, etc). I would just really like to work as RN outside of Hospital/SNF experience, but don't know if that is possible.

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

What you are seeking is highly unlikely. Many clinics don't even hire RN's. Just LPN's (or MA's ) and NP's. Stop waiting for a unicorn and start getting experience. You've Never even worked! How could you even Know what your likes or dislikes even are. All if my nursing experiences were assets in grad school. Every one if them.

[Mayamagnolia]

I agree that any hospital experience right out of graduation would be a good idea. However, if you know you wouldn't be happy in acute care why try for a job you won't truly enjoy. I know of new grads in my graduating class who got jobs as school nurses or home care nurses. Also check nonprofit clinics in low income areas they are much more likely to hire new grads! I also know of some graduate programs that don't necessarily require experience. If you shop around you may find a program that doesn't, then you would have greater networking to get a primary care position somewhere. Good luck and follow your heart!!

[caffeinatednurse, BSN, RN]

I work on a short term rehab unit that is part of a larger retirement community. It's a good mix of a little bit of everything: I have residents on isolation, IVs, residents with nephrostomy tubes, Foleys, traches, surgical incisions that are monitored q shift, dressing changes, treatments, vaccinations, anything and everything that you can think of. We admit and DC residents quickly depending on their needs. A majority of my residents came from an acute care environment - usually a trauma unit, ED, ICU, or ortho floor. Still, the environment I work in is fast paced but more relaxed than acute care, if that makes sense.

I mention this because I used to want one of those jobs you described, but I've found my niche in short term rehab. Don't be afraid to branch out and try something different. Maybe you'll be successful and find one of those positions, but they were difficult to find in the area I live in so I had to adapt and find something else. Most nurses have to do the same thing.

[crossingfingers10]

Out of hospital positions can certainly be tough to find, but they are out there. Look at positions with insurance companies (workman's comp, telephonic disease management, etc), wound care clinics, dialysis centers, home health, prisons (truly not as scary as it sounds), hospice, etc. I see positions for doctor's offices in my area listed somewhat frequently on Craigslist. Just be smart and use common sense when applying to things off Craigslist. I've worked in three jobs that I found there and have not run into anything sketchy.

As a side note, I worked hospice as a (fairly) new grad before transitioning to the hospital three years later and although challenging, I gained some great experience. It really helped me hone my assessment, critical thinking, med management, and time management skills. You see the patient much more frequently than the doctor so you are truly the eyes and ears. Hospice uses NPs, as well.

[babeinboots, MSN, NP, CNM]

I just landed a job at a dialysis clinic as a new grad. Due to recent life changes, I too was not interested in acute care at this time and wanted to find a job in an outpatient setting. Don't give up but I also don't encourage turning down an acute care position without serious consideration. Good luck!

[vickymarie]

Try public health! I precepted in public health and went directly into it after graduating with my BSN. It's a vastly different experience, for certain, and won't meet the experience requirements for every position, but you learn a lot of systems level thinking and case management skills, while still using assessment and the nursing process every day.