What if I don't want to work in a hospital?

U.S.A. Arizona

Published

As a new grad, what are the common places to find jobs other than a hospital? I am just curious because I was reading the thread about 12hr shifts and whatnot. Im interested in that at all! Maybe a hospital isn't where I want to work after all. Of course I won't know any of that until Im in and out of school but I'd like to know where they hire new R.N's........

Specializes in Cardiac.

Well, like the others posted, there are more than 12 hour shift avail in your area.

12 hour shifts aren't bad at all. As a result, I get 8 days off during Thanksgiving, without taking any Paid time off.

Nurses can work just about anywhere. Clinics, Dr. offices, schools....lots of places that may spark your interest.

Also, working in a hospital is better than it appears in clinicals! Don't just judge it on those experiences when your time comes. Clinicals tend to bring out the worst in the staff!

So, what is it you think you may not like, the length of the shift itself, or how it may affect your family?

sassiebaz

614 Posts

Well, like the others posted, there are more than 12 hour shift avail in your area.

12 hour shifts aren't bad at all. As a result, I get 8 days off during Thanksgiving, without taking any Paid time off.

Nurses can work just about anywhere. Clinics, Dr. offices, schools....lots of places that may spark your interest.

Also, working in a hospital is better than it appears in clinicals! Don't just judge it on those experiences when your time comes. Clinicals tend to bring out the worst in the staff!

So, what is it you think you may not like, the length of the shift itself, or how it may affect your family?

I sent you a PM

NaomieRN

1,853 Posts

What about nursing homes, I know you can probably get a job at one. Someone mentioned school nurse, I work for a school system and they do not hire new grads.

Daytonite, BSN, RN

1 Article; 14,603 Posts

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

My first "real" job (after a fiasco with an acute hospital job) was in a nursing home. 8-hour shifts, day shift. I didn't get much of an orientation, but the director of nursing was very understanding and let me work at my own pace to learn what I needed to learn. Nursing homes are one place where you learn to use your independent nursing skills and judgment. Because there is a regular routine, for the most part, that makes them a good place for a new nurse to start. You need that regular routine to help you concentrate on learning to organize and prioritize. They are very busy places, however, that have different problems from what you see in acute hospitals. Some are great places to work; some suck. You never know until you are in a place and working.

I must say, however, that once you go into nursing home nursing it is often difficult to go to acute hospital nursing if you later decide you want to give it a try. Most acute hospitals won't recognize the leadership and management skills you learn in nursing homes as being important to acute hospital nursing.

Other possibilities would be office nursing or nursing in outpatient settings. I'm not sure how to find those jobs--newspapers?

Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

Most Home Health agencies will hire a new grad. It can be nursing best kept secret if you get in with a good reputable company. I did 12 hours shifts for years and years. Now at age 51, I just can't handle 12 hours on the floor anymore. I'm happy in home health.

sassiebaz

614 Posts

Most Home Health agencies will hire a new grad. It can be nursing best kept secret if you get in with a good reputable company. I did 12 hours shifts for years and years. Now at age 51, I just can't handle 12 hours on the floor anymore. I'm happy in home health.

What is the difference in pay between a hospital and say a nursing home or home health?

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