Career advice for Bay Area new grad

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Hi, I'm a new grad in the Bay Area and the job market has been quite competitive. My ultimate goal is to work in an acute care setting with oncology patients at one of the magnet hospitals in the area. It seems like I may be able to get a job working in an outpatient setting and was wondering if starting my nursing career in an outpatient setting (for 1-2 years) would make it more difficult for me to get into an acute care role later? Would I be making a mistake?

On 6/29/2022 at 9:41 PM, ohgeewhat said:

Hi, I'm a new grad in the Bay Area and the job market has been quite competitive. My ultimate goal is to work in an acute care setting with oncology patients at one of the magnet hospitals in the area. It seems like I may be able to get a job working in an outpatient setting and was wondering if starting my nursing career in an outpatient setting (for 1-2 years) would make it more difficult for me to get into an acute care role later? Would I be making a mistake?

Hi! I seem to be in a very similar spot to you I’m moving to the Bay Area in August and have been applying to acute care new graduate jobs/programs with no luck so far. I’m also looking to go into oncology as my end goal. I was looking at some outpatient or temporary jobs (I saw a sutter health posting for a flu/Covid vax per diem position that I was thinking of applying to) but I know a lot of the acute care new grad jobs/residencies want less than 6 month paid experience or zero paid experience as an RN. Not sure what the best move is.

Are there other acute care oncology positions you can apply for in the meantime?

I would recommend starting off in an inpatient setting as it may be difficult for you to obtain a higher acuity job once you commit yourself initially to an outpatient setting.  At the same time, if you don't see yourself wanting to work in an inpatient setting then you should be OK.  A lot of hospitals offer new grad programs that give you an extended orientation period and resources/classes to help you transition to an independent role.

anyone know good hospitals in bay area that have really good new grad programs?

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