Emergency departments willing to give a dedicated new graduate a chance..... realistic

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Are there any emergency departments that are willing to hire an ADN RN?? I will relocate *ANYWHERE*. To date I have spend 18 months searching for an RN position.

Thank you so much for your time in advance.

ADN here. My level II just hired me with ZERO experience but only because I've proven to be a hard worker, good with people, I get along with pretty much everyone and I've been an ER tech for a couple years so I'm not ENTIRELY clueless (but still pretty clueless). I start orientation on Wednesday and I'm freaking the freak out. I keep wondering "why on earth did they hire me!? do they think I know more than I do? Don't they know I've only started like 5 lines in my life and none of them have been pediatric?".

Turns out I am the extreme exception to the rule AND I'll get 6 months orientation which is 3 more than anyone else. All of our new RNs have at least 1 year experience in either ICU or IMC setting. I don't understand why a new grad would WANT to start in the ER unless they just don't understand how it really is. It's intense like in a very real way. In a way that you really need to know what you're doing at all times. You can't run to Lexicomp and look up a drug when there's a two year old coding in front of you. The reason I want to stay in ER is because I like all my coworkers and would be really sad to leave them and because the prospect of being a competent (maybe even GOOD) ER nurse one day is exciting to me, but right now I am TERRIFIED to be starting in ER -- at the thought of doing something to hurt another human being. I understand that this is a very real possibility. Like, losing the RN behind my name kind of real possibility.

Sorry to be so wordy, but I'm trying to figure out if I'm being a overly worried or if new grads that want to start in ER are just slightly out of touch with reality. I don't mean to offend anyone by saying that, I'm just trying to understand.

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ADN here. My level II just hired me with ZERO experience but only because I've proven to be a hard worker, good with people, I get along with pretty much everyone and I've been an ER tech for a couple years so I'm not ENTIRELY clueless (but still pretty clueless). I start orientation on Wednesday and I'm freaking the freak out. I keep wondering "why on earth did they hire me!? do they think I know more than I do? Don't they know I've only started like 5 lines in my life and none of them have been pediatric?".

Turns out I am the extreme exception to the rule AND I'll get 6 months orientation which is 3 more than anyone else. All of our new RNs have at least 1 year experience in either ICU or IMC setting. I don't understand why a new grad would WANT to start in the ER unless they just don't understand how it really is. It's intense like in a very real way. In a way that you really need to know what you're doing at all times. You can't run to Lexicomp and look up a drug when there's a two year old coding in front of you. The reason I want to stay in ER is because I like all my coworkers and would be really sad to leave them and because the prospect of being a competent (maybe even GOOD) ER nurse one day is exciting to me, but right now I am TERRIFIED to be starting in ER -- at the thought of doing something to hurt another human being. I understand that this is a very real possibility. Like, losing the RN behind my name kind of real possibility.

Sorry to be so wordy, but I'm trying to figure out if I'm being a overly worried or if new grads that want to start in ER are just slightly out of touch with reality. I don't mean to offend anyone by saying that, I'm just trying to understand.

Completely in touch with reality here, thanks for the concern, but its unwarranted.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in Emergency, LTC.

New grad ADN here just hired to a busy and high acuity Level II ED in western Washington. How I landed it was working hard and contacting the right people. I would also say there is a pretty darn big 'got lucky' factor too..

My facility almost exclusively hires new grads who have done senior practicums in the ED or transfer from floors within the hospital. They offer 12 weeks of floor orientation plus weeks of residency classes and online ENA learning modules.

As for the OP, possibly looking into your BSN and trying to network as much as possible will help. Look into volunteering as well. It will be a good résumé builder and give you the opportunity to talk to the 'right' people..

Good luck!

-emerjensee

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itsnowornever -- It’s all gravy :D Thanks for the lead. Small community hospitals in Cali you say? I’ve been checking out areas around the Mojave desert... not much luck yet. If you know of any one specifically could you pm me?

ChristineN -- I’m enrolled in a RN to BSN program and will be switching to one that has an earlier start date. It’s crazy to see how much tuition has gone up. I recall reading an article somewhere mentioning the cost of tuition went up 1,120 percent over the past 30 year. Cost Of College Degree In U.S. Has Increased 1,120 Percent In 30 Years, Report Says

Yes, I’m not ridiculously fresh with my skills at the moment but, I will become extremely proficient in time with whatever I need once I get a lead. On the bright side, as a New Nurse I can learn to do things *the preferred way* in a new facility.

Also, I’m sure it can only help that 1) I was a supplemental skills instructor, 2) I’m also a quick learner/eager/huge nerd. Any new skill will take practice (buddy of mine has never done an IV start. Fast forward a week and he’s almost a pro!!!) Everybody starts somewhere :)

SweetMelissaRN -- I’m currently in NY. I wish people shared the southern hospitality ;P It’s been rough here (hit and miss/hiring freezes/ crazy competition). I would absolutely move to Texas if I was able to secure a position. So far I’ve been sticking to TX border towns.. Anything to increase my chances.

T

hanks so much! I’d be so grateful if you would pm me some details :D

CP2013 -- Completely agree with your stance on new grads entering specialties. I’ve had a few buddies with **no prior healthcare experience** start out in ICU and Emergency. They are doing extremely well and very passionate about *their chosen specialty*. Of course this was a few years ago before the economy bombed. :(

Bruce_Wayne -- They started in reputable institutions. A few nationally renowned :D They love what they do and really invest that much more energy into the profession. I feel the main roadblock has been lack of budget and at times minimal support from peers.

Esme12 -- Completely agree with you. It’s been pretty crazy. A few of my classmates along with a few students I tutored were able to land their first position. Many (myself included) are still searching :/ Some of my previous nursing instructors seem more aware of how difficult the market is for *new nurses* and experienced (I do my best to keep them informed/ keep in touch) Some are still preaching about how there is a HUGE demand for new RNs.... encouraging prospective students with promise of a stable job/ lucrative career ... SMH..... Reading countless articles and hearing about what’s portrayed in the media just hurts my head and the profession. Sad to say but, it negatively impacts how friends, family, public and management view the unemployed RNs.

In the original post I meant to say I covered extensively medsurg/LTC/SubAcute/Rehab/ Clinic. I applied to Peds, maternity, OB/gyn, NICU hoping being a guy would increase my chances (maybe there’s a quota? I know I would certainly stand out. LOL). I’d love to have a choice.... However, any offer I receive I’ll do my best and stick out for awhile.... I just don’t like the idea of jumping ship when ultimately I want to invest in Emergency.... but right now ill take almost anything!!

RNgirlyAK -- I have been applying to Alaska :). I’m a total nature dude and would love the experience! Although, I can’t say I share the same enthusiasm for the giant grizzly bears ;D

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Ciale -- I’ve heard it takes 2-3 years to feel comfortable in Emergency, You can totally do this.. sounds like an amazing opportunity!! Wish u the best :)

As a student I tried to spend as much time in the environment as possible. I like the adrenaline rush, always enjoyed the staff…. And I admit…. I have ADD….. focusing on one task then moving on to the next has always worked out great for me. My experiences have always felt more natural in that setting.

emerjensee -- In this market luck and connections really have helped…. But I still feel like I would have better luck winning the lotto. I’ve offered to volunteer around local hospitals and clinics……. Majority have mentioned they cant risk liability…. And not to stress it, as it wasn’t personal.

Thanks for the kind wishes and advice. I really hope I get an offer soon…. Temp jobs around here are extremely unreliable and short lived.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Small hospitals will hire ADNs. Bigger hospital will do it after 1 yr ED experience. I started out

in smaller hospital and then moved Level 1 in 2 yrs.

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Specializes in PCCN.

I take you don't want to do the awful med/surg?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Ciale -- I’ve heard it takes 2-3 years to feel comfortable in Emergency, You can totally do this.. sounds like an amazing opportunity!! Wish u the best :)

As a student I tried to spend as much time in the environment as possible. I like the adrenaline rush, always enjoyed the staff…. And I admit…. I have ADD….. focusing on one task then moving on to the next has always worked out great for me. My experiences have always felt more natural in that setting.

emerjensee -- In this market luck and connections really have helped…. But I still feel like I would have better luck winning the lotto. I’ve offered to volunteer around local hospitals and clinics……. Majority have mentioned they cant risk liability…. And not to stress it, as it wasn’t personal.

Thanks for the kind wishes and advice. I really hope I get an offer soon…. Temp jobs around here are extremely unreliable and short lived.

I think try for a LTAC/LTACH....you will run your proverbial behind off but will learn a ton!!!!! If you are curious....check out the forum....Long Term Acute Care (LTAC/LTACH)

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Look rural... very, very rural... tiny critical-access hospital or even a clinic (who see way more badness than you'd imagine).

Be willing to start doing the m/s grind and then work your tail off and learn as much as you can as fast as you can.

My path to the big time took me three years of major compromise but it all worked out.

There are many different routes to that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow nor do they all start in the ED.

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Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

Have you considered the Indian Health Services? They hire nurses for all sorts of areas, and some have programs to help with loan repayment.

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I'm a brand spankin' new RN, ADN and I got hired for an ER position at a Level II national hospital before I took NCLEX. Many of the folks I graduated with also found positions in specialty areas such as NICU, Neuro ICU, Ortho, Pedi Surgery, etc. They do hire new RNs, but you have to be persistent and follow up with them like crazy. It also didn't hurt to have a friend hand deliver me to the nurse manager ;).

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mds1 I haven't considered Indian Health Services yet. I will check it out. Thanks :)

♪♫ in my ♥ Rural has been getting me actual feedback here and there.... no interviews yet though just rejection because I don't have the popular 3-5 years acute care experience as an RN........ i have spent a decent amount of effort focusing on middle of nowhere rural / border towns / isolated and high crime type areas ectect. So far rural NY and the surrounding states have been very tricky. Iv'e called, followed up, faxed, emailed, and dropped by in person before when i had the resources to travel.

Esme12 I've received a few responses for LTC/Subacute facilities; two to date. The first one i traveled 3 hours only to receive a call an hour before the meeting :/ The second interview was cancelled the day prior...... applied to just about everything in a 200 mile radius advertised online, phone book, google, craigslit, word of mouth ectect.

I'm still applying out of state daily. Right now I may have a lead for a home care job..... fingers crossed (majority want at least 18 months acute exp). I'm frantically trying to get any job here so i can at least have the means to travel/ interview. NY metro area has been rough.

jrwest

If i could get into medsurg.... or *any unit that has a need*.... I would take it lol. If a facility will give me a chance, I'm there. It seems to be all about luck, connections and geography. The market has changed.... a few large hospitals i am told often receive up to 1-2,000 applicants for one opening..... Add minimal qualifications that are impossible to fill if you are a new grad (1-3 or 3-5 yrs RN acute care exp are real popular around here).

One of the larger hospitals i was fortunate to interview with locally advertised over 100 designated new grad positions after being on a half yr freeze. Ultimately they hired 10... found out through a friend only 4 were truly "new" as each had a yr or two exp. Same place laid off over 150 RNs only a few months before............................................... Times are tough............. a few years ago there were actually opportunities for new grads.

Sry for the grammar/ lack of organization. Just cleared a few houses of OAK furniture and can barely move...... gotta pay bills somehow!!

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