entry level jobs

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2012

I'm not really clear on what you're asking but I'm going to take a stab at it.

You are not a nurse but are entering into an accelerated BSN/MSN program where you get your RN in something like 18 months and then continue on to be a PNP.

If that is the case, in these programs you earn your BSN in that short period of time and then are eligible to take NCLEX-RN. So, yes you'd be eligible to apply for jobs on a pediatric floor. You don't "need" anything other than an RN in order to apply but in this economy, your chances of securing such a job in this situation would be rather slim.

Turnover is expensive for hospitals and they don't want to hire someone who they know is going to turn around and leave in a year when they're done with their PNP program. On the flip side, you'll also have a heck of a time finding a PNP job with no pediatric nursing experience. 3 of my former colleagues graduated from their PNP programs a year ago. 2 of them didn't find jobs until January (after graduating in May) and both of them had 5-6 years of pediatric nursing experience. The other one is still working as a staff nurse.

danceluver · Jun 3, 2012

what about doctors offices or clinics? Are they a bit more flexible than hospitals? Obviously the OP and others i presume would continue to work in any RN capacity that they can. Do you suggest then probably doing it piecemeal (go for the BSN first, and then work while getting an NP degree part time or whatever?)

So technically once an NP you can't work as an RN? (especially if you did a direct entry program and hardly worked as a nurse before)? All good information to know, thanks!