Is it possible to not work in a hospital as a new nurse?

[Brooke2009, ASN]

Hi All,

I'm almost finished with my prereqs and will be applying to nursing school after my next semester. Although nursing is the only thing I've ever imagined myself doing, as it gets closer, I find myself sitting with a lot of concerns and so many questions.

Is it possible to become a nurse and not work in a hospital? When I was younger, that's all I wanted to do (worked as unit secretary in radiology at a trauma hospital for 4 years), but as I've gotten older, I'm not so sure anymore. I have a 4 year old daughter and have recently gotten divorced. While my ex-husband is pretty great about working with me on schedules, I don't think I would be comfortable with doing overnights and crazy hours. I'd rather not have her doing sleepovers on school nights as her dad and I aren't in the same school district and it would probably be very disruptive to her just starting kindergarten.

What I would absolutely love to do is school nursing, however, what chance would a new graduate nurse have in securing a position like that? I'd enjoy working in a physicians office as well, or maybe urgent care, but night shift or crazy hours in a hospital setting might be a bit much while trying to raise my little girl as a single mom.

My other concern is what I've heard and have read regarding hospital politics and admin not valuing their nursing staff, under-staffing, etc...

Is it a give in that a new ADN nurse basically has to start in a hospital or are there other avenues that I could take? This is basically going to make or break whether I decide to go to nursing school or not - my other option would be medical assisting, but my heart is truly in becoming a nurse.

Thank you in advance for any advice or information. Reading some of the stories about new nurses starting out on hospital floors has really made me rethink where I'd be going with my nursing degree.

[JBudd, MSN]

You may fall in love with hospital nursing after doing clinicals! I doubt you would be ready to be a school nurse as a grad; almost all grads need a period of being precepted to really get comfortable with nursing after school. Starting off in a very independent role would be stressful, you need back up at first.

From what many people have posted here, ADNs may have a hard time even getting into a hospital as a grad, unless your school is in an area that values their local ADNs (mine does). Long term care is often suggested as a starting place. Some private MD offices still hire nurses, my old clinic hasn't had an RN since I can remember (other than NPs ), but the doctor I followed who started her own practice does.

Since you are still applying, I would concentrate on getting into your SON, and then see what you like most during clinicals before worrying too much about it. Welcome to nursing and All Nurses!

[mluvsgnc]

I read the topic line and thought you meant "Is it possible to work in a hospital as a new nurse??" (eliminating the word 'not'). In my area, it's super hard to get hired into a hospital as a new grad unless you know someone.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

I'm in an RN-to-BSN bridge program right now with quite a few newer ADN grads who work home health, private duty, long-term care, and assisted living. School nursing would not be an option because you need a minimum of a BSN; plus I'd imagine those jobs are pretty hot commodities, being that there are so few per district and the schedule is so awesome. Same thing with other public health type jobs; you'd need at least a BSN. But yes, non-hospital jobs are out there. In fact, in-hospital jobs can be difficult for a new grad to obtain these days, so you could be at an advantage staying out of that competition. :)

[Red Kryptonite]

School nursing would not be an option because you need a minimum of a BSN

This varies by state, doesn't it?

[Brooke2009, ASN]

It does. In the state of Maryland, a BSN isn't necessary.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Oh, really? I learned something new today. I thought a BSN was entry level for school nursing everywhere. :)

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Most new grads are eager to use their newfound knowledge/skills. School nursing does not fit that bill. In fact, school nursing may require experience and a comfort level with certain skills that a new grad would not have.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

NOT REQUIRED IN Texas either

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

Round these parts, they're hiring LVNs for school nursing d/t the shortage of school nurses. Doesn't pay all that well, probably why they struggle to fill those positions. And I don't know if they would hire new grads either.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

Bsn is not required in every state. I know plenty if new grad ADNs that started in school nursing. There are plenty of opportunities for nurses other than the bedside.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Is it possible to become a nurse and not work in a hospital?

I've been a nurse for nine years and have never worked at a traditional acute care hospital. I've worked in nursing homes and at one psychiatric hospital. I now work at a specialty post-acute rehab hospital.

Yes, it is possible to be a nurse without acute care hospital experience. It is different strokes for different folks.