New to nursing.....Throw anything at me....

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in RN.

:nuke: I am a pre nursing student due to start nursing school in Aug 2007. I was wanting to get an idea of what avenue to take in my career as a nurse. I have to young children which makes it almost impossible to work at a hospital... I had thought about Home Health....I have worked as a cna in a nursing home....and I have completed partially courses for surgical tech.... so i know what to expect with theses settings.....somewhat....so if anyone has any suggestions.....Throw'em at me!!!!!!!!!

Specializes in Emergency Room.

It is interesting that you think you cannot work in the hospital because you have young kids. On the contrary, I think the hospital offers the best flexibility....you can work a 40 hr week in 3 days, work 5 8 hr shifts, work only on the weekends, work evenings or nights if days don't work, etc etc. I just think starting in the hospital is the best way to get experience, as well as good pay. This is just my 2 cents, but a lot of out of hospital employers (with the exception of LTC) want some experience before hiring. Home health is very much based on the nurse's assessment skill set - which usually isn't completely developed at the end of nursing school. Community health is much the same way. School nursing is an option for you, but it pays so poorly. Corporate health nursing usually requires some experience, too. Maybe going into a doctor's office would work better for you.

Like I said, that is all just my opinion. I wouldn't trade the experience I've gained from my hospital time for anything. I can pretty much go anywhere now!

Good luck!

Specializes in rehab and LTC, some psych.

I agree that many places want experience but there are ways around that. Don't be too quick to rule out agency nursing. Go an different assignments and see what you like best. Agency is difficult in that when you go to a facility, you'll need to know your stuff. You need to know s/s's, where supplies are kept, how to do various procedures on your own because staff nurses are busy doing their own assignment. But don't be afraid to ask. If I don't know, I ask. Some staff nurses are helpful, some not so helpful. And follow what you see. I've learned alot from seasoned nurses just by watching. Leave your sensitive, easy to get hurt feelings at home. Nurses are busy and don't have time to walk you through what school should've taught you. The good thing about working agency is that it gives you an idea of where your niche is. Personally, I like ER and take those assignments when offered, which is far and few inbetween because I'm an LPN but I like fast paced nursing. If I don't know, I ask and if I get a nasty look, I don't take it personally, I just ask later or someone else. But I don't ask alot of questions. My downfall is speed which I'm happy to say I've greatly improve since I last posted about help for that. Agency also offers home health if that's what you like. Also, agency offers flexiblity as far as working when you want to work. And the pay is good. Many agencies want a years experience but if you're a CNA, get on with several agencies now and after you pass the NCLEX, they'll switch you over to nursing. That's how I did it. I agree with the other posters that say you need good assessment skills to do home health. There's also drug and alcohol facilities that you could work for. Okay, enough of me rambling. Hope it helps.

Ashes

Specializes in RN.

I have been told being the youg nurse on the totem pole, that i would have to probably start out on midnight shifts.....i hope that isnt the case....i believe aslo that working in a hospital would give me great experience.....I appreciate your comment....thanks

Specializes in RN.

Thanks Ashesto beauty.... I had also given thought the drug and reahabilitation.....thanks for the comment...

Specializes in RN.

Any other takers???

I went to nursing school with 4 children. I work in a hospital now. I am starting nights this week. I was offered day jobs on other units, but I decided to work in the unit my heart was at. Things always seem to work out if you are where you were meant to be. How long is your nursing program? Your kids will be older when you start working.

Nights actually works better for me, I will be able to sleep all day while my kids are at school. If days were to open up, not sure if I would take it.

There are weekend only shifts and pool nursing positions, but you usually need a years experience to get these positions. On the weekends there isn't as much support staff there so you need some experience, not to mention your orientation would take forever if you were only doing weekends. Pool nurses need experience because you don't have a home unit so nowhere for orientation to happen.

Nursing is extremely flexible. There is a job/schedule for everyone. Have you considered school nursing. The pay is less, but you only work during the school year, with the school hours. I have a friend who is a school nurse and she said it can be boring, but she will get a more exciting job once her kids are more self sufficient.

Good luck!

Specializes in RN.
I went to nursing school with 4 children. I work in a hospital now. I am starting nights this week. I was offered day jobs on other units, but I decided to work in the unit my heart was at. Things always seem to work out if you are where you were meant to be. How long is your nursing program? Your kids will be older when you start working.

Nights actually works better for me, I will be able to sleep all day while my kids are at school. If days were to open up, not sure if I would take it.

There are weekend only shifts and pool nursing positions, but you usually need a years experience to get these positions. On the weekends there isn't as much support staff there so you need some experience, not to mention your orientation would take forever if you were only doing weekends. Pool nurses need experience because you don't have a home unit so nowhere for orientation to happen.

Nursing is extremely flexible. There is a job/schedule for everyone. Have you considered school nursing. The pay is less, but you only work during the school year, with the school hours. I have a friend who is a school nurse and she said it can be boring, but she will get a more exciting job once her kids are more self sufficient.

Good luck!

Thanks....these comments are really helping me out....I don't know many nurses who can tell me the in's and out's.....My children are 5 month...and 5years.....my program is 2 years, but I want to go on and get my BSN....I had also thought about nurse teaching....and may consider it.....my husband works swing shifts and a lot of ot.....so I need something more days for now....your comment makes me feel better about this....

My husband is self-employed and frequently travels for his job. This leaves me at home during the week alot by myself with our twins.

Since the area hospitals usually do 12-hour shifts, and when you are new you are very likely to get the 6pm-6am shift. We are planning on getting a college student to come over and spend the night on those nights.

That way, she can do her homework (as the twins go to bed early), she gets paid for sleeping, and I'll be home early enough to where she'll be able to leave in plenty of time for 8:00 a.m. classes.

If I were in school, that would be a great deal for me. It will also allow me to spend the weekends with us together.

Specializes in RN.

Anyone else with any suggestions....

+ Add a Comment