Graduating: getting a little freaked out!

Saved_by_Grace · Jun 2, 2004

I don't have the answers you seek as I am just beginning school, but I wish you the best of luck!

NurseWeasel · Jun 9, 2004

How old are you? What's your financial picture? What other life experiences have you had besides nursing school? Where do you want to end up working (local vs. away)? All these things need to be taken into consideration. However, I feel your pain. I'm also graduating in December and can't make up my mind... I have no intention of moving, but I'm struggling between the hospital I love which is 60 miles from home, and the local hospital which I don't love so much but it's only 10 miles from home. I can't decide which FLOOR I want to work on either, lol. I figure I've got six months to figure it out, so I haven't started stressing too much, but I am getting antsy to plan the future... I'm married with kids, and totally anal about knowing what to expect. I won't be traveling, but if I was young and without obligations I would definitely take as much time to fart around between school and work as I could afford. Once you start working it's hard to take time off ever again. Best of luck to you!

Sheri257 · Jun 9, 2004

Just FYI, I believe you need at least a year's experience before you can work agency, so that may not be an option yet.

:coollook:

NurseWeasel · Jun 9, 2004

Wooop, heehee I didn't mean travel as in "travel nursing", I meant it as in "see the world". Sorry for any confusion! *blush*

Oh, botha! Now I'm really embarrassed, lol. The OP asked about agency, and *I* am the one that was confused. It must be time to log off and take a nap.... :rolleyes:

VgsNrs · Jun 9, 2004

So thanks everyone for your much needed input. It is just everyone tells us "you will never have trouble finding a job!" BUT the problem is we get no sort of information of what all of our options are. I guess it is just up to me to do some researching! Hopefuly I will run into something that strikes an interest and I will know this is what I wanna do. I am single and still in my early twenties so I suppose I have the leway of going whereever I feel (location wise) So we'll see...Thanks again

CaterpillarGirl · Jun 10, 2004

So thanks everyone for your much needed input. It is just everyone tells us "you will never have trouble finding a job!" BUT the problem is we get no sort of information of what all of our options are. I guess it is just up to me to do some researching! Hopefuly I will run into something that strikes an interest and I will know this is what I wanna do. I am single and still in my early twenties so I suppose I have the leway of going whereever I feel (location wise) So we'll see...Thanks again

Congrats on your upcoming graduation!!

I'm moving to Vegas in July, and am already registered for fall at UNLV. I should be done with my pre reqs in four semesters, which puts me at graduating in 2007 (so long as I can start the program on time).

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2004

I graduate in December also & I've been working at a hospital as a nurse tech since February. This hospital will pay for the nclex if I agree to continue to work there after graduation as well as other incentives & bonuses. I think it is best to figure out where you want to work & get your foot in the door now. They are usually very flexible with your school schedule.

finally · Jun 10, 2004

Hello...I just graduated this May and I know the feeling...I have had MANY moments of 'having no clue':) I would just suggest that you go to med-surg to get your feet wet...and if any hospitals around you offer a residency program, I would apply for that...You'll have no trouble getting a job, trust me take some time this summer for yourself....You deserve it after nursing school... I'm working at a camp for 3wks, taking the rest of the summer off and will be starting a residency program in September...best of luck...everything will fall right into place...

Hey there everyone! I am fixing to graduate in December ahhahah! and I am starting to get a little nervous of what I should be doing as far as start searching for jobs, etc. I just have no clue where to start or if I should work agency or hospital?!?! Another thing, is it okay to take some personal time to travel before I actually commit myself to working full time, or should I start right after graduation? I am clueless here. If anyone has some good advice I would really appreciate it! Thanks...

IamRN · Jun 10, 2004

Hey there everyone! I am fixing to graduate in December ahhahah! and I am starting to get a little nervous of what I should be doing as far as start searching for jobs, etc. I just have no clue where to start or if I should work agency or hospital?!?! Another thing, is it okay to take some personal time to travel before I actually commit myself to working full time, or should I start right after graduation? I am clueless here. If anyone has some good advice I would really appreciate it! Thanks...

Tee, hee. Everyone in my class was worried about graduating, but I was worried about NCLEX. Anyway....

That's one great thing about a nursing career. The possibilities are endless!

Personally I recommend you start your career as soon as you can. When you decide which field you want to go into find one that offers and extensive internship/"GN" orientation. Get your one year's experience and then consider travel nursing. You get to do your traveling and get paid/housing for it! Can't beat that! That is the one thing I wished I would have done before settleing down. DH telecommutes to his job, so the possibility is still there. We talk about it, but no definite plans yet.

As for working agency, they require at least one year of experience before they can work w/you. I had about six years experience and then I decided to stay home w/my kids. I had been away for four years and inquired about working through an agency (which I had done before). They still recommended that I get at least one year of "immedate" experience before they would work w/me.

Best wishes!