Getting stuck in a career path you don't want

[JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP]

This is a common fear expressed by new grads, and I'd like to know how close to reality it is.

Tight job market, so you accept whatever job you can get, just to have a job and gain experience. A year or two later, when you try to apply to jobs closer to your dream job, not only is your experience seen as irrelevant but you are considered less desirable than a new grad just out of school.

Is this actually how it works? Or is it always to your advantage to accept a nursing job offer, even if it isn't really what you want?

[caliotter3]

I would, at some point, start applying to the "dream job" and be persistent until I get what I want. You also should consider the relocation question and come up with an answer to that one. Are you willing to relocate to get the job you want? You can't help what they will think about your experience. You have to get experience and you have no control over what is available when you are offered a job. Employers understand this.

[StarryEyed, RN]

I was afraid of the same thing. Luckily for me I had enough money saved to hold me over for a good while (plus I moved back home after nursing school) so I didn't apply to a single LTC of SNF, home health, etc. I was also afraid my license would be in jeopardy working there, having TONS of ppl/patients under my care or being the only healthcare professional there. I was absolutely willing to commute anywhere I would have been accepted to and applied everywhere up to 2.5 hrs away (one way).

I think I was also wary of taking "whatever" job, signing a contract for a couple years (being a new grad) and then having a spot open up in an area I want and not being able to try for it because of a binding contract.

I took 2 per diem jobs that were not acute care (loved them) so the last couple months I did have a little money coming in. But I'm glad I stuck it out because I just got hired at a hospital not to far from me (in fact in the same city my bf lives) in a unit that is in line with my future goals and I can't wait to finally start. (Also, I get to keep one of those per diem jobs :)) For me, being happy where I am is absolutely more important than money. I didn't go into this field for money so I'm glad to be where I am now.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

This is a common fear expressed by new grads, and I'd like to know how close to reality it is.

Tight job market, so you accept whatever job you can get, just to have a job and gain experience. A year or two later, when you try to apply to jobs closer to your dream job, not only is your experience seen as irrelevant but you are considered less desirable than a new grad just out of school.

Is this actually how it works? Or is it always to your advantage to accept a nursing job offer, even if it isn't really what you want?

I don't know how true it is that you can have a hard time transitioning out of certain areas, but the thought of getting stuck in a specialty I have no interest in is making me focus my search a bit. Even if it's only temporary and there's no issue transitioning once you have that year, you still have to go to work and do a good job. I'm willing, and able, to take a bit of time finding a job so am applying for a wide variety of positions but positions that I would still see myself happy in. I'm expecting the first year in nursing to be challenging enough without actively hating every moment I'm on the job, you know?