Help new grad make career decision

Nurses General Nursing

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I started 5 years ago at 41 years old at our local hospital as a CNA for 8.10 an hour. I could have made more but I had my sights set to be an RN in that hospital someday. I went to school raising 2 kids as a single mom and worked my way up. The only job they offered me after 2 years of my loyalty as a CNA was a job as an LPN in the float pool. I survived the training which was horrible because our nurses don't get anything for training newbies and also doing their job at the same time. Finally last February what I had waited almost 4 years for the early hire candidates chosen for the hospital. I did not get one of those jobs and was truly devastated. I was told I already work there and in time I would get a position. I graduated in May 08 passed my boards the first time and they keep me working as an LPN for LPN wages while I interviewed for positions that I never got. Finally the worst position for a new RN grad the float pool offered me a position. I have seen the terrible ways the experienced nurses have taught and trained these nurses...horrific but I need the experience. I started in that past years working in a home health care agency and when a new position was created just recently RN Case Manager involving a case load, paperwork, travel into homes, $50,000 a year plus mileage. I sit here today having to choose between these to jobs and do not want to make a wrong choice...any thoughts or help would greatly be appreciated because I haven't sleep for 3 nights. I have prayed for a sign I honestly don't know what to do?

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Hi Although I am not in your poition, I too haven't slept for several days due to starting a new job. I am an LPN, recent graduate, and an ALF hired me to orient to work on 2nd shift. After 2 days, the DON said the girl training me said I was too slow pouring meds! She didn't tell the DON that I was pouring for someone else and for 3 days (which is wrong, but she was trying to make me look bad by covering for herself). I continued to orient and 3 days later they offered me a poition on nights 11p to 7:30a-said it would be a "better fit" I am brand new to all of this and what was supposed to be exciting has become very depressing. I didn't realize the amount of backstabbing out there. So tonight I start orienting on nights for 3 days-we'll see how it goes. Good luck to you.

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I just have seen what they have done to new grads in the float pool and I'm terrified. It shouldn't be this way after all the time, money, and effort I have put into become this brand new RN

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.
I started 5 years ago at 41 years old at our local hospital as a CNA for 8.10 an hour. I could have made more but I had my sights set to be an RN in that hospital someday. I went to school raising 2 kids as a single mom and worked my way up. The only job they offered me after 2 years of my loyalty as a CNA was a job as an LPN in the float pool. I survived the training which was horrible because our nurses don't get anything for training newbies and also doing their job at the same time. Finally last February what I had waited almost 4 years for the early hire candidates chosen for the hospital. I did not get one of those jobs and was truly devastated. I was told I already work there and in time I would get a position. I graduated in May 08 passed my boards the first time and they keep me working as an LPN for LPN wages while I interviewed for positions that I never got. Finally the worst position for a new RN grad the float pool offered me a position. I have seen the terrible ways the experienced nurses have taught and trained these nurses...horrific but I need the experience. I started in that past years working in a home health care agency and when a new position was created just recently RN Case Manager involving a case load, paperwork, travel into homes, $50,000 a year plus mileage. I sit here today having to choose between these to jobs and do not want to make a wrong choice...any thoughts or help would greatly be appreciated because I haven't sleep for 3 nights. I have prayed for a sign I honestly don't know what to do?

I am a new grad case manager and I love it!!!! I do not miss med-surg a bit. I did 4 years of med-surg as a LPN before I graduated in May '08. I work per diem at a LTC facility and do agency ( home care ) as a case manager for some wound care, hospice, home chemo, etc. sometimes I get one time only jobs like patient teaching.

There was another at the hospital I left who was/is in a similar situation. She started out as a CNA for a couple of years and then graduated with her RN. Even though they are short staffed with job openngs for RNs, they only use her as a CNA???? I just don't get it. :smackingf It's not like she was a bad worker or anything. The only problem is she used to call in alot ( FMLA ) due to medical reasons ( legit ). That's the only thing I can think of that could possibly be going on.

Get some sleep and figure out where you want to be as a nurse in a couple of years. That may help to give you an idea of where or which job you should choose.

Good luck.

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If i were you, I'd take the case manager position. It's a good opportunity to get into another area of nursing.

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