How did you choose your first nursing job???

Carrig RN · Mar 23, 2011

I looked for a position where I felt like I was going to be supported by the hospital. A decent orientation with classes in the area I will be practicing. I accepted a position in a 6 month new graduate critical care residency. I can't wait to start!

sheronep, MSN, RN · Mar 23, 2011

I picked similar to Carrig but the hype wasn't real.

hopefulwhoop · Mar 23, 2011

I just got what was available honestly. My first job (at a nsg home) SUCKED! The second/current is much better.

Bobbkat · Mar 23, 2011

I submitted about 200 aps, not picky at all about when, where, or what. My nursing job chose me!

Bobbkat · Mar 23, 2011

BTW-glad to hear things have turned around in Georgia. I remember hearing it was pretty bad there last year when I was in the midst of my own job search.

Nurseinprocess · Mar 23, 2011

I submitted about 200 aps, not picky at all about when, where, or what. My nursing job chose me!

Same for me.

Nessa,RN · Mar 27, 2011

Hi,

I'm actually at the job search stage now...I graduated in Dec., took my NCLEX mid March, and now I'm starting to get a few call backs and interviews. I live in NE Ohio and nursing jobs are BAD...there is a huge concentration of nsg schools in my area and we all want jobs now!! So anyway, I've had 2 interviews so far-one at a rehab facility and the other on a busy med-surg floor that deals with GYN/GU/Plastics. The rehab one seemed like the perfect job...3:1 nurse to patient ratio, good schedule, and fellow nurses were happy there. The downside was I wouldn't get benefits because it wasn't union and it was very specialized..rehab for neuro patients. The med-surg one I had worked on the floor already as a nurse tech many times and knew it was CRAZY!, hectic all the time, and the nurses seemed unhappy with their job. However, this one has benefits offered. My decision leans more toward the crazy med-surg just because of the EXPERIENCE aspect of it. I might have hectic and overwhelming days, but it will be rare that there's a medical condition I won't see. My biggest advice would be to not start out in a really specialized area of nursing, but to start more general to get skills under your belt and truly decide what nurse area is for you. What are the two choices of jobs you have? Good luck with your job search!

caliotter3 · Mar 27, 2011

It was very easy. I was offered a job and I accepted. Beggars can't be choosers when it comes to jobs in a new line of work.

jaznia15 · Mar 27, 2011

One is icu and one is Med Surg. I went with Med Surg because of the experience factor as well plus the floor offers self scheduling which is a big plus cuz I'm a single parent and want to try to plan my schedule around school activities. Both jobs offer benefits but the one I chose offered loan repayment as well. Plus They were the first to make the offer legit by putting it in writing

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

It sounds like a wise choice that you made. I went with the job i was offered, even though i new 'my dream job' was interested in interviewing and hiring me.(they contacted me unsolicited) The reason I made that decision in the end was i new the floor that was interested in me had a lot of of internal strife and i knew the place that i accepted had a very healthy and supportive floor. also i was going to have to work a pm shift at the hospital and that meant not seeing my kids four days a week at all.......not a good option for me. i have zero regrets my complete focus for my future has changed. when i first graduated i had a strong interest in peds and now i really have no intention in pursuing that and really love the field i am in . I personally think a job that can balance both family and work is always the way to go, especially when you are the primary parent. Good luck!