How does a new grad become a CCRN?

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Im a new grad since May and I can't find ANY jobs in this market. Homecare tells me I need 1 yr of experience. Nursing homes tell me I need experience and even the assisted living facility did not hire me. They said I could give flu shots. I'm sorry but I could have taken a phlebotomy course if I wanted to give flu shots.

I don't know what to do besides go back to school. If I get a bsn, am I eligable to apply for a CCRN program? Will this help me step foot in the hospital? Surely, the school will give me experience as a CCRN in clinicals and then I can work in a hospital.

Is this a bad idea? What about WOCN? I hate wounds but would that help me get somewhere?

Thank you

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

No.

CCRN means you've had clinical experience (a certain amount of hours) in an ICU setting and you can certify in an ICU specialty (there are a few different ones, i.e. NICU, PICU, etc.,)

Some require at least 1800 clinical WORKING hours in a certain period of time (not sure if that number is correct)...maybe someone else can come up with the correct number.

J

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I guess that wont happen.....

Even when the economy picks up, there will be millions of new grads who will fill those positions up quickly and without experience, you can't do anything

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I'm confused by your statement, "They said I could give flu shots. I'm sorry but I could have taken a phlebotomy course if I wanted to give flu shots."

Flu shots are given IM, phlebotomy is drawing blood out of a vein. They are not even remotely related. But even giving flu shots may have gotten your foot in the door...at this point it's better to grab anything that would give you some experience.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

First off congrats on becoming a RN. However, in order to become a CCRN (critical care "certified" registered nurse) you must have about 2 years of bedside ICU experience. Then you must take the CCRN exam and pass of course. I'm not sure if you mean CCRN or CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist). I don't think there are CCRN programs, but there are CRNA progams. Most CRNA programs also require a minimum of 2 years of ICU experience along with a BSN. Like the previous poster stated, flu shots and phlebotomy are unrelated as the pp explained. Giving flu shots still pay the bills and count as nursing experience. Get the flu shot job while you wait for something else. Good luck.

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Specializes in Flu clinics, Med/Surg, Acute Care.

Do the flu shots. It gives you a job as an RN, and a reference if you are dependable and such. Also it can lead to networking into hospitals and to other jobs. I did not get any responses as a new grad anywhere until i started working for flu clinics. Then I started getting interviews left and right. Getting a job as an RN is better than just siting around complaining about how bad the market is. Everybody already knows, employers still want to know how you would be on a job.

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MsbossyRN you're right I will do the flu shots. I can show them that I am dependable and then I can beg the nurse in charge to give me home care cases since they also do homecare. And to awsmfun, you're right that statement made no sense. I meant to say that flu shots wont give me bedside experience. But its better than nothing

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

"They said I could give flu shots. I'm sorry but I could have taken a phlebotomy course if I wanted to give flu shots."

I don't know what to say...with one quote you have shown that (1) you feel yourself above giving flu shots and (2) you don't quite 'get' the anatomy involved, and (3) you are not a candidate for higher skills-based positions. This may be the cause of your situation.

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I'm probably the least arrogant person you will meet. The nursing aides liked me during clinicals because I actually treated them well.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I'm probably the least arrogant person you will meet. The nursing aides liked me during clinicals because I actually treated them well.

Good for you. I hope you will now address the knowledge deficit that caused you to associate flu shots with phlebotomy.

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And by giving flu shots, you may work with another RN that could have a lead on a job. Year ago, I did flu shots as a new RN and it was busy, but the other nurse I worked with made it fun.

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Specializes in adult ICU.
Good for you. I hope you will now address the knowledge deficit that caused you to associate flu shots with phlebotomy.

...actually, from these posts, I am not convinced that OP is an RN. Seems to know way too little about basic stuff to me. A poser?

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