How in the world did you decide?

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Specializes in Ortho, OR.

How did you choose where you'd go when you graduated from nursing school?

I have so many interests, and all I can say is not general med-surg or LTC...hated them both so very much. Pretty much everything else has been a blast. I guess I worry I'll be pigeonholed into one type of specialty or patient population and won't be able to get a job outside of that. For example, if I go into NICU, but decide I want to do ortho later, there may be a problem.

I have half a mind to shotgun it and just see who offers me a job. So how did you choose? Were you satisfied with your decision?

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I'm not sure that you will have any choice, in this job market. Maybe in your area they are hiring new grads, but it is very tough in Calif for new grads.

But, to answer your original question, I went into ICU because I was a respiratory therapist for 10 yrs prior to becoming an RN and I worked in ICU constantly. So, it was an easy transition to work in ICU as an RN.

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Specializes in Plastics. General Surgery. ITU. Oncology.

I went for my final clinical placement. I loved the variety and specialism of my first love burns and plastics.

I stayed there maybe too long but later circumstances moved me on.

I still like my first speciality best but am learning new things now and have an ibcreasing fascination for oncology.

It isn't so much what you choose but what comes to choose you.

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I'm in a tough position because I KNOW that I want ER but as a new grad, I'm just not sure how realistic it will be for me to find a job in the ER. The market here in Portland, OR is pretty crazy for new grads.

But, if I were you, I would just do something very general and then in a few years, you can decide what specialty you might like after seeing more in the hospital setting.

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I'm in a tough position because I KNOW that I want ER but as a new grad, I'm just not sure how realistic it will be for me to find a job in the ER. The market here in Portland, OR is pretty crazy for new grads.

But, if I were you, I would just do something very general and then in a few years, you can decide what specialty you might like after seeing more in the hospital setting.

Hi Christy,

What are new grads typically getting for their first jobs in Portland?

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

I started out on a cardiac tele unit and now I work surgical/trauma icu. I love critical care and fewer pts compared to the other specialties, but you really won't find your niche til you start working. And I know someone who started out in NICU and now works Adult ICU...so nurses can transition. However, from experience...if you go into OB, you'll be stuck in OB...OB is so very specialized with a lot of women that are healthy (they just had babies) that it can be hard to get other types of jobs from what I've been told by some OB nurses...I never liked OB personally (although I'm very grateful for the many OB nurses that will take care of me one day)...I like adult critical care. You'll find your niche.

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Hi Christy,

What are new grads typically getting for their first jobs in Portland?

Most are getting Med/Surg type positions, if anything. There are a few hospitals doing residency programs, so if anyone is lucky enough to get into those, they have a better chance at working in a specialty area. But they only run the residencies every 6 months or so. It's just a really difficult market right now, but I'm trying to keep positive!:D

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Even before I was accepted into nursing school, I knew I wanted to be in OB/postpartum! I've loved it *forever*! Problem will be finding a job in that area...I'm even looking to apply in hospitals an hour away from where I live for my student externship just so I have a shot at a job right after I graduate. So I would say, wherever you find a job!! But if there are lots of choices wherever you live, lucky you! :) Goodluck

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
Most are getting Med/Surg type positions, if anything. There are a few hospitals doing residency programs, so if anyone is lucky enough to get into those, they have a better chance at working in a specialty area. But they only run the residencies every 6 months or so. It's just a really difficult market right now, but I'm trying to keep positive!:D

Christy - which Portland are you in? Maine or Oregon?

I am in Oregon, and like you I know that I want ER, and work in an ER and that still hasn't helped me. Most of my fellow classmates have gotten jobs in rehab centers, 6 got in at Legacys residency program.

I can not even get LTC, I went to an interview and she saw that I have worked in the ED and already have ACLS, she just looked at me and said, "you have worked ER uh, well then you don't plan on sticking around here for too long then do ya":uhoh3:

To the OP, you go into whatever area will hire you, I don't know about your area of the country, but for the previous residency program they had 700+ applications, interviewed 546 and hired around 60. I went on another interview for the prision they had 1 full time, and 2 PRN, they interviewed 100 people.

At least where I am at for every job opening posted there are at least 150 applying for it

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Wow, things sound really flooded for new grad RNs right now.

Does anyone know if the situation is the same for new grad advanced practice nurses?

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Specializes in Med-Swing/Rehab.

I went where I did my practicum.

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