I just want to use my skills!

777RN, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2013

Hello!

We have similar backgrounds. I am also a new grad ADN with a previous bachelor's and professional background (in IT and publishing). I graduated at the end of April and passed the NCLEX at the beginning of this month.

Have you considered LTC? I just started orientation as a full-time Staff Nurse at a rehabilitation and skilled nursing center. While I did work there as an aide while in school, the facility regularly hires new grads, which seems to be the case for most LTC facilities in my region, Metro Detroit, Michigan. So far, I am enjoying the work immensely and feel that I can hone the skills of assessment, delegation, medication administration, and time management there. Unlike most of my classmates, I entered nursing to work in LTC and/or hospice. While I would not entirely rule out hospital work in the future, acute care is definitely not my preferred practice setting.

I was intrigued by your post because I think I would love to get into medical editing down the line, given my past background. So, just out of curiosity, what made you decide to pursue nursing? Do you like medical editing? Do you have any suggestions on getting started in that field?

Thanks in advance and best wishes in your job search!

anashenwrath, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2013

Thank you so much wendy! I SHOULD look into LTC. I'm worried that it's going to be tough in the city, and of course I'm scared because I don't know where I'm going to be in a few months. I hate to start off my career by accepting a job anywhere and then having to leave before even a year is complete. That's one of the reason I was thinking volunteering might let me use my skills while giving me a little more leeway. I sent in my application to Red Cross. At least maybe I can get in on drawing blood.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2013

You should also check into LTACH/LTAC Long Term Acute Care Hospital some of them have telemetry and ICU's Find LTAC Hospitals - Altha.org

MJH3483, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2013

Hello!
I am a new grad and I just passed NCLEX last week. I currently work as a Medical Editor for pharma in NYC.
I don't expect to have an easy time finding a nursing job in the city. The market here is pretty saturated, and I got an ADN (have a preexisting BS in bio), so none of the hospitals here are even going to look at me. That's not the end of the world, bcs I don't plan on staying in NYC much longer. I am ready to move either back upstate or maybe even out of state.
My problem is, while I don't feel the pressure to find a nursing job immediately, I want to use my skills in the interim! I want to keep my abilities fresh and bolster my resume with evidence of experience. Even it is was volunteer work on weekends or late nights.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I looked into Red Cross, but I think they have enough volunteers and I wouldn't make the cut. I'm thinking about joining agencies for weekend work, but I'm just not sure how often new grads would get called.
Thanks!

Ana,

I too worked in Pharma in NYC (primarily Med Ed and CME); I bet we prob even worked for the same companies. Don't give up bc I know plenty of ADN nurses that found work in NY. You can even choose LI or upstate as there are PLENTY of hospitals. I know the Pharma world keeps one VERY busy, but there are plenty per diem opportunities that can low you to use your skills.

777RN, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2013

You're welcome! Good luck!

MaleRn77 · Jul 1, 2013

Nursing homes and skilled UNITS and ALFS have high turnovers that you might want to consider looking at some of those to start your career in until you find something that pays good and is stable and permanent. Sometimes you got to gain the experience before someone gives you some serious consideration

tainted1972, ASN, RN · Jul 1, 2013

I couldn't get into a hospital in my city either, I am starting my BSN in a few months. Anyway, I accepted a PRN position in a LTC facility and I am getting more hours than I need and plenty of opportunities to practice skills. Full time positions are opening all of the time, but I am happy with my flexible schedule. BTW I am making more as a PRN in a LTC then a couple of my friends who work for a huge university hospital.

777RN, BSN, RN · Jul 1, 2013

mhasan77 is correct about the high turnover rates, in general, at LTCs/SNFs. I would attribute that, in part, to most nurses wanting to work in acute care and leaving LTC as soon as the opportunity permits. However, in some locales, LTC pays more, often considerably more, than acute care. It is a myth that acute care is always the best-paying setting.

anashenwrath, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2013

This is some really great advice guys. I'm going to look into LTC--high turnover might even be good, bcs I won't feel as terrible if I jump ship

I really appreciate all the feedback and definitely the support. After all that stress over the NCLEX, it was weird to be like, "whoo hoo! I'm a nurse..... now what?"

m0lasses · Jul 10, 2013

Don't give up. I graduated in December. At 4 months out, only 50% of my cohort had jobs. Now, at 6 months, all but 2 people seem to have work. Some are full time in their dream job; others are piecing together part time or on-call to get experience. It will happen for you. I recommend really tailoring your cover letter to the job. I sent out 100s of apps too with nothing. When I focused and wrote good cover letters, I got an interview for all but one position that I applied for. Also, call recruiters, go to the units that you want to work on, and be persistent.