Is there any hope for a new grad??

[Achoo!, LPN]

Hi all! I'll be graduating in December, and I am very interested in a cardiac rehab position that I found. I know that I don't have cardiac experience. I have worked in healthcare for 15 years, the last 10 at an Urgent Care facility where we do deal with cardiac emergencies. I have put on holters, done hundreds of EKG's, and did an externship on a cardiac unit. I have a 4.0 GPA, have earned several scholarships, I tutor, and help teach A&P lab. I have proven my willingness to go above and beyond, as well as my capability to learn if given the chance.

Is there any way I would be considered since I am a new grad? Do I HAVE to do a year of med/surg before I would be able to specialize in any department? Can I go straight to a specialty?

Thanks for your honest opinions.

[All_Smiles_RN]

All of my friends that I graduated with went to the depts that they wanted to go into. Whether it be PCU, neuro, med-surg, cardiac, a few to ICU, and 1 or 2 to the ED etc. What I have not seen though is new grads in cardiac rehab. The cardiac rehab nurses I have met are former ICU or cardiac stepdown nurses or ACLS instructors. That doesn't mean it's impossible, I just haven't seen it.

[dlaura22]

I graduate in Dec also and have been offered positions on 2 different cardiac floors. I don't have any experience other than clinicals...so you can get in if you want to. You get so much specialized training, so I'm hoping I will learn fast. Good luck!

[Achoo!, LPN]

Thanks! I got a wonderful letter of recommendation from a physician well recognized by the hospital, so hopefully that will count for something too!

[RN1989]

To be most effective, you really need to have experience before going into cardiac rehab. I have NEVER seen a new grad in cardiac rehab. Tele floors are excellent because you will see just about everything that you get on a medsurg floor but then also get the cardiac component too.