Is it important for new grads to start in acute care?

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Would I be starting my nursing career off on a bad path if I decided to not start out in acute care?

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Not all new nurses can get hired into acute care positions, so it would be reasonable to assume that a future prospective employer need not find out that you entered another area of nursing by choice, rather than by necessity.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

If you hate acute care then don't torture yourself. However.....

If you have further plans in mind, such as becoming a nurse practitioner, educator, informatics nurse or other advanced roles, most require 2-5 years of acute care experience.

Caliotter3 is correct that there are not enough acute care openings for every new grad that wants one. Its okay to go a different direction, as long as you do so thoughtfully.

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The most important thing is taking a job you will enjoy! If you want to do something other than acute care, do it! Don't let the status quo hold you back.

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