NEED ADVICE! Graduating Nursing school

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Hello!

I could really use some advice. I am graduating my ASN program this May. I will be honest I have not had the best experience in Nursing school, my school did not provide us with good clinical sites and we did not learn much in labs or the clinical aspect. It makes me really nervous having to work in the field. However, I need advice on what to do after graduating I am located in South Florida and I do not have many connections here. I am planning on moving up north to the NY-NJ area next year but I would like to have experience working as a nurse first. I am not sure where to start, I have been looking into nursing residencies but I have heard the pay is minimal and a 2 year contract is required. Or if I should directly apply for places I am interested in. I really enjoy the ER (although I know you need experience for that) also I am very into OB. I'm not sure where to start..... any advise would be helpful.... thank you!

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Decide where you'd like to live, then find out what you need to do to get a nursing license in that state. Scope out the job listings for that state as well. It seems cumbersome to get a license and a job in a state where you'd rather not be, then to have to repeat the process and pack up and move a year later.

Start looking now and see if you can't have a job lined up for when you graduate. Negotiate a start date at least 2 weeks after you graduate to give you time to move. Will they hire you provisionally before you pass NCLEX?

As far as choosing a specialty, I wouldn't pin myself down to that, especially if you believe your school didn't provide you with the best preparation. My priority would be to get hired and gain experience in my preferred location before deciding my next move.

Congratulations and good luck.

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I heard NYC area is a hard market for new grads. Get some experience first.

Also, in my area, nurse residents are paid the same as regular nurses so they may still be an option for you, although typically you have to apply early to be considered.

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Specializes in Geriatrics w/rehab, LTC, hospice patient.

Apply to anything that seems remotely interesting and/or good experience. Unfortunately, new grads don't always get to be selective about their workplaces

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Thank you for your advice! That's what I figured it would be better to have experience then move up to that area.

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