Need some advice on working for registry as a new LVN/LPN

[wooosp]

hello. i recently passed my nclex-pn and now i'm trying to look for a job. i would prefer to work for a hospital, because i really don't feel like a job in ltc or snf is for me. i plan to continue on for my rn in a january.

i spoke to the placement rep from my school and she mentioned that she had a registry nearby needing lvn's. she said that they pay a little more than some hospitals, and i would be moved between hospitals every few months. i had not thought about that and it really caught my attention. my concern is that i'm a new nurse, i'm scared that i'm not gonna know what to do. would i adjust to the constant change? please, i could really use any suggestions.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

Usually registry/agency nursing requires a year or more of prior experience. I'd be scared of any place that didn't have such requirements. Keep in mind that you're being sent to a unit where there are staffing issues, so there probably won't be a great deal of time for the nurses to orient you to what's going on. Agency nurses are usually expected to come in and function independently. I don't see how that would be possible for a new grad.

Just my two cents.

[HeatherLPN]

I agree with the previous poster. Not only that, but I worked at a place that had agency staff and some of the nurses treated them terrible and tried to put extra on them b/c they were getting paid more. It was almost as if they resented them. For the record--it didn't bother me any, b/c I was grateful for the extra help and if those nurses had a problem with their pay, then I always thought they should go agency then.

[Midwest4me]

First, CONGRATULATIONS on passing the NCLEX and becoming a nurse!:yelclap:

Second, BECAUSE you're new, I woldn't recommend agency nursing( and like Eric said, most agenies want a year's experience first) because of the constant changes from unit to unit. It's difficult enough for those of us with a few years under our belts...I can't imagine starting agency as a new nurse. I'd recommend getting on with a hospital which WILL provide the orientation to a particular unit and getting some experience first. Best of luck to you!