New Grad Jobs: How to decide which area to begin working in?

Nonetheless · Oct 21, 2013

You apply everywhere and then go with the place that hires you.

nursecait · Oct 22, 2013

Very true! You go where the job is, the market is difficult right now especially for new grads!

sunshyne17 · Oct 22, 2013

I applied to local jobs only and received an offer. It's at a LTC facility but I am waiting to see if I get an interview for a hospital. I find out this week.

Everyone keeps saying the market is bad, I think it depends on the area.

Nonetheless · Oct 22, 2013

I applied to local jobs only and received an offer. It's at a LTC facility but I am waiting to see if I get an interview for a hospital. I find out this week.
Everyone keeps saying the market is bad, I think it depends on the area.

And you're open to working in LTC, so it's a lot easier for you.

Dranger · Oct 24, 2013

Lol whoever takes you...

RN-BSNheather · Oct 24, 2013

Apply and see what you are offered. I knew what I was passionate about and what I really loved. I knew what I wanted to do. I applied to those places but I also applied to all the med-surg areas. Apply everywhere I got turned down multiple places but ended up landing a job in my dream area. Don't give up

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2013

I am going to go with whereever I get a job first to be honest. The market is tough for everyone. I don't mind part time as I will be going back to school and I plan on getting my NP eventually after I get my BSN.

zeus&lincoln · Oct 26, 2013

I agree with the poster who said the job market varies by geographical location. If you are willing to migrate, you can find work! You do not have to settle for whatever is offered ...unless you have NO offers and no money coming in. And NO, you don't need to start in med-surg to be a successful and competent nurse. I graduated in August and was fortunate to find a job (actually received 4 job offers, which according to this site seems unheard of). All 55 of the people in my graduating class found work (some had to move elsewhere), many are in ICUs, ERs, PCUs, etc. I know that this is not the norm everywhere but if you are flexible with moving and what shift you want to work on, you will find something. Also, it seemed like beefing up my resume with certifications, a good GPA and a tech job helped me land my "dream job." It is possible!

zeus&lincoln · Oct 26, 2013

In regards to deciding where you want to be... If nothing stuck out to you during clinicals or practicum, why don't you try for a multi-system floor to see what you like. If there was no burning passion for cardiac, peds, or neuro to name a few, try a floor that gets a little bit of everything so that you can assess what you like to learn about. It was evident within 33 milliseconds to me that NICU was my calling. It was my first rotation in the hospital and I just knew that is where I felt at home. All of my other clinical experiences, practicum and work (tech) were okay, but nothing was as amazing to me as the NICU. I understand in some places the job market is bad, but your question was how to decide where to be NOT how to get there...therefore, I think if you are able to find work, a multisystem floor is a good idea!

sourapril · Nov 1, 2013

For me, it's hard to decide what nursing area I want, so I wrote a list of areas I DEFINITELY don't want to work in (which was not a long list). Then just accept any job that is offered to you, but make sure you like the people you work with and the facility.