new grad keep job or quit

[topacio]

Hello:

I recently graduated as RN, and I have being working in a community clinic for 3 months (this is my first job as RN). The benefits are great and pay is excellent!, We have 6 MAs a couple of LVNs and two RNs. As a new grad I feel that I am not learning anything new. I am doing the same job as a MA,basically taking VS,returning pt phone call (lab result,scheduling and refill of Rx). MAs resent the LVNs and RNs since they get pay way less money, and are doing everything that a RN is doing. MDs do all physical assessment and critical thinking. I can not move a finger without consulting the MD.Every little thing is control by MDs even pt education. I feel that I am doing a secretary job more than a RN job. should I stay in this job for a year so I can be consider an "experience nurse" ,or should I start looking for another job in a hospital set in?

Thanks for your time!

[CoffeePlease]

Keep the job for a year. If you have doubts, look in the new grad nurse forums and read all the woeful posts about people who don't have jobs. Look for a new job while you're working, sure. But don't quit.

[pinkchris2000]

I would be GLAD to have your job 'cause I am tired to deal with 20-25 residents everytime.....

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

Keep the job, but apply to other positions. Don't leave untill you have something lined up.

I have found that just because you have worked some where for a certain amount of time, some employers will not count that as experince. I interveiwed at a LTAC hospital and the DON told me he dosn't consider home health or clinics as part of your experience.

[GM2RN]

I have a slightly different viewpoint. Definitely don't quit unless you have a firm job offer including a definite start date, but it won't hurt you to look around and even apply for other jobs at this point. The reason, in my opinion, is that it's unlikely that an acute care employer is going to view your current job as true experience, even if you stay for a year. And, it may well take several months or longer to even get an interview, so it can't hurt to start now.

In the meantime, you have a good paying job with good benefits, so try to be relaxed about the whole process, don't rush it, and know you can pay your bills if takes awhile to find something else. You are in a good position to be able to take your time and wait on something else to open up that you want.

[Lovelymo79]

I agree with everyone else. Definitely stay (you are getting paid well with good benefits) but DEFINITLEY look for a new position too.

[Spydered]

Considering the state of the economy right now, I suggest you keep the job and start looking someplace and don't quit before something is lined up...Having a job is better than waiting unemployed...:)

[MERCEDES674, MSN, RN]

Hello:

I recently graduated as RN, and I have being working in a community clinic for 3 months (this is my first job as RN). The benefits are great and pay is excellent!, We have 6 MAs a couple of LVNs and two RNs. As a new grad I feel that I am not learning anything new. I am doing the same job as a MA,basically taking VS,returning pt phone call (lab result,scheduling and refill of Rx). MAs resent the LVNs and RNs since they get pay way less money, and are doing everything that a RN is doing. MDs do all physical assessment and critical thinking. I can not move a finger without consulting the MD.Every little thing is control by MDs even pt education. I feel that I am doing a secretary job more than a RN job. should I stay in this job for a year so I can be consider an "experience nurse" ,or should I start looking for another job in a hospital set in?

Thanks for your time!

I'm going to say keep your job. The economy and the job market is too bad to leave your job and search for another one in a market that is not hiring unexperienced or experienced nurses. Besides, you probably won't like the hospital setting either. Look at the posts where new grads are wanting to leave that setting. If you just want to work at the hospital I would say look for somewhere that MIGHT let you go PRN on the weekends. That is a big might because very few places are willing to do that. It is best to attempt that and see how you like the hospital than to just quit and someone who is ready to leave the hospital grabs your job. Good Luck in your search!

[CharlieTaco]

Don't quit until you have another job but just know that one year experience rule doesn't apply to you because what they want is one year acute care experience. Your not getting that and will be considered the same as a new grad to nurse recuiters except you might not be eligible for new grad positions because of your time at this job. That could put you in a bad situation.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Hey OP I'd ask to meet with the docs. If you show you have the critical thinking skills... and the maturity to be an integral part of the practice you just might become just that. The ball is in your court. If all you appear to be is on par with an MA doing skills that require no edu well then that is forever how you will be viewed. Office jobs can be quite the avenue, but it is all on you to raise the bar. This is very true for specialists. Make them unable to function their best without you.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Don't quit until you have another job but just know that one year experience rule doesn't apply to you because what they want is one year acute care experience. Your not getting that and will be considered the same as a new grad to nurse recuiters except you might not be eligible for new grad positions because of your time at this job. That could put you in a bad situation.

I pretty much agree with this. But remember there will never be enought acute care jobs for everybody who wants one. And, ask around, acute care is not all its cracked up to being - going to go downhill further due to legislation/economy. If you find you are leaving work with energy to spare, money in your pocket, go ahead and consider continuing your edu in some way. And, I don't mean continuing it in nursing.