New grad needs feedback

[realize]

I need some advice and words of wisdom. I'll try to keep this short and sweet.

I am unemployed as many new grad RNs are. I have applied everywhere imaginable: any new grad/clinical nurse I position within a 3 hour radius, VA hospitals, LTC, prisons, etc. I am desperate for a job now, but can't relocate or join the military. I have found the opportunity to work in my dream field, perinatal nursing, at a renowned hospital, but as a patient care assistant. I understand the liability concerns but am excited for this job because I will gain experience in the field I hope to have my career in while also earning income.

Also, if I take the job how do you think I should address any questions about me being an RN? I was thinking something like: "I'm an RN, but new grad RN jobs are limited in this area and I needed a healthcare job. Plus, I have always wanted to work in Labor and Delivery."

What are your thoughts? Thank you in advance for your input.

[vlomankill]

You will gain experience in the healthcare field if you take the position, but you want RN experience which you will not received. inquire at to RN opening in Med surg or any other unit if they will not take you as a RN, then transfer later if that is your passion. You need RN experience for you, your career and for your resume.

[MsbossyRN]

I believe it is a risky move. If you accept the position it really won't provide you the experience employers want. You will still be a new grad RN even if you work as a pct for over a year. Keep searing for RN jobs! You don't want to be in an even worse position. Future employers may wonder why you were not working as an RN with an RN license and my be even more cautious to hire you. I understand having applied everywhere and not getting any bites. I say keep applying! Change the resume up, maybe call some recruiters, or show up in person. Volunteer in the hospital you hope to work at, on the same floors you would want to work at. Try networking with your nursing instructors and or contact agencies. Right now a lot of clients are hiring new grads for flu clinics. Those may lead to networking opportunities. I know how hard it is. I am a new grad as well. I wish you the best!

[Zookeeper3]

Devils advocate, agreeing with both previous posts and they are great. Once you are working INTERNALLY in a facillity, you can bid on a RN position long before it's posted for the public. I've worked both union and non union and this, in my 15 years is the norm. So my theory, is once in... you have better odds in a job market, get assimilated to the workings and culture of the hospital and maybe even computer systems, day to day operations, policies... and that DOES give you a one up on the external applicants.

Plus, if you are an eager excellent employee that could get a great job reference internally.. it certainly can't hurt in any way, plus it helps pay the bills a touch mean while while growing patient interaction skills.

There are downfalls, and you will need to be very astute NEVER EVER to practice out of scope for that job... don't question the nurses in a condecending... "I've been taught to do that this way"... and never go outside job description... "can you change that iv bag for me".... and your eager and want it... but NOOOOOOOO!

If you decide to do this, keep quiet watch, listen and learn... find a nurse you trust and ask for learning experiences like when the assess patients, can you listen to heart, lung and belly sounds and compare what you hear to them...... all assuming your priorities of your main duties are NOT being neglected. And your other duties are less than you want to be doing... so keep your priorities always straight!

I hope this helps you decide what is right.

[chloecatrn]

You need to understand that you'll be held to the highest license you currently hold. Even if you're not practicing as an RN, if something goes bad, you'll be held to the same professional standards as an RN while getting paid and practicing within the scope of an aid -- essentially powerless to fix any of the problems that you may see around you.

Choose carefully if you do choose to do this.