New grad offered a job in psych community nursing

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Hello. I just joined this forum and think it's wonderful. I really need some advice. I graduated in June and still have not been able to find a job. The hospitals don't call back after I apply and even the long-term care facilities here call to say they are not looking for RNs - I live in Columbus Ohio.

I just had an interview at a psychiatric community agency that is creating an outreach program and trying to hire 3 new RNs. The nurse team leader pretty much said I am perfect for the job and said I would be going out in the community (to mentally ill patient homes) to provide both medical and psychiatric nursing care. The nurse team leader said they are hiring new grads for these positions.

I know everyone says you should have hospital experience - at least med-surg experience - before doing something like this but I'm not having any luck getting into the hospitals right now. Just wanted some advice on whether or not I would be making a big mistake by taking a position like this.

My husband is getting laid off his job tomorrow and we have 2 daughters, so I can't just sit around and wait too much longer for these hospitals to interview me.

Thanks so much for any advice.

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Hello. I just joined this forum and think it's wonderful. I really need some advice. I graduated in June and still have not been able to find a job. The hospitals don't call back after I apply and even the long-term care facilities here call to say they are not looking for RNs - I live in Columbus Ohio.

I just had an interview at a psychiatric community agency that is creating an outreach program and trying to hire 3 new RNs. The nurse team leader pretty much said I am perfect for the job and said I would be going out in the community (to mentally ill patient homes) to provide both medical and psychiatric nursing care. The nurse team leader said they are hiring new grads for these positions.

I know everyone says you should have hospital experience - at least med-surg experience - before doing something like this but I'm not having any luck getting into the hospitals right now. Just wanted some advice on whether or not I would be making a big mistake by taking a position like this.

My husband is getting laid off his job tomorrow and we have 2 daughters, so I can't just sit around and wait too much longer for these hospitals to interview me.

Thanks so much for any advice.

Take the job. You will get plenty of good experience for physical and psychologicalo assessment. In many ways I think that the future of health care is going to be back to the idea of the visiting nurse. Visit people in their homes, identify potential and emerging health problems and intervene. I personally think that the year of med surge experience is one of those things that has the weight of tradition but may not meet individual desires and needs. They want to hire you so I would take it. Mental health experience is always useful. I wish you well. The other side is that it is always easier to land a job when you have a job in a professional field.

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by all means accept the job..you will have something on your resume

you will have experience in dealing with patients [the mentally ill have physical problems also and they are not always able to tell you what is going on you will have to be astute in observation and in asking the right questions

good luck and i hope that your husband will be able to find a new job as well

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i too, would take the job.

if they're hiring new grads, i imagine the orientation will be sufficient.

you'll get good experience in applying your newfound knowledge.

best of everything, to you and yours.

leslie

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I'm not sure where you are located but this sounds like an excellent opportunity to utilize and perfect your assessment skills. Take the job, care for yourself and family.

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Specializes in Psychiatric.

Gosh, I would love a job like that!! :) Just make sure you ask plenty of questions too...what kind of orientation will you get? How do they make sure that you are kept safe as you travel into the homes of patients who could be potentially dangerous? Form a list of questions and don't be afraid to ask...best of luck in what sounds like a fabulous job!

O!! And...:welcome: to AllNurses!

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dang girl, this is my dream job!!! Take it!

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Thanks so much for the advice everyone. I really appreciate it. I feel better already.

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