New grad RN needs advice in Chicago!

[ashley.c.RN]

Hi, fellow RN's,

I'm looking for some advice regarding registered nurse positions within Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. I recently moved downtown and don't know much about hospitals around here except they all seem to want a BSN degree and/or experience. I am currently enrolled in a RN to BSN program but still have no working experience as a nurse seeing that I just graduated. The countless applications I've filled out for "experience preferred" positions is becoming discouraging. Does anyone have some guidance on what types of facilities out there will hire and train a new grad without a BSN? Also, if you have thoughts on Home Health nursing, I would greatly appreciate that as well...I just had a phone screen with a company and while they do offer 6 weeks of training directed toward new grads, I'm concerned that there would be a lack of nursing support once I'm on site. Thank you in advance for your help!

Ashley

[turtle0206]

Hey Ashley! I graduated last year and when I began my job search I was as discouraged as you. I'm in MA and nursing here is so competitive its ridiculous. I ended up being hired with a homecare agency as a skilled visiting nurse. They originally were not looking for a new grad but hired me anyways. I can truly say that this job is not for everyone. After my supervisors saw how great I did they went on to hire another new grad who ended up quitting only after a couple months. What saved me was my supportive mentor and fellow co-workers. My agency has a great staff and everyone was extremely helpful starting out. If you do choose to work for homecare look into the company itself and see what kind of reputation they have. Try to get a feel on how accepting the fellow nurses are because I can assure you will need their help and advice. If I could do it over again though I may not have gone with this job.. I say this because now I am spoiled lol I work Monday through Friday no weekends or evening, this is unheard of for a new grad!! lol I also feel I lost some skills I had in the hospital setting ALTHOUGH now I have a specialty in community nursing. Homecare is much more independent you think on your feet and your assessment skills must be on point. I know a few homecare nurses who went on to work in the ICU, they were able to do this because they had great assessment skills.

To answer the other part of your question: Most of my fellow students from nursing school ended up in nursing homes and rehabs. The only person I knew who got into a hospital was hired because she had been a CNA there for a couple years. I would suggest trying nursing homes, rehabs, ALF and community clinics.

Homecare is excellent and I love it. I have more one on one time with patients, I work at my own pace and make my own schedule. Visiting nursing has strengthened my assessment skills and I am expected to preform some things that nurses in the hospitals don't such as blood draws. (Phlebotomy is now a specialty in hospitals around here) Homecare nursing is great but for the right kind of person, so make sure you do your research :)