New Grad RN

Eru IlÃºvatar · Oct 10, 2014

Just as a heads up, a New Grad shouldn't be picky as to where she/he wants to work. Current employment conditions will not favor that decision. Try to find any job in a facility that has a NICU, and then once you are inside it should be easier to find an open position. Experience its a must, and now is not the time to be narrowing down you choices to just one.

jamisaurus · Oct 10, 2014

Good luck with that., most NICUs won't take new grads. Plus, there's a job shortage for new grads around the country. It took me 4 months to find a job-- at that point I was so broke I was willing to do anything.

You could try North Dakota.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Oct 13, 2014

I'm torn between not wanting to make this recommendation because the hospital is horrible and the area is worse, and understanding how you feel about the NICU. So, I'll give you the info and just encourage you to do some research. I gave up my job in the NICU due to how horrible to unit was, so keep that in mind.

the Rio Grande Valley of Texas has several level 3 NICUs, all of which will hire new grads. If you're willing to move to the armpit of the nation it might be an option for you. There are quite a few NICU positions posted at my old unit (because I was the 17th person to leave in a year, or something, and 10 more have left since I quit).

its a horrible place to work. And after 5 years it had killed my joy in the job enough that I left bedside nursing. I have several threads on this forum about it. However, if you can stick it out, you can get some valuable experience to take with you when they finally run you off.

Mellie9645 · Oct 13, 2014

Wow...thanks for the info, Bortaz, RN! I only actually plan to stay at my first job for a maximum of 2 years...just enough to get the required experience to do travel nursing. I'm 43, both my kids are in college in different places, I'm divorced and don't have much of a social life...that's why I don't mind going anywhere in the country! I will continue to try and get a spot in an RN Residency program, but it is always good to know I have options...even if they aren't the best of situations. I do appreciate the info!!!! However, if you don't mind sharing, I would like to know what types of problems you experienced on the unit.