New Grads

Hi, congrats on nearing the end of nursing school!

1.) Any hospital experience is fine if your goal is to be in the acute setting. You can always move to a larger hospital in 1-2 years (or less). I moved from home for my first nursing job at a rural hospital and do not regret it one bit.

2.) After being a nurse for just over a year, the amount of time on orientation needed varies from nurse to nurse. We do up to 3 months for new grads, less time for others. The biggest challenge I had to overcome was figuring out the charting system, and the flow of the hospital. Good luck!

Rural, urban, I don't think it matters what geographical location one starts at, so as long as it is a decent facility. As for six weeks...I think that depends. In the ICU? NO. On a med-surg floor? Maybe. And it also depends on the new grad; some may need more time than others before being sent of into the world of nursing.

Thank you so much for your input. I have been offered a job at a rural hospital in the OB department and offered me a 9 month orientation. It makes me a little nervous since I will be doing night shift but know I will always have help around to help me be successful but still nerve-racking.