new RN. I don't know where to start

[xoxobaby612]

I recently passed my NCLEX and I want to start working but I don't know where to start. I plan to visit some local hospitals in NYC but I am not sure what to look for in a hospital when deciding to work there. What factors determine which hospitals are good for a new nurse? Please help

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Congrats on passing NCLEX. Since you asked a question, and this forum is mainly for introductions I'm going to move it to the General Nursing section where perhaps others can chime in with some advice.

The main thing you want to try to look at is their new grad programs and length of orientation.

Good luck to you.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

check out this thread:

wondering why you can't get hired or promoted: resume + interview hints!

questions interviewers ask - boston college

difficult interview questions + a few answers

you are interviewing the hospital too:

from hospitalsoup.com:

questions to ask the employer

good luck in finding that first position!

[MIA-RN1, RN]

ask about the nurse retention---are the nurses happy, do they stay? (Maybe just ask individual nurses that) Ask about the patient/nurse ratios. Ask about call time--is it mandatory and will you have it? Ask if nurses are unionized or not unionized. Ask about shifts---which one and how much of your time has to be off-shift vs regular shift. Do they have the kinds of shifts that you want? (4's, 8's, 12's etc)

Look around and see what the people there look like. Do they seem grumpy? Look how they are dressed, do they look professional? Do they greet you with a smile when you walk down the hallway? Check out the cafeteria, is it clean and well run? How about the patients that you see--how do they look? Do they seem well cared for, or not?

Lots of stuff to think about. Take a walk thru the hospital, notice stuff and feel the energy.

[xoxobaby612]

Thank you so much. Would you recommend a city or private hospital?

[JenNJFLCA]

I work in a large teaching city hospital. There are always tons of residents around, which is nice because it's usually pretty easy to get a hold of someone. I like it there so far. It's all I know, however. I am a new nurse too!

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I prefer a teaching facility myself. I like having backup from the clinical specialists, the physician residents and the full time pharmacy.

However, there must be a planned new nurse orientation, residency or internship so that you will be eased into your job with plenty of support.