New RN Loving Rural Nursing

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So for after months of feeling like I had bitten off more than I could chew; I am finally loving my job in rural nursing. I work at a CAH with 2 ER/ Trauma bays and 16 bed Acute Wing half of which is usually occupied with swing bed patients. We also have surgical facilities, and will soon be doing total knee replacements. No OB, except for the rare emergent delivery. I spent the bulk of the first year taking patients on the floor, usual patient load is 3 pt/nurse. Which is wonderful, as I feel like we can give great nursing care. I am now orienting to charge/ER nurse and I love the variety. We will move to a brand new facility in the fall and are updating to computer charting and all policies and procedures have been reviewed and updated. We also have great staffing and we staff 2 RN's 2 LPN's and a ward clerk and paramedic each shift. Our ER tends to be very busy, we do an average of 2 transfers a day. I can't think of a better way to start your nursing career than in a rural hospital. Pay is competitive with the big hospitals in our state and so are the benefits. I took a huge risk and moved from a large city back to my home town with my husband and children, but I am so very glad I did. It was a great choice for all of us. Please consider rural nursing, it is by far one of the most diverse and rewarding settings you may experience.

:redbeathe Sally

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Sounds very rewarding!! What area/state do you do rural nursing in?

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I too am working in rural nursing (well a small clinic in northern california) and love it! I am a new/old grad and think I have finally found my calling. My first two/three attempts in the nursing field failed miserably and I really began to think nursing was just not for me. Then I fell into this job and actually love it 80% of the time. The pay is not the best, but I really feel that I am much better off enjoying where I work...rather than throwing up before, during and after work (like I was doing in med surg and LTC). Plus it's so cool working so closely with the doctors here. I get to see a ton of wierd stuff. Oh and the people I work with actually help one another, imagine that? And the patients are always grateful and very interesting. OH and it's a clinic so they are only open on weekdays during business hours. Love it for now!

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Dear all rural nurses,

Hope you guys enjoy the Christmas...

I am new here..and Dec new grad with BSN from Texas..

I have been looking for a job since October but haven't found any.

Now I am considering to get a rural nursing job in any area....I am willing to relocate anywhere..as I am single without a kid/husband...

Where can I find a rural nursing job?

Should I sign up with a staffing agency for that?

Poor new grad is desperately looking for a job to pay off tution loan@@

I chose this nursing degree as the second degree for better life.....I never thought it would be this hard....So frustrating....

Anyone can share your successful story with me?

SSJJ from Texas

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Specializes in Rural - we do it all!!!.

Hi,

I landed in rural west Texas as a new grad LVN in December 2006. I settled in, took (and passed - yipee) boards, and began working at our local rural hospital in November 2007.

I found that the personal introduction works effectively at some of the rural hospitals. I'd plan a trip out to meet and introduce yourself to the DON's in several counties that are within driving distance. Dress professional. Drop off your resume with the DON. Ask to speak to the DON, but don't tie up a bunch of time, just spend a bit (maybe 10 - 15 minutes) introducing yourself and relaying your strengths and what shifts you are available for, etc. Any extra training and certifications, I'd bring documentation, and point these out as strengths, as you need to be able to do a bit of EVERYTHING!

That would include ACLS, PALS, IV certification, etc.

What is a reasonable driving time for you? For me, it's up to one hour. I work PRN at two rural hospitals, and plan to apply PRN at one more. I love the variety of the work and the work environments. I learn something new every day that I work, and I can flex my schedule. I also like helping the hospitals fill their work call offs and gaps in scheduling.

At all three of the hospitals, the DON is always looking for additional PRN nurses, both LVN and RN. Often, the PRN position may turn into a full time offer. For me, I prefer to remain PRN.

I love the rural challenges and opportunities. I think that I have found my nursing "niche," and plan on remaining in this specialty.

I hope this helps to give you some ideas. Good luck in your job search.

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Thank you Sally,

Will try as you advised... & will see how this works for me.

Happy New Year!!

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