Not so sure about my first job offer

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm a brand new nurse super eager to get out there and work. I applied to a few jobs online and somehow I caught the attention of a nurse registry called Nurse Core. I went through their interview process etc... and have been offered a job. All of this is super exciting except... I'm not sure it is such a good idea for a new nurse. Ideally I want to have 4, 6, 8, 12 weeks of training. Nurse core doesn't train you so much. You kind of just get thrown out there. They have assured me that they have my best interest and I don't have to accept anything that I'm not comfortable with. Other than hospitals they can offer clinics, rehabs, SNF and Home Health. I want to know what you nurses think of this opportunity? Am I setting myself up for a bad situation?

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

I would not be comfortable as a new graduate starting work without a proper orientation. I would politely decline to job offer and continue looking.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

I would suggest declining. I am still a student nurse, but am also a CNA in a facility that uses registry agencies a lot. The nurses who come in have sometimes worked at my facility before. Sometimes they haven't. But in either case, there is no training involved. They are expected to just pick up and go. The nurse giving report gives a short overview of the EMR and the section they will be working and thats it. They have to be competent and already know what needs to be done. A new grad wont likely be able to do that. Even working at my facility, I don't think I would be able to just pick up and go without a pretty decent orientation first. I know you are eager and excites. But it would probably be better to get a job where you will have adequate orientation to practice safely and somewhat competent. GL

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Registries or staffing agencies like this are for experienced nurses who require a basic orientation to the floor and EMR and are expected to "hit the ground running". They cannot offer you even a few days of new grad orientation never mind 4-12 weeks that you desire (and deserve). Those are new grad preceptorships.

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You couldn't just come and do home health, our new grads get 1-3 mos orientation and a total year of supervision as required by the state. You wouldn't be legal in California, to the best of my knowledge.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

Your instincts that you want time and training as a new grad are spot on. As far as them saying they have your best interests at heart is all very well, but when push comes to shove, you will lose out.

No matter where they start you off, you aren't ready for it as a new grad, unless it is a new grad position with orientation; which is not what temp/travel agencies do. If we get an agency nurse to fill in a spot, as several PPs have said, they had better be ready to go! You don't want to start off your career by being set up to fail.

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Thanks for the responses! My gut has definately been uneasy about this. I think I needed to hear the honest truth from someone that knows. I guess I'll get back to job hunting. Wish me luck!

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