Nurses who never worked in the hospital?

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Hi, I recently just graduated from nursing school and I am taking my NCLEX very soon. During the process of applying for jobs, I was wondering if there were any nurses out there who never even worked in the hospital or applied for a position in the hospital? I've been told by a lot of my professors that I SHOULD work in the hospital after first graduating in order to get the experience needed and that it would build a foundation for wherever I want to work in the future. They kinda put this mindset in our heads that we should start out working on a med-surg floor to develop our skills - which I understand. However, I want to know if there are nurses who has never worked in the hospital and has found a job they loved. If so, where? I just want need some input and advice on whether it is definitely necessary that I work in the hospital at least for some years before exploring other settings, or if I probably won't have a choice but to work in the hospital (since I need the experience before working elsewhere - besides LTC).

Thank you so much :)

I am a recent grad and never worked at a hospital. I was lucky and got a great job as a public health nurse our county's health department. My work primarily involves home visits and office work helping child with chronic medical conditions. I also help with the children's immunization program. It's really great--no nights, no weekends, no holidays and 8 hour shifts. In school I knew I never wanted to work in a hospital. I just didn't think I'd be great at it due to personal medical issues. The only way I was even considered for this job was because I networked and met a registered sanitarian from my previous child care center who also works for the county.

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All of your comments are really, really helpful. Thank you so much again for all of the advice and for sharing your stories!

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Specializes in Home Care.

I spent a year in LTC, another year in sub-acute/medical rehab and now I'm a homecare supervisor in a senior's lodge. I have no desire to work in a hospital.

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I've always wondered why nursing schools tend to push the idea that hospitals are the main place nurses work. Even my LPN school focused on acute care nursing, even though they knew full well none of us would be working in one. Schools should really try to offer clinicals in other settings.

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Hey! After I graduated last year, all I wanted was a hospital gig. When that didn't work out and I started looking elsewhere, I took a job at a derm office and I love it. I really feel like I lucked out with it, no weekends or holidays, a supportive staff, decent pay, benefits.. most importantly work generally stays at work. Best of luck to whatever you find !

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Specializes in peds palliative care and hospice.

I worked at a hospital for 2 weeks as a new grad and legit, hated every minute of it. Since then I have done only peds in various settings - camp, rehab, LTC, hospice and home care. I don't like hospitals and there is only one type of hospital position I would take because otherwise, I know I wouldn't be happy.

My instructors told us med surg all the way as well...and it isn't for some people. I have gained skills that many of my classmates don't have because I haven't worked in a place that has medical support 24/7

:)

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Specializes in Geriatric.

I have never worked in a hospital. I kind of went backwards and stayed in a SNF. I regret it. I have gotten used to it and the pay is >$100,000 without a degree. I guess it depends on the person. But I think everyone should work at least 2 years in a hospital.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

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I have never worked in a hospital. I kind of went backwards and stayed in a SNF. I regret it. I have gotten used to it and the pay is >$100,000 without a degree. I guess it depends on the person. But I think everyone should work at least 2 years in a hospital.Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com
Two questions:Why is working in a SNF a "step backwards" and what SNF pays any nurse over 100 grand?!
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Hey! Did the the derm office hire you even without prior experience?

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How did you like LTC and hospice? I'm kind of afraid working in LTC just because you're pretty much on your own with 20-30 residents along with LPNs and CPAs of course, but I just don't feel ready to be in charge! lol

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Yes. In fact, before I was hired another lady I graduated with began working there (probably 2 months before) and about a year before that they had hired another new grad.

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My nursing school also pushed the two year med/surg in a hospital setting theory. However, they did not inform us that hospitals were not interested in ADNs. After graduating in 2010, I am still searching for an RN position, as are a lot of my class mates. I am still hopeful that I will find a nursing position eventually.

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