nursing home jobs for new grads?

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

does anyone know what the market is like for a new grad (BSN) willing to work in long term care? is it cut throat like acute care? are they willing to hire new grads? if so, is anyone willing to suggest some good places to apply to?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, L&D.

I have very little to offer you, but as it looks like no one has answered, I will give you what I know.

I know one woman who graduated in December with a BSN that is working in a nursing home in Longmont. Not sure which one. She had an easy time getting a job there, but has not had a pleasant experience so far. Everyone I know that has started in a nursing home seems to have had a very hard time. There is very little training and support for a new grad. The gal I mentioned before works 8 hour shifts, and last night ended up staying for 12 hours due to the next shift not showing up. If you are up for the challenge, then go for it! It seems to be less cutthroat to get into, but harder to stay in it.

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

I couldn't get a job in a hospital to save my life! I ended up putting on my interview suit and driving from nursing home to nursing home in my area, resume in hand. About a month later I got 2 calls and ended up with the job I have now. It's been tough starting out in a nursing home. Training was 3 days and it's crazy busy. I work a lot of overtime trying to finish my charting, etc. Thankfully I work with a great team of nurses who answer my 10,000 daily questions and never make me feel like I'm stupid or a bother.

If you are looking for a job in a nursing home, I'd suggest doing the same thing. Even if they aren't actively hiring most will take your application and resume, then when they ARE hiring they will call a resume they have on file before they place an ad. ;) That gives you a little edge.

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thanks for the advice guys. i might just do that. i am afraid though, if i go straight into long term care that i will never go back to acute care. i suppose that wouldn't be the end of the world, but i feel like all my clinicals and education were preparing me more for acute care.

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

Maybe look into a subacute facility? I have pts with trachs who require suctioning, g tubes, peritoneal dialysis (that I set up and run) and lots of other stuff. The only thing I really don't do very much is start IVs and draw blood. But I use all the other skills I learned in school plus my critical thinking skills.

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