Nursing Home for New RN?

[egipitian]

I received my license on 4/08/08 and have been applying for a job ever since. Most job postings want a least year of nursing experience, which I do not have but I still apply anyway, if no one will hire you how will you get any experiences. There is suppose to be a shortage of nurses right? Well were are all these jobs at?

Finally I received a call from a nursing home and I interviewed and they offered me the position and I gladly accepted it. I have not begun yet but my fear is that I will lost my skills that I have acquired in clinicals. I don't know what to expect a friend of mines, who is a GN, said that nurses in nursing homes just give out meds....is that true? If someone could let me know did I make the right choice....I needed a job (having been unemployed for 2 years). Thanks

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

Tips for Geriatric and LTC Nursing

by handyrn

I read this article awhile back and it totally changed my view on LTC nursing. You can find it in the article section on this site. Very inspirational.

I was fortunate enough to work as a CNA at my hospital during nursing school so I had a few jobs to pick from upon graduation. I have read other post of other new grads that are having a hard time finding jobs, I am curious to know what areas of the country those are in, as I too was under the impression there was a nursing shortage. I live in the midwest and as far as I know everyone in my graduating class who wanted to work is, a handfull stayed in school to bridge to their Masters.

My thought on entering a profession is simply that, just enter it. You may not get your dream job right away, you may not even exactly what your dream job is until you try a few out, but any exp is better than no exp at this point.

I always thought I would work L&D upon graduation, then I ended up taking a job in ICU, and could not be happier, I couldnt imagine working in L&D right now--ICU was a blessing in disguise for me and LTC may be a blessing for you. You just dont know.

Best of luck on your exciting future....

[evilolive, BSN, RN]

Hey there. I got licensed in MA on 3/19/08 and wasn't able to even get an interview with more than one hospital. I finally applied to a rehab center/nursing home one town over. One hour after emailing my resume to a recruiter I got a phone call! He directed me to a smaller home where I might fit in better as a new grad. I had a great interview today, and will probably be hired after my background check goes through.

Despite the fact that I didn't get L&D (or even med-surg) for that matter, I'm gladly going to take this job. They had openings for the shift I wanted (11p-7a, M-F), seem unbelievably supportive, and told me they welcome new grads. I probably won't want to stay in this area of MA (northshore) too long, but at least this will get me through the summer while I look for different positions. Who knows, maybe I'll really love it though!

Good luck! :nuke:

[MiaNJ]

Tips for Geriatric and LTC Nursing

by handyrn

I read this article awhile back and it totally changed my view on LTC nursing. You can find it in the article section on this site. Very inspirational.

I was fortunate enough to work as a CNA at my hospital during nursing school so I had a few jobs to pick from upon graduation. I have read other post of other new grads that are having a hard time finding jobs, I am curious to know what areas of the country those are in, as I too was under the impression there was a nursing shortage. I live in the midwest and as far as I know everyone in my graduating class who wanted to work is, a handfull stayed in school to bridge to their Masters.

My thought on entering a profession is simply that, just enter it. You may not get your dream job right away, you may not even exactly what your dream job is until you try a few out, but any exp is better than no exp at this point.

I always thought I would work L&D upon graduation, then I ended up taking a job in ICU, and could not be happier, I couldnt imagine working in L&D right now--ICU was a blessing in disguise for me and LTC may be a blessing for you. You just dont know.

Best of luck on your exciting future....

There is a shortage, but it seems I'm reading alot both on this site and others that the shortage is mostly for Experienced nurses, NOT new grad nurses.

I guess it depends on where you live. I'm in the northeast, where there are alot of nursing students graduating every year, and probably more competitive to get new grad jobs here. There would be a handful of new grad openings, and more than 50applicants or more. I've read others on this site had trouble finding that first job in my area, so I know it's not only me. But maybe it's taking me longer than others since I didn't start looking right after graduation.

But those students who have been working in hospitals or have done an externship, may have a better oppty. But externships are not provided by all nursing schools and most hospitals don't take interns that are post-graduation.

So I guess it's easier in some areas of the US than others to find that first new grad job.

[Nurseismade RN]

Hey there. I got licensed in MA on 3/19/08 and wasn't able to even get an interview with more than one hospital. I finally applied to a rehab center/nursing home one town over. One hour after emailing my resume to a recruiter I got a phone call! He directed me to a smaller home where I might fit in better as a new grad. I had a great interview today, and will probably be hired after my background check goes through.

Despite the fact that I didn't get L&D (or even med-surg) for that matter, I'm gladly going to take this job. They had openings for the shift I wanted (11p-7a, M-F), seem unbelievably supportive, and told me they welcome new grads. I probably won't want to stay in this area of MA (northshore) too long, but at least this will get me through the summer while I look for different positions. Who knows, maybe I'll really love it though!

Good luck! :nuke:

wow....working 5 days in a row in nursing is really tough....wish you well!!!