One year later and the search continues

[MassRN1991]

I was fortunate to be offered a job a couple months after I graduated nursing school. Although it wasn't in a hospital, I learned a lot. I went from being a per-diem nurse at an assisted living facility to working 5 nights a week. Yes, it wasn't the job of my dreams but I look back and I am very thankful someone was willing to give me a chance.

Although I was not able to practice many clinical skills, I became more confident in my head to toe assessments, triaging, case management, and talking to doctors. After a year of experience, I started looking for new jobs. I wanted something more with clinical experience but job searching still remains hard. Assisted living is at the bottom of the candidate barrel but I am glad I took the job because I have learned.

Currently I have two potential FT job offers. I can choose prison nursing or being a nurse at a health center. I am nervous because both are very different but I am hoping the future looks brighter. I would like the opportunity to be interviewed for a nursing position at a hospital one day and hope that these opportunities guide me.

[MPHJane]

If you choose nursing at a prison you would have gain medical experience. If you decide to work at a health center I am sure the hours would be reasonable and you would focus on education and prevention. Overall these are both good opportunities and the choice you make will have a good consequence. Good luck

[laKrugRN]

I LOVE being a prison nurse! Consider it!