Outpatient Jobs for New Grad

leo_bsn · Aug 18, 2005

I don't have any information for you, but I am wondering the same thing. I'll be a new grad in December and will be moving to Boston at that point. Hopefully someone will respond to these posts!

Nurseismade RN · Aug 19, 2005

Does anyone in MA have any ideas of places to work, outpatient, for a new grad? I've searched the Globe, Monster, Hotjobs but can't really come up with anything besides inpatient hospital. Thanks

First of all congrats I am just starting this fall. Try looking at hospital websites...for example, partners.org has sites for their outpatient community clinics. I have seen postings for nurses there. Most want experienced though. :uhoh3: but you never know

best wishes

maura66 · Sep 5, 2005

Check out Lahey Clinic in Burlington (just north of Boston). They have a huge outpatient practice. The pay is probably not quite as good as Boston, but outpatient generally pays less anyway. Good luck.

cb0027 · Sep 22, 2005

I feel like all the nursing jobs in the area require experience. I searched the net for a new grad postion but no luck. I am thinking that I am going to have to visit human resources at some hospitals. I do not want a med surg, icu, neuro, long-term job. I don't understand why they put new grads into ccu, icu, neuro but not outpatient. I am really excited about nursing but not if I have to work med surg, neuro, long term care or icu. Help me find an area that this new grad can get a job in. Thanks.

leo_bsn · Sep 22, 2005

I feel like all the nursing jobs in the area require experience. I searched the net for a new grad postion but no luck. I am thinking that I am going to have to visit human resources at some hospitals. I do not want a med surg, icu, neuro, long-term job. I don't understand why they put new grads into ccu, icu, neuro but not outpatient. I am really excited about nursing but not if I have to work med surg, neuro, long term care or icu. Help me find an area that this new grad can get a job in. Thanks.

I feel the SAME way! I want to enjoy my job, and I feel like if I have to work on a med surg unit I will dread going to work every day and my patients will suffer because of it. I, like you, am not interested in critical care, ICU, neuro, etc. Blows my mind that a new grad can work in the ICU, but not at the public health department. How frustrating.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 22, 2005

. I don't understand why they put new grads into ccu, icu, neuro but not outpatient. .

2 main reasons

1. Outpatient jobs tend to have more attractive hours ... and therefore there are plenty of experienced nurses who want those jobs. The employer has enough experienced nurses who want the job who will require less orientation and support to be "picky" and to require experience.

2. Most outpatient jobs require that the nurse be fairly independent -- and in many cases, be the leader of the team. Often, the RN may be the only RN in the immediate area and be expected to supervise colleagues with lesser education (e.g. MA's, LPN's, CNA's, etc.) and to be the leader of the team in an emergency situation. The RN is the one the other people come to for expertise, help, and support. Those positions require an RN with enough experience to have true nursing expertise in order to be able to exercise expert judgment in difficult, complex situations. A new grad doesn't yet have that expertise.

In an ICU, the new grad is surrounded by experienced RN's, phyisicians, Respiratory Therapists, etc. who can help that new nurse take care of the patient and handle any unusual or difficult situations. A good ICU also has an extensive orientation program designed to help the new grad transition from student to staff nurse. Out on her own in the community or as one of only a few RN's in a big clinic, a new grad doesn't have that much-needed support.

That's why most outpatient jobs require experience.

llg

cb0027 · Sep 22, 2005

It makes sense what you are saying. But I enjoyed my experience in outpatient far more than the hospital setting. I agree with leo_bsn I would dread going to work everyday if I got stuck with a icu, neuro, med-surg job.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 22, 2005

It makes sense what you are saying. But I enjoyed my experience in outpatient far more than the hospital setting. I agree with leo_bsn I would dread going to work everyday if I got stuck with a icu, neuro, med-surg job.

There are other options. For example, my hospital has a unit that has 2 sections -- one section that specializes in outpatient procedures -- and another that includes a few ICU step-down beds. The nurses work in either section. They hire new grads. A lot of hosptials have specialized units that hire new grads and that offer some unique experiences. You might find yourself happier in one of those units than in the large general med/surg units.

Few people in any profession get their "dream job" as their first job. Most people work their way up the career ladder and/or have a couple of jobs during which they develop their professional skills and/or find the right fit. If you have to accept a job that is not your first choice as a new grad, treat it as part of your education. Do your best work, make a good impression on those around you (who can help you in your career), and learn as much as you can. You'll soon have the experience you need to qualify for a larger variety of jobs.

Good luck,

llg

cb0027 · Oct 25, 2005

It's the end of October and I have neither an oupatient or inpatiet job. The market around her caters to January and June hiring. It is extremely frustrating. I have sent out a bunch of resumes and visit quite a few places but no luck. I thought this process would have been much easier.

bubablur · Oct 21, 2008

Hi All, I feel like this huge balloon is deflating. I graduated in may 2008 passed the n-clex in july 2008 (RN) and there is NOTHING out there for me. I worked hard and thought the demand for nurses was huge and everyone tells you, you'll be all set! Then.........nothing. My suggestion to all senior nursing students is to apply for the new grad programs in March before graduation. They only offer a few new grad positions for A LOT of new grads, or start working in a hospital as an aide while your in school, then you have experience. I am a mom of three and it was all I could do to be in school at all. I did not work, so I could graduate with "high honors" and still have a tiny bit of time for family, so when I graduated. I have "NO" experience, and with all the new grad positions taken, most hospitals won't even consider me because they want experience. Good luck to all of you, I think I may have made a mistake. Sad in Mass.

NabiRN, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2008

Congratulations on passing the board! It's quite an accomplishment to be able to get through nursing school, graduate with high honors and be mom to three kids.

Please don't be sad. Think about how many new graduates with degrees in other fields that do not have a job offer upon graduation. The problem is the expectation. We were all told that we will make good money and have job security. Keep trying. Things may open up soon. Certainly there are jobs in other states. Some of your classmates who have contacts may be able to get you in.

Just consider this is a time off to be with your kids. Good luck.