Post grads .....or not?

joannep · Jul 20, 2009

I'm not sure if you are talking about a graduate year program, ie first year as RN or postgraduate study, so I will answer both.

A graduate year program is offered by hospitals etc to first year RN graduates. It is aimed at being a supportive transition to practice program with relevant study days incorporated in the program. No you don't have to do one, but they are very helpful in helping you transition from being a student into a practicing nurse.

Post graduate courses can be either at certificate level or diploma level, if you want to work as a manager in a specialty area then you would opt for the diploma otherwise certificate level is fine, and certificate level will take you to clinical nurse specialist. Post graduate study gives you skills and knowledge relevant to that specialist clinical area. You do not need it to work in theatre or renal, but it is highly regarded and you make yourself more employable by having qualifications in specialty areas.

I found that universities pushed postgraduate study, then when you were doing the postgrad they pushed masters, and when you were doing a masters they were encouraging you to PhD.

Think about where you want to go, how to get there and how long the study is going to take and the amount of money it's going to cost before you sign up for anything.

glam1 · Jul 20, 2009

hi i meant the post graduate year after uni finishes. cheers

Zana2 · Jul 20, 2009

From my understanding, the newly qualified grad programs are rotational. 3 months surgical, 3 medical, etc. Before you dive into a job that you might absolutely hate, they're kind like that and offer you 'tasters'.

If you know what you want, don't bother with rotationals.:nuke:

talaxandra · Jul 21, 2009

That's not the case for all grad programs, at least in Victoria - some hospitals offer three four-month placements, some two six-month rotations, and at least one encourages twelve months on one ward with an option to rotate after six months.

The aim is two-fold - to give you post-registration experience of different clinical environments, and (more importantly) to ease the transition from student to practitioner while consolidating your education with real world practices.

I disagree with Zana2 that "if you know what you want, don't bother" - while a grad year isn't for everyone, and isn't available for everyone, I believe the vast majority of graduates benefit from the support and direction of a graduate year. There's a vast difference in how it feels to really be wholly responsible for a patient, without an RN behind you; to time manage without someone stepping in when you're over your head; and having a network of other grads going through the same thing can be extremely useful and helpful.

Though some positions will let you go in straight from uni, for the most part you're looking at agency work if you pass on a grad year. Though there's more money to be made, the support just won't be there and there will be a strong expectation that you can do what needs to be done. Unless your clinical, interpersonal and time management skills are unusually strong, a grad year will enhance the rest of your registered career.

Grace Oz · Jul 21, 2009

I 100% support what Talaxandra wrote. It's spot on!

allnurses Guide · Jul 21, 2009

I know my grad year placement was invaluable. For a start, I got to try 3 different areas, including ICU which I ended up in for the last 10+ years. More importantly, I had an assigned mentor, ongoing classes one day a week with other grads where I could share my experiences with people who understood, and a structured support system.

Scrubby · Jul 22, 2009

I only did my grad year because I wouldn't have gotten a job in the OR if I didn't, it's a requirement for RN's to do a grad year. I'm one of those people who knew what specialty I wanted to do after finishing uni and while I enjoyed my ICU placement, I absolutely hated my surg ward rotation. Luckily for me my final rotation was in the OR where I have stayed.

glam1 · Jul 26, 2009

Thanks for everyones replies.

I guess i better study harder so i get one of those precious post grads................but still stressing about what opportunties are their if i dont get one as Talaxandra said not every graduate gets one - and having a hubby with a good career means moving could be limited:cry: and i dont think i'd like to do agency straight out of uni..... or aged care. Fingers crossed then as I think i'd like the mentorship.

cheers