vicb74

Not sure if this should go under New Grad Forum, but I would truly appreciate some advice from a seasoned pro. I graduated in August '05 with a BSN (this is a second career for me) and am currently interviewing. I know what I want to be, I just don't know how to get there. I would like to be a SANE-A and eventually work with abused children. In what capacity, I am not sure, most likely as a psychiatric NP, but I'm not ruling out some sort of Forensic Nursing. I would love an ED position (I volunteered in a Peds ED and loved it), but have been told time and time again "we do not accept new grads in the ER". I was offered a position on an adult psych unit (dual-diagnosis, substance abuse, violent) and felt completely uncomfortable with the fact that I would be in charge of the unit as the only evening nurse in just 8 short weeks. So I turned that down. Now the only positions that seem to be coming my way are med-surg. For some reason, I am completely turned off by most med-surg units. I'm not sure if it's because I had a few poor student clinical experiences or if it's just not for me. I feel nothing but dread going on these interviews because I know deep down, I'm not really into this. I know I will learn a lot and I respect the nurses who can do it, but I just don't feel it in my heart. It's darn near impossible to get a peds position (I think I'd like to start with adult medicine anyhow) and ED jobs...as I said before. I don't know what to do and I really need some advice from those who have been there. For many reasons, I need to start working and make a decision asap. Where should I start? I might have a chance on a Neuro surgical unit, which sounds a bit more interesting to me, but will that help me reach my end goal and/or get me into the ED? Should I look for another psych or would it be more beneficial for me to get some experience in the medical side first, whatever that may be? I don't know anyone personally to ask, so any and all advice would be appreciated- thanks for reading this!

I just took my NCLEX two weeks ago and got the same type of questions and the same amount (75). I was convinced I failed, but I passed! Hope you did, too!!

Thanks for all the advice- I will definitely look carefully at the orientation programs. As we all know, a good preceptor can make or break an experience. I'll also look into volunteering or working part time in an ED to get a good feel of it. Good luck to all the new grads!

Just wondering what the thoughts were on trying to get into an ED as a new graduate. Is it even possible? Is it at all advisable or am I not thinking straight from studying for the NCLEX?

Thanks! It was someone from admissions that told me there was a waiting list. Very confusing!

Hi- I went over there last week and was told there was a waiting list of "years"?????? Do you happen to remember who you spoke with? Thank you!

I took some of my pre-req's at Nassau. I'll look into it. Thank you!

Hi- I feel your pain, also. It's interesting to see so many others in the same situation as me. I wasn't accepted to Stony Brook and am wait-listed for SUNY Downstate. I, too, can't afford a private school. It's frustrating and just not feasible to have to keep waiting one year to re-apply to these programs. Even the 2-year CUNY programs have enormous waiting lists. It's sad that this profession which so badly needs new nurses is missing out on some excellent candidates due to lack of space in these public school programs. I've started contacting the NYSNA and other organizations to alert them to this problem- maybe something will come up. Good luck to you all!!!

Thank you. I'd rather not have to go that far upstate, but it may be my only option. Good luck to you, too!

Hi- I have been trying to get into an Accelerated BS Nursing degree program through SUNY for 3 years now. I did not get into the Stony Brook Program and am currently on an alternate list for Downstate Medical Center. I have a SUNY undergrad degree (BA Art History) and after much research and advice decided that building on my first degree to achieve a BS in Nursing was my best option to enter the nursing field. Unfortunately, these SUNY programs only have about 40 seats each and are only offered once per year. I have over a 3.0 average undergrad, a 4.0 in my pre-req's and volunteer at a Peds ER unit once per week. I'm not sure what else I can do to be accepted. I cannot afford a private school. At this point I just want to start my education and get to work, but I am frustrated and not sure what to do next. I have heard the CUNY and SUNY Associates programs have up to 2 year waiting lists (though I have not looked into this first-hand). I do want to obtain an advanced degree and don't want to have to wait another year or two to start. Does anyone have any advice? Should I move to another state???? Thank you very much.