MissDardenRN

I started working in psych as a new grad... That is my specialty. I adore it. I recently switched to med-surg to get some experience to be able to put it on my resume. But to be honest, as a new grad you have to just apply all over the place and see who gives you an opportunity. Employers do not like paying to train a new grad. There are tons of nursing jobs: just not for new graduates. You get what you get at first. Once you have experience you will be able to move around and find out what area you like best. :)

It is the joy of working with women.... Best advice; work for a facility with multiple floor so in the case that you don't get along with people on one floor you can transfer to another.

I wouldn't do it. I just started working in med/surg and even as an experienced RN (just a different specialty) they are giving me 6-8 weeks orientation time. Employers are known for doing that; being short staffed and shortening orientation periods. Let her know that you appreciate the opportunity with them but if the orientation period cannot be extended you may not be able to stay with the company. There are two things that are more important that your job: the lives of the patients and your nursing license. We all need money and we need to work but we do not need to be put into a situation where the patients and your future in nursing are at risk. And trust me, that is a VERY BIG RISK! Do not underestimate it.

I never worked in Peds Med-Surg but I did work in Peds Psych as a new grad. Best advice I have for you is be patient with the families. They can be something else at times but it is their baby that is under your care and they are concerned. Pay special attention to the medication doses (especially the high-risk drugs). Keeping a drug reference book near by is always a must especially if your facility doesn't have computer references etc. There is nothing like having a family asking you about a med and you have the deer in the headlight look. NEVER tell the family "I don't know". They lose confidence in you as the care provider. Something like, "I will double check on that so that I can provide you the most accurate information" or provide them handouts in response to their question is a good idea. And ASK QUESTIONS! If you are unsure, take the safe route and ask somebody!

It is extremely difficult to find a job as a relatively new grad or one with the wrong type of experience (I had trouble switching from pscyh to med/surg). I would advise you to look at opportunities outside of the hospital. Hospitals are going to look for greater levels experience and the fact that you did not perform to the expectations of your preceptors/previous employers means that you probably won't have good references from them. You might want to try a nursing home/rehab if you can't get into one of the hospitals. At the same time I would suggest networking. Sometimes who you know can supersede your lack of experience.

I graduated from school officially in July. I passed my boards in October and I decided not to do any MS and go straight into Psych. I will be assigned to the peds floor but will be a floater PRN: dual d/x, detox, etc... any advice?! Advice can be do's/don'ts on the floor or guidance career wise.

I recently graduated with my ASN. A lot of my friends passed NCLEX sometime this past summer and already have jobs. It also depends on the area. We have a naval hospital, children's hospital, heart hospital, and at least 5 other hospitals to choose from in my area. That doesn't even touch on home health, outpatient, private offices, etc. I guess I am just fortunate to live in an area with so many options.