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I was a new grad ADN and was hired onto a surgical floor. However...I worked as a CNA on that floor (only part time) for the last six months of nursing school to get my foot in the door. Their requirement is that I be enrolled in a BSN program at hire and that I earn it w/in 3 years. But it's not necessary to have worked as a CNA to get my foot in the door-I know of at least two people from my class who work on my same floor. Also know of about five classmates who were hired as new grads on a Cardiovascular Unit (CVU). But I really think it's going to depend on the supply and demand in your area. It seems like the hospitals are ALWAYS hiring nurses in my area and they're more than happy with ADN's. Of course, the community colleges on my area also have good reputations with the hospitals, so I think that also helps.

Is this the same workplace holding an inquest over gummie bears in the doctors' stockings?

Never thought I'd get one patient who'd embody every single thing that drives me bonkers, but I did. Male in his 20's. Refusing to follow medical advice: had a bowel resection and was asking for food every five mins and from every single person who walked by. When helped up to ambulate, went to "wash" his face and instead drank water from his hands when I repeatedly explained why to not do this. Telling the nurses and the doctors all about how much they know: did you know insulin is a steroid and causes diabetes? ������ Making constant inappropriate comments to female staff: "I know it looks small right now, but it grows--I haven't had any complaints," "hey, guuuuuuurl," "where's your husband?" "You can rest on my bed here, if you'd like." Insisting to staff about what a badass you are, then whining about positively everything and wanting to be waited on constantly despite being able-bodied: "I need to get up to pee--here, hold my hand," "I'm cold, can you pull that blanket up on me?" Telling me you'd rather be getting injections of dilaudid instead of the PCA because you like to talk to people. ������ Demanding that the CNA wash his hands again after he clearly had, already, saying you don't want to get an infection, but then go on to tell me you want me to test your blood for STDs while we're checking your electrolytes and also showing me the bottoms of your feet, saying they have been dark brown like that ever since you slept with some random chick you didn't know and walked barefoot in her house. Watching me aspirate the residual from your NG tube, amounting to 20 mL, me telling you it's time to remove the tube according to the dr's order, and you demanding that I empty the tube again, alternately arguing that the dr told you to keep it in until morning. Calling the charge nurse for nonsense she shouldn't be dealing with...like trying to order food when you are NPO. Messing with the equipment: turning off the IV pump, and attempting to change the dosage on the bupivicaine blocks. ������ And lastly, but most importantly, why on earth did you have to leave that other hospital AMA just to come to ours and do everything in your power to make sure you'll never get out??

You have much more experience than I do in LE, but I just wanted to say that I graduated police academy in 2008. I have security background and with my POST cert, I worked as a criminal justice officer for community corrections for four years while I worked on my pre-reqs for nursing school. I also just wanted to help people. I was honestly miserable as a corrections officer. It's definitely not for me. I was so glad to get out of there. It sounds like you know what you want. That's good...this will need to be self-driven. I tried college directly out of high school and got horrible grades and gave up. It took me a long time to decide what I wanted to do and go for it. There's really no way to tell ahead of time if this will be "right" for you. If, upon taking your A&P classes and other required classes, you continue to have an interest, then that can push you forward to each new step. I will say this much, though, when I first started out in nursing school, I wasn't so sure that this was for me! There were certain aspects that I wasn't sure I could handle (no, not any of the bodily functions...I was a CNA, those don't phase me) and they have wound up being my favorite parts of being a nurse. So really, I think it's hard to say if it's right for anyone until they really get down into it. Good luck on your path!

I'm in Colorado. I got a FT job right away.

I want to say that I found this thread through a posting from Allnurses.com onto Facebook. So perhaps something in the algorithm could use some work. :-)

I can give a slightly different perspective, being only a few months further ahead than you are now. I graduated last December and I've been on the floor since January. Had a six-week preceptorship at that time. I remember feeling like I'd been hit by a freight train. I remember more than once walking out of a patient's room thinking: "OMG, I need a nurse. Wait--I'm a nurse! I need a NURSIER nurse." It left me feeling a little dumb, because I couldn't figure out how I'd managed to graduate and pass the NCLEX and STILL feel so unsure. The only thing that has made the biggest difference is time. How much, exactly? I'm sure it varies from person to person. But I'd say I was a good six months in before I stopped checking with other nurses if my reason was good enough to wake the dr in the middle of the night. I have thankfully had very good, understanding coworkers who have helped to support me and not feel stupid for asking questions. I hope you have that--that's been a godsend. The other thing I'll say is this: trust your gut. Trust your gut. Trust your gut. If something in your brain clicks and says "something isn't right here," then something isn't right! I've had to ask myself, what's the worst that can happen if I say something? Somebody might be inconvenienced and/or the pt might get unnecessary testing. But I've found that to very rarely be the case. I have brought things up, but then felt unsure immediately afterwards and thought, "Oh, gees...what if I'm wrong? They're going to think I'm so dumb." But then my suspicions are confirmed and those things have helped to build my confidence. It never hurts to at least say something. I really love the first poster's suggestion about keeping a journal and wish I'd have thought of that for my full first year of nursing! What a cool memento to have! I suppose better late than never. I will probably start something like that myself. There have been so many cool moments that I was positive I'd never forget and now I've forgotten some of them. :-/ I also liked the second poster's suggestion to fake the confidence. I fully agree. Patients want a nurse who appears confident. Like they're in good hands. I will say that is something I've been good at--appearing calm, cool, and confident even if I'm crapping myself inside. I remember the first time a patient asked me how long I'd been a nurse and when I told them just a couple months, they didn't believe me. Patients love that. Just remind yourself how much hard work you've put in to get to where you're at. You've proven you belong there. Each day is further testament to that. Just remember all the hurdles you have overcome to get here. You've got this. Day by day, it gets a bit easier. I can't say the bit of insecurity ever fully goes away. But I also agree with those that that little bit of fear/insecurity or whatever you want to call it helps to keep us from getting complacent and pushes us to want to do better and be better. So at least to some degree, it's not a bad thing to have around.

I can think of at least two home health agencies in my area who are gunning hard for new grads. Not necessarily the case in all areas...that no agency would consider a new grad.

Um. That's a little fatalistic. First off, location matters A LOT when it comes to getting hired. Where I am, the employment rate post graduation is quite high (for those who pursue it). If you feel like you're bombing interviews, practice. Google for interview questions and then find somebody to help you answer the questions so they can give you feedback. And as for the fiancé...IMO, you're going to need somebody who is highly supportive. This can be super stressful just starting out. It'd help to have somebody by your side who wouldn't leave you over something so asinine. Your first job doesn't have to be your lifelong job. It's a gateway to get at those other jobs that require experience.

We had admin try that with some CNAs where I used to work. Several of them reported admin to corporate (they have a corporate integrity line). One was placed on admin leave while they investigated (and I believe, asked to resign, though I left around that time) and the other was asked to retire. If there's a corporate office, or whomever is higher up than your charge, that's what I'd be tempted to do. However...the reports these CNAs made were anonymous - their identities were protected so no retribution was possible by admin. YMMV. Hopefully you have somebody higher up who's willing to stand behind their staff.