violetislet

This was totally me (minus the quiet part ), about 8-10 months ago. I started out as a New Grad in the Main OR of a Level 1 Trauma Center. Orientation was incredibly challenging: different preceptors, different surgeons, different scrubs and different procedures each day. And people weren't particularly nice to the newbie, either. It got better once I got off orientation, and I finally feel like I've found my stride. I still circulate different services daily, but I feel more confident and capable than I did when I began almost a year ago. The one thing I'm still struggling with is call. I got called in this weekend and worked a full shift, in addition to my usual 40+, and my young son and spouse and I really despise when I get called in. Part of the job, though. The vultures do back off once you get off orientation, so hang in there and know that you're not alone!

I'm disappointed, though not at all surprised, at all of the negative responses to your question. I received similar responses when I had discussions with my nursing school classmates and various staff members I met during clinicals about this very same issue. Most of them said that there was no way that a new grad RN would be able to secure a position solely on day shift. I'm not a single mom, however my spouse is disabled, and I really wanted (and continue to want) to spend as much time with our child as possible. One of our instructors told me about a position in the OR at the local hospital, I applied, and I was hired. As a new grad. On day shift. I work Monday-Friday 7-3 with 24-32 hours of call (depending on staffing levels) each 6-week scheduling block (I do my call on weekends). It is absolutely possible to find a position that is strictly day shift; you just have to find the right place for you. And before everyone jumps in, I live in a smallish/midsize city, and this was true in MY area, but obviously is not necessarily true everywhere. All of the individuals that I spoke to swore that this particular hospital, a level 1 trauma center, would not and did not hire new grads for the OR. Not only did they hire me, but I've worked there for a year, and they continue to hire new grads on a consistent basis. The truth is that I was prepared to exhaust all possibilities to find the position that worked for me and my family, and I wouldn't let anyone tell you that you can't. Feel free to send me a message if you would like more feedback.