Q for nurse managers hiring new grads

[oldiebutgoodie, RN]

Hello!

I apologize for double-posting this--I posted this in general discussion, before I realized there was a management forum.

I am a returning student (let's just say of vintage age) who will get my BSN from a large teaching university/hospital in June. (hopefully!) I am toying with the idea of getting a patient tech job one or two days a week. However, I currently have a great gpa, and don't want to wreck it, since I will apply to grad school as soon as I can.

So my question is,

What do you look for in hiring new grads? Do you feel Patient Tech experience is good? Or is it good grades?

I have 25 years of work experience in another field (computer technology), so I don't really need to prove that I can hold a job. And I'm not sure that becoming an expert at bed baths and vitals will help me be a better nurse. However, I am getting tired of sitting in the classroom, and maybe being on a hospital floor would at least let me watch procedures that I have not been able to see or due during clinicals, and I would get time management experience.

What do you all think? I appreciate your advice!

Regards,

oldiebutgoodie

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

I'm also "vintage" and I just graduated--took the NCLEX yesterday, as a matter of fact.

I'm surprised at the number of brush offs I've been getting.

On another thread, there was reference to age ("over forty" which I, like, passed 11 years ago!) being an employment issue.

So I'll be interested in seeing what the NM's have to offer too!

Thanks for this thread, oldiebutgoodie!

[llg, PhD, RN]

I am one of those people who thinks that nursing assistant positions are not a necessity for every nursing student. However, in your case, it might be helpful -- depending on what type of experience you will be getting and what type of nursing job you plan on applying for.

If you will be able to get a nursing assistant position on the same type of unit that you hope to work on as an RN, then it would be helpful for you to experience more of the "real world" of nursing prior to graduation and to demonstrate that you can physically handle the demands of the job. Sometimes, older new grads have trouble staying on their feet for an entire shift, lifting patients and equipment, rotating shifts, etc. and don't realize how physically demanding the job is until they actually do it. The experience might teach you things about yourself (and nursing) that will help you make a good choice about employment later.

On the other hand, if your opportunities as a nursing assistant will not mirror your nursing goals very well, then the experience will not help you all that much -- nor will it demonstrate to potential employers that you can handle the RN job.

So... like a lot of things ... "It kind'a depends"

llg

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

As a nurse manager .... I am consistently happy with any applications from RNs.! I do not worry much about new grads that have no tech or CNA experience and I am certainly not concerned about age! Most nurses that are applying for positions are getting older anyway. My biggest issue is with attitude and willingness to learn and be a part of the team. I have always said that I can teach competence, but I can not teach a person to care!

I hope this has answered your question. Let me know if it did not.

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

patrick, can I come and work for you?

I've been so disappointed at the reception I've been getting (you're lovely and I hope someone [else] hires you real soon).

This morning I put a feeler out to that hospital in south Texas that the big flap was about here a while back--the big sign on bonus and then the big disappointment when you get there.

I already live in Texas. Fire ants don't scare me. I'd like to learn Spanish and if all the other nurses speak it, I guess that's a quick way to learn. I figure if they let me work 6 days on and 8 days off, I can swing that for four years. DH will have to figure out how to heat up his supper on the days I am at work.

About caring? I was born caring. Nursing? I have a 4.0 (I even bring my transcript with me). Skills? My school is one of the few with a final clinical exam. You don't graduate until you pass it. So, yeah, I can do the nursing stuff.

I have six months of more than full time as an extern on an ICU. I've got good skills, I've got management experience for later on. I am a "superuser" on the computer and actually prefer the automated, computerized methods that so many nurses are anxious about.

You'd think they'd be interested in somebody like me.

I'm feeling a wee bit rejected.

They say the DFW market is a tough one to break into.

I'm finding that out.

On the upside, I do have an appt at 9 on Monday, at a hospital way downtown. But if you are working 7-7, traffic isn't a big problem.

We'll see.

Meantime..... got any openings, wherever you are? I'm serious.

[debRN0417]

As a nurse manager .... I am consistently happy with any applications from RNs.! I do not worry much about new grads that have no tech or CNA experience and I am certainly not concerned about age! Most nurses that are applying for positions are getting older anyway. My biggest issue is with attitude and willingness to learn and be a part of the team. I have always said that I can teach competence, but I can not teach a person to care!

I hope this has answered your question. Let me know if it did not.

I agree completely! Very well said!

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

patrick, can I come and work for you?

I've been so disappointed at the reception I've been getting (you're lovely and I hope someone [else] hires you real soon).

This morning I put a feeler out to that hospital in south Texas that the big flap was about here a while back--the big sign on bonus and then the big disappointment when you get there.

I already live in Texas. Fire ants don't scare me. I'd like to learn Spanish and if all the other nurses speak it, I guess that's a quick way to learn. I figure if they let me work 6 days on and 8 days off, I can swing that for four years. DH will have to figure out how to heat up his supper on the days I am at work.

About caring? I was born caring. Nursing? I have a 4.0 (I even bring my transcript with me). Skills? My school is one of the few with a final clinical exam. You don't graduate until you pass it. So, yeah, I can do the nursing stuff.

I have six months of more than full time as an extern on an ICU. I've got good skills, I've got management experience for later on. I am a "superuser" on the computer and actually prefer the automated, computerized methods that so many nurses are anxious about.

You'd think they'd be interested in somebody like me.

I'm feeling a wee bit rejected.

They say the DFW market is a tough one to break into.

I'm finding that out.

On the upside, I do have an appt at 9 on Monday, at a hospital way downtown. But if you are working 7-7, traffic isn't a big problem.

We'll see.

Meantime..... got any openings, wherever you are? I'm serious.

Chris - I am sorry you are having such a hard time breaking into the job market. I am assuming that you are a new graduate? If so, have you tapped the resources of your friends, classmates as well as instructors?? I am always very involved with the students when they come to my floor. I am very approachable and that makes students very comfortable with me. It also helps them if they are interested in seeking a job at my hospital. Because I know them so well from their rotation on my floor, I generally know their skills and whether I am interested in them for employment.

I woudl recommend that you talk with your faculty members and see if they have any suggestions. I know that most of my opneings are now filled via word of mouth. My staff and nurses like working for me, so they tell their friends and ...yada, yada, yada! But that is how I am filling openings (which I am happy to report are few and far between right now). But, if you are ever in this neck of the woods, PM me and let me know!

Good luck and let us know how you do on Monday.