"New Grad" LVN per diem?

[mr.hustle]

I am a new grad LVN here in the Bay Area of CA.

Because of how the economy is, it is really hard to find a full-time job as a new grad.

But there are many companies offering per diem assignments, should I take it?

If I work with a registry per diem for atleast a year, will that be considered as one year experience?

[Melshaneah]

As far as whether or not your should take the per diem jobs that is up to you. The question is, do you feel you possess enough skill and critical thinking to be able to walk into a facility with absolutely no orientation and function as a nurse? I am still considered a "new grad" and could not find a job when I came to California. So I worked flu clinics with one registry and began to do Skilled Nursing Facilities with another.

It is stressful and it is a trial by fire. Understand that each time you step into a facility as a "registry" nurse you place your license on the line. It is not impossible for a new grad since I do it daily and do it well. But it is hard, stressful, and a continual learning experience. Many new grads cannot make it as a registry nurse because they become overwhelmed and disheartened.

If you choose to do it my advice to you is to know your patient rights and use them daily. Pay very close attention to any and all medications you are giving and that you take BP's when required and DO YOUR BLOOD SUGARS. Remember when to call the doctor and remember that when it doubt CALL THE DOCTOR worse they can do is yell at you and just let it roll off your back.

The majority of the jobs they will give you as a new grad will be Skilled nursing facilities where you will be a med nurse for the most part, however you will be required to do treatments and chart....as long as you can read and have common sense these things wont be an issue. However, if a registry tries to put you in the hospital as a 'new grad" registry nurse DO NOT DO IT. Do not take any job you feel is above your skill level.

And yes it does count toward your years worth of experience....any job you do that has the title "NURSE" attached to it works toward experience...however, it will not be ACUTE CARE experience unless they put you in a hospital or such....and I wouldn't recommend that until you have more experience under your belt.

The things to remember to have completed before you leave a facility as a registry nurse is medications, treatments, charting, and make sure you have signed everything off and endorsed whatever needs to be endorsed to the next shift. Most facilities may not orient you but they will make sure you know where everything is and what is expected of you for the shift (ie treatments, charting, meds.)

Ok I have rambled enough, hope some of that helped your.

Melissa

[mperalta_88]

what registry hires new grads? please message me privately and let me know? i am too looking for a job.

[Melshaneah]

Can't Private Message guess I haven't posted enough. Maxim is one.