Registry nurse....is this advisable for new grads?

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jul 1, 2011

I notice that we are in different countries, so you might want to ask for some local opinions, but it sounds dangerous. Here in the US, this type of job is only for experienced nurses. At the hospitals, they will give you a quick tour of the unit (restrooms, supply room, etc) but they expect you to be comfortable and efficient with the basics of ICU nursing care. Not a good idea for a new grad unless it is very different in your location.

neil890123 · Jul 1, 2011

I notice that we are in different countries, so you might want to ask for some local opinions, but it sounds dangerous. Here in the US, this type of job is only for experienced nurses. At the hospitals, they will give you a quick tour of the unit (restrooms, supply room, etc) but they expect you to be comfortable and efficient with the basics of ICU nursing care. Not a good idea for a new grad unless it is very different in your location.

thanks for the heads up eric....and ummmm im from the phil but im here in california now so what im talking about is the USA settings......yeah thats one of my concerns...i dont really know whats the set up and im having second thoughts but still this one is a sure job......im thinking on just applying for the new grad program...but i have to ask the one who offered me to clarify what im really going to do....thanks for the heads up Eric! and thank you for giving me an idea what a registry nurse is

Genista, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2011

I would not do registry as a new grad. Basically, you will float to various hospitals and different units where the culture and environment is different every time, different staff and doctors, etc. and nobody knows you. I think one of the best parts of being a newbie on a floor is having a stable set of coworkers and stable environment as you learn all the policies and procedures, routine, etc. and form relationships with your coworkers, whom you depend on as a team. As registry, you get minimal orientation and are expected to function full speed ahead with virtual strangers versus as a "new grad orientee" on a hospital unit, where you get several weeks of orientation and your team learns to know you and you them. I'm not sure I would want to do registry even now with over 12 years experience. I think you would set yourself up for failure. Maybe try that later on, after you are solid on your skills (or not). ;-) Good luck!!

neil890123 · Jul 3, 2011

thanks for the advice guys...ill try looking for jobs in the hospitals again....maybe the registry will be my last resort if i cant find a job >.

MollNick · Jul 12, 2011

Whatever area of nursing in the hospital you want to work in, look for an internship in that area. You will receive the best training there. As for the registry and working in an ICU as a new grad, you will be setting yourself up to potentially put your license in jeapardy, hurting a patient and getting DNR'd from the hospital which means 'do not return' because you are expected to know how to take care of often times extremely sick patients on the same level as their experienced RN's already there. There is not a new grad anywhere who would know how to set up a chest tube system or PA catheter all by themselves without help from another nurse. Would be great to have the extra hands available for emergent situations but sometimes this just doesn't happen. Good luck on your decision.

You will soon enough find out that you will be the only one gaurding your nursing license.

Nierdo · Oct 23, 2011

my first job was a new grad in a registry and let me tell you.... its hard business when ur new and even HARDER when ur a registry.

my most important advice to you is to 1)make sure they give you good training. your company knows you are still a new grad so they should supply you with some sort of company orientation AS WELL AS an extensive hospital orientation. 2) get insurance... if your company does not cover you for malpractice 3) try NOC or graveyard shifts first where there is downtime for you to adjust to your new role as an RN. 4) know your limits when to say no to pt loads that are too hard for you. and 5) limit yourself to one hospital or one clinic where you can establish yourself, skills and knowledge...

its not gunna be easy but it is doable.the registry company NEEDS to takes care of you bottom line.... be extra careful

hope this helps!