RN Grad to externship or first job?

[Ashley1640]

Hey guys! I have a question regarding what to do after I finish school and receive my RN license.

1. Do I look for an extern/intern-ship, or do I look for my first real job?

2. Most entry level RN jobs *require OR prefer* at least a year of experience.. so.. How do I get experience?

A little about me:

I live about 30 min north of Houston, TX. I will be starting nursing school (ADN program) through Lone Star College Kingwood in two weeks. I plan to continue my education, but preferably not on my dime (hopefully my future hospital job will reimburse me to continue education). I'm not 100% sure of a specialty as of yet (CRNA, NICU, Cardio, and Trauma all interest me), but I definitely plan to work my way towards my MSN.

I just need an idea of my future. I'm a planner.. and right now I only have the next two years planned to start and finish my ADN. Any suggestions/recommendations are more than welcome!

[Atl-Murse]

Internship = first real job . Either of the 2 will do

[ED Nurse, RN]

No one is going to 100% foot the bill for your education- you're still going to have to pay. Why do you think so many of us are in debt up to our eyeballs? We all wish someone would pay for our education.