Should New Grad work for Agency/private duty

Published

I dont want to but I need to have a job. (what Im making now isnt cutting it) Ive been applying to jobs and will continue but in the meantime, Im considering applying to an agency or two. Will they consider that Im a new grad and place me accordingly? Does anyone know? Also, how do you get to work private duty? Please anyone, thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg.

No and do not accept the job if you do.

Find a job in acute med surgical, even if its a long commute. You need one year or close to it before doing agency. Im also sure they require some sort of long term experience, maybe find a part time job in both?

After you have the one year of experience (pref acute med surg) you will have little trouble finding a job, unless your area is severely overpopulated with nurses :p

In Florida at least that is not the issue.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, Orthopedics & Public Health.

I agree, don't go to an agency until you have some experience under your belt. I worked at a hospital as a CNA while going to PN school, so I felt comfortable about taking a position in a clinic once I graduated. But if I would not have had that experience I would have never taken the job I have now. I still work at the hospital as a PRN LPN. And if they call me, I will go and work just so that I don't forget those skills.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree. I don't think it is a good idea for a new grad to work for an agency or private duty. I know that the money is enticing. They seem to pay you the most. However, you have to remember that you are all alone at these places and you are by yourselves if you need to ask a question.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree with all of you!! However a friend of mine did just that before she landed her first job. Prior to that she was a CNA. I probably will not go that route but ...like I said...getting a little desperate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I worked home health during my first year on the side. It was a pediatric trach patient. The agency knew that I was a new grad, and they gave me what I needed to know for the case, then, I went to visit the client while the other nurse and the mother was there. I saw that I was able to handle it within reason and accepted it. I don't advise this for everyone, though. I took a chance and was fortunate that the girl was stable. It was good money, learned respiratory care, so, now, I am no longer afraid of it, but again, I would rather get some bedside experience first. At least someone else is around to assist at a drop of a hat if needed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Im in total agreement with you. Glad it worked out for you. If I decide to go that route due to necessity I wont bite off more than I can chew. Im not trying to lose my license...

I worked home health during my first year on the side. It was a pediatric trach patient. The agency knew that I was a new grad, and they gave me what I needed to know for the case, then, I went to visit the client while the other nurse and the mother was there. I saw that I was able to handle it within reason and accepted it. I don't advise this for everyone, though. I took a chance and was fortunate that the girl was stable. It was good money, learned respiratory care, so, now, I am no longer afraid of it, but again, I would rather get some bedside experience first. At least someone else is around to assist at a drop of a hat if needed.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.
I dont want to but I need to have a job. (what Im making now isnt cutting it) Ive been applying to jobs and will continue but in the meantime, Im considering applying to an agency or two. Will they consider that Im a new grad and place me accordingly? Does anyone know? Also, how do you get to work private duty? Please anyone, thanks.

sweetie, agency don't hire you without experience and they don't train new grads. you have to come in with experience. and besides its not a good idea starting out with agency.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know it isnt a 'good' idea. A friend of mine did work for an agency without experience (we live in the same town,state). That was her first job. Ive seen that some agencies require experience though...one agency wanted me to work for them ( I declined). I wanted to know though just in case.

sweetie, agency don't hire you without experience and they don't train new grads. you have to come in with experience. and besides its not a good idea starting out with agency.
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Some agencies will hire you with no experience, its just that they expect you to leave your nest and fly for the 1st time without falling or any help. Sort of like do or die tryin. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Some agencies will hire you with no experience, its just that they expect you to leave your nest and fly for the 1st time without falling or any help. Sort of like do or die tryin. Good luck.

So in other words they dont care..... wowserr

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion