Straight into casual pool after graduating..

[Struth]

Hi all,

I'm a final year nursing student graduating in a couple of weeks. I applied for a graduate program but was told that I had not been selected, which lead me to apply for a casual pool job. I have an interview for it next week but I recieved an email yesterday telling me I had, in fact, been selected the graduate program (because out of the people who had originally been offered positions, many of them leave for jobs on the mainland, so the hospital works down the list of the lesser desirable candidates to fill positions). I dont know what I should do now. The rotations I have been offered aren't very exciting, and I figure I'll get way more exposure through casual pool, but my problem is, will this hinder my future options because I wont be getting extensive experience in one area?

Has anyone gone straight into casual pool after graduating? What was the experience like??

[morte, LPN, LVN]

casual is NO PLACE for a new grad....good luck

[MERRYWIDOW46]

Let me put it a bit more delicately.

Graduate Internships are designed to ease the transition from student to staff nurse. The rotations my not be appealing but they are not the end resting place for your career. That is the best part of nursing the ability to try on different areas and specialties. There will be didactic work and clinical experiences with staff, administrative, preceptor, and educator support for the time of the program and gradually advance your accountability and responsibility.

Casual Pool EXPECTS you to be able to float the entire hospital and all specialties usually. I do that now, and where I work no one with less than 2 years nursing experience is even considered. They expect you to be able to hit the ground running with minimal orientation time.

New Grads NEED to transition and have support. There will be things the first few years that you have NEVER practiced or seen in school. A good foundation from a Graduate Program will prepare you for that.

It may not be where you want to end up, but the support alone will be significant in keeping you in a wonderful profession.

Good Luck. I KNOW you will make the best decision for you and yours.

[mich321]

If you have a chance to be part of a new grad program/internship, take it! The first year of nursing is SO overwhelming. You will need the support! If you start in the casual pool, you will likely be on your own after a very short period of time. Good luck to you!