Taking a job that isn't clinical, mistake?

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I graduated in May and passed my boards, I haven't been able to find anything. I have applied in neighboring states, in the north east. I have done everything from PRN to FT at hospitals, assisted livings, behavioral, substance abuse, you name it. Nothing. It's pretty bad here. I have a family friend who pointed me in the direction of a job working in medical records and another as a care manager. Not clinical at all, in fact I'm pretty sure the 1st doesn't require your RN license but that is helpful. Is this a huge mistake? Part of me thinks yes, the other part of me sees my bills on the counter.

Just looking for some thoughts on this. By the way, I'm currently going for my MSN right now to become an APRN. Should be done in 2 or 3 depending on my status, and if I find a job.

Any insight at all would be appreciated... just looking to weight my options. :snurse:

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

Unbelievable how bad the market is for new RN's. Are you in. APRN program now? Then that should be your focus. Which jobs would help you excel there? Although the jobs you mentioned are not hands on clinical, you would learn about health care. Maybe talk to some people at your APRN program for more advice.

From what I have read on all nurses, you do not need RN experience to succeed as a APRN. And like you said, there are bills to pay..Best wishes!!

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Being a new grad with no luck myself, If I were in your shoes I would take the job. Bedside or not you still need to be able to make a living and pay your bills. At least you would be working in an RN role and have some RN experience to put on resumes. I would keep the job and still be on the hunt for a per diem bedside job. Good luck!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In my area of the country, no one will hire an APRN without clinical experience. The "AP" means advanced practice... difficult to see how this can be valid without first mastering basic practice.

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Thank you guys, appreciate the insight. I have actually heard similar things (mixed things) about whether or not clinical is required to be an APRN. In my area, I have seen a lot of positions posted for an APRN or PA and new grads accepted without clinical experience. I mean, I get why you should have it obviously but this isn't my choice. All of the hospitals around me have lost millions the past 4 months. So, I bit the bullet and applied to the ones I found that were research based and not clinical. Only the ones that required an RN license, so I didn't feel like I wasn't using it at all.. haha. When will this "shortage" actually begin?

:banghead:

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Specializes in Thoracic Cardiovasc ICU Med-Surg.

Sorry but I would never want to work with an NP who hadn't already worked as a nurse first.

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Specializes in Aesthetics, Med/Surg, Outpatient.

Id take the job available to help with the bills, as it might lead to the one you really want as an RN. I have a friend thats a new grad RN and she has kept her clerical job and work PT as an outpatient RN. This isnt ideal but its a start. All the best

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Sorry but I would never want to work with an NP who hadn't already worked as a nurse first.

Aren't those PA's?

:p

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Plus if we're licensed aren't we obligated to act if an emergency occurs? This might cause some liability issues, no?

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blackvans1234, best comment ever
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Plus if we're licensed aren't we obligated to act if an emergency occurs? This might cause some liability issues, no?

Not in the positions I'm looking at, none of them are a step back in terms of licensure (i.e. not a CNA or SNT position)... they require a license but they are more knowledge based than clinical (working for insurance companies, etc). no clinical at all. that's why I wasn't sure if I should do it or not... if someone codes it would be me, because I'd be working from home or in a small office lol

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