Hello everyone, I am a new graduate nurse from an ADN program, and I need your help and advice. I recently landed a job at a hospital in my area, which is 3 nights a week in the med surg/telemetry unit. The position is scheduled, but without benefits.
Today I got a job offer for a nurse specialist position at the urgent care department a prominent clinic branch in my area. It is a full time position, AM, full benefits and perks, and excellent training.
I feel extremely lucky that I got two job offers after weeks and weeks of no luck, I know a lot of people applied for these positions because in my area these kinds of jobs for a new grad are gold.
Would you go for a night job with no benefits (and lower pay) for the sake of gaining hospital experience. Or would you take the urgent care job because it is AM, full benefits, better pay, and save the hospital experience for later? Please help!!!
Btw, i want to eventually become an NP (prob family or women's health).
As a fellow new grad who is trying to choose a unit out of three options... Pick what makes you happy and gives you the most job security. Hospital experience is important for your future--what are your goals?
Specializes in hospice, LTC, public health, occupational health.
Hospital experience is important for your future--what are your goals?
This is not universally true. I may go back to school and become a RN someday, but after what I saw working as a CNA in a telemetry unit, I will die happy if I never work acute care again. There are literally hundreds of ways to be a nurse, and most of them don't require hospital experience. Hospital work is a small slice of available nursing experiences and I get really tired of it being trumpeted about as the end-all be-all of nursing.
Thanks eveyone for your input, I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. I made up my mind, and will take the Urgent Care job. Now I see it clearly, it Is a no brainer. Thank you!!!
Essential functions as a registered nurse specialist:
Administers prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with nursing standards demonstrating positive outcomes in patient care.
Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient patient care.
Maintains exam rooms for necessary supplies and materials. Ensures cleanliness.
May prepare equipment and aid physician during treatment, examination and testing of patients.
Observes, records and reports patient's condition. Documents and reports reaction to drugs and treatments to providers.
Educates patient/family about diagnostic procedures, medications, nutrition and maintenance of health and wellness.
May be asked to act as a team leader and coordinate nursing care for patients in the home department.
Triages to ensure appointment preferences are given to patients in emergency situations.
Greets patients and prepares them for physician examination. Screens patients for appropriation information.
Responds to, documents and refers incoming patient treatment-related phone calls. Instructs patient and family regarding medications and treatment instructions.
Maintains/reviews patient charts, records and other pertinent information. May post test and examination results.
Adheres to all policies and procedures.
Maintains strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA.
Must thoroughly understand and follow established policy and procedure under minimal supervision as well as make decisions within established clinical nursing standards.
Participates in department quality improvement, clinic safety, infection control and hazardous materials programs and activities.
Exercises discretion and maintains high level of confidentiality.
Performs related work as required.
It specifies that 1 or 2 years of experience are preferred, but new grads are welcome.
Sounds like "Registered Nurse Specialist" is just marketing mumbo jumbo for a regular staff nurse position. Personally I find this kind of puffery embarrassing for our profession. That being said, set hours and insurance pretty much makes it a no-brainer. UC will be a great learning experience.
Take the Urgent care job - obviously it's the better of the 2. All nurses don't have to have hospital experience nor do all nurses want hospital experience. Hospital jobs will always be available..jobs like you have been offered in the urgent care clinic, not so much.
Sounds like "Registered Nurse Specialist" is just marketing mumbo jumbo for a regular staff nurse position. Personally I find this kind of puffery embarrassing for our profession.
"Clinical 1" and similar being the other end of the spectrum, and as embarrassing - in a "thanks for nothing" kind of way.
Rainbow_RN, BSN, RN
1 Article; 75 Posts
As a fellow new grad who is trying to choose a unit out of three options... Pick what makes you happy and gives you the most job security. Hospital experience is important for your future--what are your goals?