Travel nursing, agency nursing for new grads?

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

Say, I've read a number of threads about new grads having trouble finding jobs, and saying that they might have to do agency work or take a travel position.

How does that work? When I did a local travel contract I got one day orientation to the floor. Has anyone actually worked as an agency nurse as a new grad?

My agency required me to fill how an extensive skills profile, required employment history, plus the usual documentation of certifications and licensure, plus a drug screen. What is a new grad going to put on the skills profile?

Has anyone here actually been able to work as a new grad for an agency?

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

I would hope that a new grad would not risk their license by working in an agency after graduation. Most agencies are looking for experienced nurses not new grads who lack experience.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I agree Michigan. And, I thought the agencies had a big responsibility in screening their employees. I know they submit profiles to the hospitals.

At the hospital where I am new grads receive 3 months with preceptors. There's no way that a new grad could possibly march in and safely deliver care.

Yet, I've read new grads say that they will be forced to work agency if they don't get a job soon.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Yet, I've read new grads say that they will be forced to work agency if they don't get a job soon.

That's if an agency would even consider them for hire. Economy sucks right now. Lots of hospitals are not hiring so they'll save money.

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I don;t think the agency will take you unless you have at least a year's experience.

And the hospitals also have issues with accepting you unless you have experience.

Agency and travel nurses should be able to jump right in and do what needs to be done. New grads need to focus on getting accustomed to the nursing before they try agency.

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

That's what I thought, Diary.

Maybe the new grads who are saying this are just ill-informed and don't know the realities of the situation very well.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Maybe the new grads who are saying this are just ill-informed and don't know the realities of the situation very well.

I don't think it's a question of "maybe". They are ill-informed. Its the same situation if a new grad wants to work per diem or in the float pool. Both of which they are unqualified to do because they lack the experience.

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I think that is exactly the problem....

Nursing school prepares you for the job.. but then there is still a large learning curve once you graduate and start working.

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
That's what I thought, Diary.

Maybe the new grads who are saying this are just ill-informed and don't know the realities of the situation very well.

Exactly.

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