Two questions

[KELSEYPRICE]

1. Where is the best place for a new grad nurse to start out in the hospital?2. Any helpful tips on ways to study for the nclex?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

both questions are common to new grads, but are unique for each individual. If you do not have a burning desire to work in a specific role, then accept a job in any department. Chances are you will will change your mind at some point and move to another department or facility. Concentrate on learning to be a nurse, not planning your entire future.

As for studying, I hope your school has a learning lab. You need to concentrate on how to dissect the questions and determine what they are "really" asking. Some people find review courses helpful, but they distracted me. I did better on my own, but I practiced almost every day for whatever time I could devote to it.

Good luck in your quest!! Let us know when you pass.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

1. Wherever you are hired. Seriously...there's too many new grads out there competing for too few new grad jobs. If you are too finicky and keep holding out for the "perfect" job in the "perfect" specialty, you may find yourself an unemployed old new grad. That doesn't mean you shouldn't target specific specialities that you are interested in, but if you can't get an opportunity right away, don't fret: you can always transition to that area down the road. Also, it's not the career kiss of death if you don't land in a hospital for your first job. Again: too many new grads, not enough new grad jobs...so you may have to start your career off outside of the hospital box.

2. I did tons of NCLEX questions.

Best of luck.

[brwneyegrl46]

I'm shooting for a job in L&D as a new grad but will take anything. as far as NCLEX our program requires us to take Kaplan, which I've heard from other people is an excellent prep course. I plan to do that and some practice questions and not a whole lot else.

[lee2012]

Accept amy job given at first and decide later...