What are the most common positions for new grads?

sjalv · Dec 10, 2013

This will vary widely from hospital to hospital, even within the same city/town. I have read time and time again here on AN that positions such as L&D, ICU, ER, etc generally require at least 1 year of experience. However, all of the major hospitals in my area have new grad programs and they hire new grads regularly, even in specialty units, because they like to 'mold' the new nurse to their standards. Of course, this is in Oklahoma where no one wants to live :)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 11, 2013

I know some terrific nurses in Oklahoma.

cjcaet · Dec 12, 2013

I think it's pretty common to do at least a yr of med- surg to get experience under your belt and then apply to s different dept. at least that's what I've seen most of my nurse friends do.

Dranger · Dec 12, 2013

I started as a new grad in ICU/PCU but the majority are on some med or tele unit.

Dranger · Dec 12, 2013

My question is that. Are we limited to certain areas or is it whatever as long as we meet the qualifications?

You are limited to what's available and its usually slim pickings...

springchick1, ADN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

I'm heading straight to the operating room.

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

I have an ER job waiting due to my background

Swellz · Dec 12, 2013

You are limited, but it depends on your background, your connections, and what is available. It is pretty traditional to get into med-surg for 1-2 years before moving to a specialty, but I know new nurses starting everywhere. I'm talking L&D, ED, adult and pediatric ICU, periop, you name it. I'm on a tele/oncology floor, and although oncology is technically a specialty, it is definitely one that is new grad friendly, in case you have an interest or see a job posting.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 12, 2013

according to our nurse practice act, you are "qualified" by virtue of a license. No one is born knowing this stuff. We hire to all units, but each unit has it's own orientation/training for new grads

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Dec 12, 2013

If you want to do specialty nursing, like I do (Trauma) I think you will need some experience plus cert in your specialty. Maybe I'm wrong. My plan is to take whatever I can get when I graduate, work on my BSN, get my certs.... then go for trauma.

Dranger · Dec 12, 2013

If you want to do specialty nursing, like I do (Trauma) I think you will need some experience plus cert in your specialty. Maybe I'm wrong. My plan is to take whatever I can get when I graduate, work on my BSN, get my certs.... then go for trauma.

Trauma is pretty broad and most ICUs or ERs for that matter don't handle trauma. I think trauma nurse is a misnomer. ICU and ED handle sick patients but trauma even in the most inner city hospitals isn't as common as you would think.