What to do after graduation?

[mscor22]

Hi All,

Hopefully this subject hasn't been beat to death, I've looked but haven't found any existing threads pertaining...

I'm starting my third semester (4 semester program) of my BSN. The last 5 weeks of our fourth semester we have "transition". During this time we "transition" from a student nurse. We just have clinical during that time in one setting, following an RN. I've heard from grads from this program that a lot of times you can get hired where you've done your transistion.

Today I received an email from an instructor that they were soon starting on working on the transition assignments, what area do we want to work in after graduation...

BUT, I don't know what area I'd like to work in! I don't think I've had the clinical experience to decide! I've had clinicals on Transitional Care Unit(This is basically a LTC facility connected to the hospital), and LD-but we only got to care for a postpartum mom, so I don't feel like I really know what it would be like to work in this area. I did an externship on a step-down unit and really liked that. I worked with my preceptor and by the end was taking on a full patient load (4:1) I did really like working on that unit but worry that once I'm more confident and comfortable in my skills it wouldn't be as challenging.

Long term I have thoughts of possibly going back to get my CRNA so have been thinking of ICU, since you have to have experience there before getting into a school. I'm worried though about ICU being too intense/overwhelming for a new grad.

Any thoughts/insight/advice about a first job for a new grad would really be so so appreciated! :)

[Ashke]

Hi!

Not sure where you are located, but the message seems to be the same everywhere. The job market is pretty tough for new grade at the moment to the point where most are simply trying to get any job anywhere just to get experience. Once you have experience, it will be easier to transition into the area that you want. You may even consider volunteering in the area you want while working; I'm not sure how that works or if that is possible.

Since you are in your last year, I would do your transitional rotation in ICU, which is the tougher of the two areas that you like to get into. If you don't get hired by your last placement, it won't be too hard to get into LTC.

That is my advice based on my research thus far. Perhaps others will give further insight.

Good luck and congrats on being almost done. :)