What sort of job is best for new grad RNs? Benefits?

[jason4546]

Hi All,

So I'm in the LA county area in southern CA and was wondering as a new grad RN in his mid twenties, what sort of job should I be aiming for? One thing that concerns me is benefits. I've heard a county job has great benefits and VA hospitals also provide very good benefits. Are these the hospitals I should be aiming for versus private hospitals where the pay may be higher? Also what sort of benefits do County and VA jobs provide that others dont?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

In southern CA, one of the toughest markets in the nation, you should be looking at all of them. Apply for everything you can, interview like your career depends on it (it does) and pray you get an offer. I don't think you will have many choices of places to work.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

The job where you can safely make the transition from new nurse to critical-thinking nurse. I would look for programs that will safely onboard you (meaning they last months and not weeks).

Also - if SMS is right and you are able to move to a place where there is a genuine shortage your options may be better.

[CritterLover, BSN, RN]

If you do get options, go with the nursing unit with the most supportive environment -- the happiest staff, the ones who come together on a bad day to get everyone taken care of, the ones who enjoy teaching and mentoring. Generally that means a nice mix of new, intermediate and experienced nurses. Avoid places where everyone is either brand new or has been there forever. That tends to mean that new people move on after they've gotten enough experience and the experienced nurses that hang on do so because they are avoiding change. Those jobs can be hard to find, but if you do it is worth it to start off there (regardless of the type of unit) rather than looking for a specific specialty.