What was YOUR New Grad experience like, what to expect?

Published Feb 19, 2016

3 Posts

Hi everyone,

I'm about to graduate in May and have been looking up new grad programs. I live in California now but am willing to relocate. I'm interested in telemetry, ICU, ED, and NICU - still trying to decide but also thinking as I interview for programs eventually I'll decide. I'm interested in ICU because I do want to become a CRNA - not immediately after my time commitment is up (I'd like to get at least 4-5 years and even then, it could change depending on how I'm feeling by then). I've always liked telemetry, and ED was of course very interesting and fast paced but I feel like I'd need to be more experienced before working in the ED (but isn't that what new grad programs are for? :) And then I also had a great experience in the NICU and could see myself working there, but I don't know how I'd compare to students who have been working towards a NICU job for all of nursing school.

My questions are: Were/are you in a new grad program? What unit are you on? What has the experience been like (did you relocate, what are the hours and shifts like, what is your cohort like, are you happy with your decision)? If you are on a specialized unit, what influenced your decision? I'm basically just wanting to know your story, experience, and input - the more the better as I'm navigating through the search for myself, and also I do really enjoy reading about others' experiences.

Thank you!