Where Do I Start??

1MOM2RN · May 18, 2008

congratulations on passing the boards!

i am as new to this as you are, but i will answer what i can since no one else has answered yet! :)

yes, apply to those jobs anyway! hospitals would "ideally" like to have experienced nurses, but that doesn't mean they won't hire you. apply confidently!

i think you would have an easier time finding a position in long term care, but i would only recommend going that route if that's a career you'd be interested in pursuing. if you really want a job in an acute care setting, i would suggest you stick to your hospital job search. there are a different set of skills used for each environment.

as for the personal Liability Insurance ... 'fraid i'm going to have to wait along side of you for someone to answer that. i can tell you that nso.com is the one i found to be most recommended, though.

i start orientation at my new job tomorrow. if i get any information on insurance, i'll come back and pass it on.

good luck! :nurse:

otterridge · May 18, 2008

I just graduated May 10th so I know how you feel. Congrats on passing the NCLEX!:nuke: I have worked in the healthcare field for 24 years but not as a nurse. I interviewed in hospitals, doctor's offices and long term care. I almost took a job in LTC because of the pay but waited it out and got a job in a hospital in ICU. Be patient and look at all of your options. There is a job out there that is perfect for you. Don't jump at the first offer and check out all of the benefits and perks-not just the pay. Good Luck!!

RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P · May 19, 2008

FOR SURE apply any place that you want. what can they do? tell you no? i am sure you have been told that at some point in life, like we all have. they may "prefer" 1 yr exper, but that doesnt mean they wont like you better, or mesh with you better and offer you the job over even the experienced nurse!

I would start with ins now, then when you get a start date everything will be in place for when you need it. then all you have to do is say when.

GL! and Congrats!!!

allthingsbright · May 19, 2008

I applied to every nursing job open that interested me BEFORE I even graduated--and I got my "dream" job in OB.

Apply away--you are an RN now! :)

Jules A, MSN · May 19, 2008

Just wanted to say congratulations! :yeah:

anonymurse · May 19, 2008

I buy my own malpractice insurance from NSO. Dirt cheap at $47/year. Had it as a student, added coverage as an aide (no additional charge), converted to RN (same low price). I know my hospital covers all its employees. But suppose a conflict comes up between the hospital's convenience/wellbeing and mine? I want a company behind me that doesn't have to choose sides between me and my hospital.

ann945n, RN · May 19, 2008

Apply to any job that interest you if you meet the education requirements. Like other posters said lots of the qualifications they list would be ideal canidates but most will never fill them with such people due to the shortage. My job wanted a nurse with at least 5 yrs exp but took me a new grad.

Get malpractice insurance. Never work a day without it! There is a great article in this months AJN that discusses malpractice and while hospitals do cover employees they will not cover you if you do not follow protocol. That means unless you have memorized every protocol for every nursing intervention listed on the hopsitals website then you will not be covered. And you better believe the hopsital will investigate every thing you did and drop you like a rock if you havent followed procedure to a T. Thats why never depend on your employers insurance. My insurance is 100 a year for 6 mill in coverage 1 mill per case up to 6 cases a year. As well malpractice will protect you in a legal case against your BON to protect your license (if you get reported) which is more common then actually getting sued by a patient. Your employer does not protect your license against the BON. It just makes good sense in my book.