Where should a new graduate nurse start working?

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Hello! I am having mixed emotions on what department I would like to work at as a new graduate nurse. What department do you think a new nurse would benefit starting from and why?

First some of this has to do with your age your ability and what you like to do. I have heard the BS about starting on the floor. I would have to disagree with this because I have been an ER nurse and started in the ER 25 years ago. Floor nurse mentality ICU mentality ER mentality are totally different I find that training a MedSurg nurse to be an ER nurse is like training a chicken to fly almost impossible. Some nurses that graduate from an RN program should never work any place but a nursing home others can do whatever they want Just because you are an RN does not mean you are as capable as a nether graduate RN. Look for something that you like because it will help you learn better but sometimes you might have to except a job just to have one as a new nurse After you have your six months or a year start looking if you cannot find one where you are at you may have to move. Good luck there are thousands of jobs out there be careful of ones where the nurse manager just doesn't care or the people that you work with don't want to help train you

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
Athlete2bNurseBSN said:
The market isn't as bad as everyone says it is. I and MANY others landed great jobs well before graduation.

You are only speaking for your locale. You should not presume to speak for the rest of the country.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Athlete2bNurseBSN said:
The market isn't as bad as everyone says it is. I and MANY others landed great jobs well before graduation.

It is in CA and NYC/Philadelphia metro area. Even in Boston

It all depends on where you are in the US.

Not all facilities can precept a new grad in specialty areas. Look and see what is available in your area. Your local facilities may have student internships for nursing students that can get you good exposure and lead to full time opportunities post graduation (or give you an idea where you don't want to work). Some places offer extended orientation in specialized areas OR, LDRP, ED, critical care other facilities would not consider a nurse without 1-2 years acute experience. Know your market

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I never said the market was bad in fact I think the nursing market is fantastic I only advise them that there is no point in starting in MedSurg maybe you should go back to school and get a degree in management also if you were going to give advice without reading what is there

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Specializes in PICU.

Apply to programs that have a new grad residency, find an area that you are interested in, ICU, ED, L and D, Mother/baby, psych, med-surg, neuro, NICU, PICU, etc. Wherever you start you will hone in on time management, work flow, medications, assessment skills, etc for that field. If you change fields ICU to ED, Med surg to ICU, you will have to learn a new assessment, time management set. Every unit has their own unique pace, so wherever you pick will be good for you. Don't just settle for something just because of others beliefs.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
Davidspeicher said:
I never said the market was bad in fact I think the nursing market is fantastic I only advise them that there is no point in starting in MedSurg maybe you should go back to school and get a degree in management also if you were going to give advice without reading what is there

To whom are you responding?

You're awfully quick to pick a fight. Unfortunately so many new members are these days.

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