Your First job as an RN

BETSRN · Apr 30, 2005

I have an idea in my head of the perfect job. I love newborn nursery, but it's just not going to be easy getting a job as a new graduate. I know that the first job I take doesn't necessarily mean I'll be stuck there forever, but I just wanted to hear from someone else that it's okay for your first job to not be your first choice.
That and if anybody is hiring for a newborn nursery/post partum position let me know, I'll relocate! :)

At least around here, you would be more likely to get a postpartum job as a new grad. It's a great place to start and gives you a feeling for nursery (well baby) as well. There is a lot to learn. You have to aquire your certification in neonatal resuscitation. PP is not too stressful. However, you have to learn a lot because you do a lot of PP teaching. You also have to become competant in breastfeeding basics.

Having been in maternal child health for 20 years and an LDRP nurse for over 12, I have to say that personally, I think mother/baby is boring: very boring.There is way too much sameness to it day in and day out. However, it is a great place to start if you ever want to consider high risk antepartum, L&D or NICU.

Best of luck in our career! I hope you love it as much as I do!

BETSRN · Apr 30, 2005

I have an idea in my head of the perfect job. I love newborn nursery, but it's just not going to be easy getting a job as a new graduate. I know that the first job I take doesn't necessarily mean I'll be stuck there forever, but I just wanted to hear from someone else that it's okay for your first job to not be your first choice.
That and if anybody is hiring for a newborn nursery/post partum position let me know, I'll relocate! :)

I realized that I didn't answer your question. Of course it is okay to NOT be in your first choice as a new grad. Get some good solid nursing experience under your belt. How about pediatrics? Whatever you do, you will gain good solid assessment skills as well as critical thinking skills. You'll need those no matter what you ultimately decide to do.

Good luck again!

allnurses Guide · Apr 30, 2005

There are many threads here about folks who went right into their speciality . . .. and the concensus is that the old adage about spending a year in med/surg is untrue.

Go for what you want - it is possible.

steph

sunnyjohn · Apr 30, 2005

OR, ICU, or NICU...

agape

AuntMeggie · Apr 30, 2005

I interviewed last week in the NICU and have my fingers crossed. I like it enough, but I'd much rather be around well babies then sick babies. Who knows, maybe I'll learn to love it. I just need to get over the emotional side. I'm a wussy and sick babies make me sad. I've been there all semester doing my 120 hours of senior practicum, so I already know all the nurses. If I don't get the job I'm going to feel really dumb!

BETSRN · May 1, 2005

I interviewed last week in the NICU and have my fingers crossed. I like it enough, but I'd much rather be around well babies then sick babies. Who knows, maybe I'll learn to love it. I just need to get over the emotional side. I'm a wussy and sick babies make me sad. I've been there all semester doing my 120 hours of senior practicum, so I already know all the nurses. If I don't get the job I'm going to feel really dumb!

NICU is EXTREMELY stressful. Don't jump in there without some shadowing time to make sure you can handle it. If it is not your thing, do NOT do it. You will have wasted valuable time.

BabyRN2Be · May 8, 2005

I'm in Tulsa and the hospital in which I work as a doula hires new grads for L&D, PP and NB nursery. I'm not sure if they only take BSN's (which means I have to kill myself in Chem I :crying2: ), but it is known to happen.

Best of luck and I hope you get your job w/o working somewhere you'd rather not. :)