Category Archives: First Job
Why Your Nursing Clinicals May Have Been Counterproductive.
In an article on the issue of nursing students being treated harshly in the clinical setting, one of the problems that the authors discuss is the fact that undue stress is being placed on the students. This has the effect of thwarting their learning experience by putting a strain on student-staff relationships which are an integral part of a student’s clinical experience (Levett-Jones 2009). read more …
Gaining the Experience Before the Job.
It’s a catch 22. As new nursing grads we are try to get jobs but are being told that we need experience. But to get experience we need jobs. The issue is how to create a portfolio which will show that you are not still wet behind the ears.
One practical tip is to volunteer in the emergency medical field. Volunteering at the local ambulance station can provide much of the same critical care experience that one would find in an emergency room. In addition to becoming comfortable with diagnosing and first aid, the emergency medical field is an experience which exposes you to higher stress than you’d find in the controlled environment of a hospital. I can tell you from firsthand experience that there is a noticeable difference between the new grads just starting on the floor and the nurses who’ve been in the field.
The second major advantage is read more …
Landing Your First Nursing Job
I was approached by a friend who recently graduated a nursing program. She told me that she applied everywhere but she couldn’t get in. I asked her if she applied to my nursing home. “A nursing home!? I want to work in a hospital!” was her automatic response. Apparently she had made up her mind that she wants a full-time hospital position and nothing less.
Hospitals are a great place to work. They provide diverse experience and develop critical thinking skills. However, not everyone can land their dream job right out of school. In an article entitled “Interviews and Statistics for the Healthcare Executive”, Deloras Jones, RN, MS Executive Director of California Institute for Nursing & Health Care projects that when the economy recovers there will be a mass exodus read more …
Interview with a Homecare & Group Home Nurse
Hi Nachama, thank you for taking time out for this interview. Can you describe to us your experience as a new grad in home service? How did you pick up your skills? Tell us about the ins and outs of your job.
So my first nursing job, I wanted anything because I needed money. I figured I would take any nursing job, continue to look and drop it once I found something else. I met up with a friend who said that the place that she works (a group home), needed nurses. I Told her I was interested read more …
My First Nursing Job
I was on cloud nine. A supervisor was behind my every move. I couldn’t make a mistake if I tried. I was confident and prepared. And to top it all off, I had all the skills I needed already sharpened from previous healthcare jobs.
After three days I was cleared to work with my own patients. My first night shift I worked with a nurse who had no patience for me and complained about me to the supervisor so that she could get another nurse to join our floor. Complaining about the new nurse is an easy way to get extra help. After that read more …
