In Case of an Emergency...

People always say that nursing is one of the best professions to have because they are needed everywhere and finding a job would be a piece of cake. I too was under that impression. After graduating nursing school and passing my boards I couldn't wait to get out in the real world, have a real career, and make real money. My plan was to get settled into the house and go down the street to the hospital and get a job. To my surprise, since I was a new graduate they required an extensive new grad training program that had just started a month prior and the next one would not start until February of next year. I was devastated because I knew that I couldn't start a 6 month program being 8 months pregnant and having to take time off in between that time. So I looked around for what seemed like forever and I kept coming across the same issue, new grad + no experience = not hireable.

Finally I decided to look at a nearby town and check out their hospital to see if maybe, just maybe, they would be willing to train a new grad. I contacted HR and was pleased to find out that they did in fact train new grads. I soon had an interview and I just found out that I got the job! I will be working in the Emergency Room, 12 hour shifts, 3-4 days a week, from 7pm to 7am. Although I'm not necessarily thrilled about working the night shift, I am super excited about having the opportunity to work in the ER since new grads are usually not placed in a "specialty" area. The ER is a great opportunity for me to see various groups of people, from infants to the elderly, and apply my critical thinking skills. I can't wait. I just hope that I am able to adjust to the night shift without too much difficulty and that my pregnancy will not be an issue during work although I know that by the end of it I will be waddling down the halls.