Jobs for Newly Graduated Registered Nurses

Hospital Nursing

• Currently, most RNs hold jobs in hospitals. Hospital RNs work in many different areas, such as oncology, trauma, critical care, surgery, and labor and delivery. New RN grads are qualified to work in most areas, but some, such as neonatal intensive care, will require previous experience and maybe an advanced degree. Certain hospitals have new graduate programs for RNs. New RN grads are paired up with an experienced nurse and receive on-the-job training in a specialty units like intensive care. New grad programs generally last about one year. New graduate programs are often called Post-Baccalureate Nurse Residency Programs.
  
  

Skilled Nursing and Rehab

• Skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers hire new associate-degree RNs as well as RNs with a bachelor's degree. Skilled nursing and rehab centers typically care for the elderly and disabled populations, and individuals recovering from a serious illness such a stroke. Many people in skilled nursing facilities are patients with Alzheimer's disease. New BSN graduates can qualify to be head nurses at skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities.
  
  

Home Health Nursing

• Many new RN graduates first job is in home health. Home health nurses care for individuals one-to-one in the home. Duties performed include chemotherapy treatments, wound care and case management. Private home health agencies and county home health programs are the typical employers of home health nurses. BSN nurses are preferred because of the community health education received.
  
  

New Grads Should Start Search Early

• Some new RN graduates are having a hard time obtaining entry-level nursing positions in certain regions of the country. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing advises nursing students to begin searching for positions early, and to broaden geographical boundaries. The job search should also include jobs outside of the hospitals, as health care trends are shifting more toward outpatient care. Look towards ambulatory care centers, schools, home care agencies and businesses.