Be Open to Alternative Opportunities (LPN)

00:01 Let's get real here. Let's talk about managing your expectations as a new nurse.

00:07 I hate to break it to you, but it is okay not to get the exact dream job you want initially.

00:15 This happens sometimes, especially if you want a certain area, like pediatrics for example or something very specific.

00:24 As a new nurse, its way more important that you're in a place where you feel comfortable, supported, and know will be a good and supportive, positive learning experience for you.

00:37 I assure you, every job you take there is something to learn from it.

00:42 One thing to think about though is that most places have a hospital policy that you can't transfer departments before six months or sometimes even longer, so just keep this in mind. Really, we do this because this keeps from getting a new hire nurse on and then they just immediately leave if they don't like it. It takes a little time to adjust as a new nurse.

01:04 Also for the unit, believe it or not it's very expensive to orient a new nurse to the unit, so they want you to stay. A great piece of advice, be open to the experience.

01:19 What you don't want to do though is tell the hiring manager when you interview, I really didn't like this job, but it was open and I'm going to transfer in six months, not - not a great idea. But, this will do for now.

01:33 You might be surprised that once you stay on that unit, invest in it and look for opportunities, you may actually want to stay there.

01:42 I get this question a lot with senior students looking for jobs.

01:46 I tell them everything I just said above. I actually just had this lately.

01:51 I had a nursing student that's a fantastic nursing student.

01:54 She came into my office for an office visit and she was super panicked because all of her peers have gotten jobs in the ER, ICU for example.

02:03 She, however, wanted pediatrics.

02:06 Now, where we're from, the pediatric job pool is small, so she was like, "What do I do? Where do I go? Where do I interview?" And the main thing I told her is that there is benefit to be gained in every position that you take.

02:21 You'll be surprised, be open to the experience.

02:24 Go to the job interview, shadow on the unit and something may click for you.

02:30 Here's another piece, any nurse that graduates in nursing school and starts their job, I don't know hardly any nurse that's in the exact same position on the exact same floor as when they started.

02:45 Many nurses end up exploring so many other areas, and guys, that's the beauty of nursing.

02:51 However, for your first gig, be open and positive about the opportunities you do have.

02:58 Now, as an LPN, if you decide to bridge from an LPN license certificate, or licence to an RN later, this may also open up potential opportunities for you as well.