The "perfect" job...aimed at students & new grads

7 What do y'all expect from a job? What are deal breakers that you won't tolerate? What do you think are reasonable expectations?

Some places stink. There's nothing redeemable about them.

But, most places (and it's different for everyone) have pros and cons. You have to decide what is worth putting up with in order to get the other things- and the sooner you do this before graduating, the more you'll know when you interview (like if the interviewer says you have to rotate to all shifts, but you know that won't work for you, then it's done- you don't work there if they offer a position). Literally write a list out.

You will not get all you want- first, because they don't exist (unless you work at some fluke institution) and second, you're a new grad. There are a lot of places where the current, long term employees get the choice of open shifts- which is how it should be; they've shown their loyalty already...you just got there

Just some suggestions
When i applied as a new grad i felt like alot of places i was being taken advantage of. One hospital, for an ER position night shift i was being offered 18.50/hr part time. I know i'm new but i believe i'm worth more than that. I can't even make a living much less pay off my 4 years of college school loans.i turned it down.

Quote from Jenni811When i applied as a new grad i felt like alot of places i was being taken advantage of. One hospital, for an ER position night shift i was being offered 18.50/hr part time. I know i'm new but i believe i'm worth more than that. I can't even make a living much less pay off my 4 years of college school loans.i turned it down.

I was pretty open minded... Only expectation was that I felt I needed to be in acute care. I was willing to move across the country, take a lower pay, yucky schedule (for a year or two), etc... I am very fortunate... Landed in a level 1 trauma hospital in my area on a cardiac floor. My employer so far as exceeded my expectations in support, benefits, pay, learning opportunities, etc.

Quote from LegzRNI firmly believe that no matter where you work in the US, an RN should not make less than $20/hr. Just my honest opinion.

Quote from xtxrnWhat do y'all expect from a job? What are deal breakers that you won't tolerate? What do you think are reasonable expectations?Some places stink. There's nothing redeemable about them. But, most places (and it's different for everyone) have pros and cons. You have to decide what is worth putting up with in order to get the other things- and the sooner you do this before graduating, the more you'll know when you interview (like if the interviewer says you have to rotate to all shifts, but you know that won't work for you, then it's done- you don't work there if they offer a position). Literally write a list out. You will not get all you want- first, because they don't exist (unless you work at some fluke institution) and second, you're a new grad. There are a lot of places where the current, long term employees get the choice of open shifts- which is how it should be; they've shown their loyalty already...you just got there Just some suggestions

I think a nurturing environment is essential for a job for a NG. It's so ironic that so many places are refusing to hire new grads and when they do, they don't seem to have a real cohesive training nor a mentor program - IMHO. This is just setting up most NGs for failure. Then the hospitals can point at the failure and justify their reasons for not hiring NGs.

RN student hereFirst thing I want is a shot at a hospital position to start in like MED SURG, ICU, ER etc. It does not matter what position just need a shot working in a hospital.Second thing I want is hospital system that has loan repayment or continuing education programs like Veterans Affairs does.Third is a competitive compensation package relative to the pay grade/scale of other RNs in the area. Calculating experience and education level in the equation.You guys think this is unrealistic or not?

I vote for unrealistic.In this economy and the abundance of new grads, the hospitals can dictate whatever they want and you have no choice but to smile and ask, "may I have another Sir!"Quote from kalevraRN student hereFirst thing I want is a shot at a hospital position to start in like MED SURG, ICU, ER etc. It does not matter what position just need a shot working in a hospital.Second thing I want is hospital system that has loan repayment or continuing education programs like Veterans Affairs does.Third is a competitive compensation package relative to the pay grade/scale of other RNs in the area. Calculating experience and education level in the equation.You guys think this is unrealistic or not?

Quote from ChuckeRNI think a nurturing environment is essential for a job for a NG. It's so ironic that so many places are refusing to hire new grads and when they do, they don't seem to have a real cohesive training nor a mentor program - IMHO. This is just setting up most NGs for failure. Then the hospitals can point at the failure and justify their reasons for not hiring NGs.

Here's what I want:I want a boss that is going to respect me.I want a facility that follows its own policies consistently.I want a safe acuity level.I don't want to be the only one who is there to work.I want nonjudgmental, non-gossipy, non-backstabbing coworkers who only criticize when I'm actually doing something wrong.I want patients that actually need to be in the hospital.I want to be paid reasonably.I want to get up in the morning and look forward to going to work.Pipe dream, I know.

Quote from tokmomThank you! I think this is a much needed post. I'm going to get flamed for this, but I will say it anyway. There seems to be a lot of whining from younger grads lately. They don't like their place of employment, their hours, their pay. They want to switch floors after 2 weeks because med/surg isn't for them, their preceptor is mean or the other nurses are mean. Yeah, I'm as old as a dinosaur, but I started with a job I hated. Why? Because it was a job! I was trash talked by the other RN's and dealt with it. I developed a thick skin and also listened to their constructive criticism when there was any. I made 6.50 an hour for the first 6 months and I never complained. It was hardly livable (this was mid 80's), but I knew this was temporary, this job was temporary. I counted down ever day, every hour until I had a year under my belt. After that year, I left and found a job I enjoyed. I knew I had to start at the bottom to get to the top, and I certainly didn't whine along the way.

I am a new grad (graduated in May). In today's economy I will take any position offered to me. All I need is my one year of experience and move on to bigger and brighter things. I have applied to open job in my area (over 200 applications since I graduated). Today, a job is a blessing.