Hi Jed, Thanks so much for agreeing to chat with me! Can I start by asking if you did a grad program when you first became an EN? Before you transitioned.
Yes I did a 12 month EN grad.
And then when you graduated as an RN am I right that you decided not to do another grad program?
Yes correct. I was already working casually as an EN so just swapped over on to an RN casual contract to begin with. The grad program was full time hours and I didn't want to work full time so decided not to go down that path.
The full time requirements seem to be a common issue for grads. How did you find the transition from EN to RN. Did you get any extra support whilst you learned your new scope?
No none at all. I remember feeling very unsupported as an EN grad as well. I think back then RN grads were much more of a focus and still are if I'm honest. Also the RN grads were given fixed term contracts straight after their grad whereas ENs were given casual only. I don't know about now. There seems to be a bit more support for grads across the board now but having said that I don't know how EN grads are finding it. My hospital takes 8 RN grads and 2 EN grads per year. I think they've increased the number of RN grads being employed in response to nursing shortages and exodus of senior staff. I don't know if they've increased the number of EN grads. It was the fact that RNs have more opportunities that was part of the reason why I converted from EN to RN.
Do you think you were disadvantaged by not doing an RN grad year?
As an overall balance no, I'm very good at making my own learning opportunities and networking for other career opportunities. But I will say that I think had I done a grad year opportunities would have come easier and smoother. I don't think I would have had to 'prove' myself as much if that makes sense. But I'm proud of having done the hard yards actually - I think I'm a better nurse for it. I've seen some grads come through who are not the best nurses to be honest and they are given a job based on being a grad rather than on merit sometimes. I've also seen grads display an attitude of not having to work as hard because they're guaranteed a job.
And do you have any words of advice for any grads out there who didn't get a grad position?
Yes definately. A grad year is not the be all and end all. Nursing journeys take many forms and as long as you are willing to work hard and prove yourself you can be just as successful if not more so than those who secure a grad. Be flexible, be willing to learn always and most of all be resilient. Don't take every knock back as a defeat but as an opportunity to learn and move in the direction you want and sometimes the direction you least expect. And finally, don't be afraid to move sideways to get ahead 
Thank you so much for sharing 
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