New to Denver...New to nursing.

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

Hello everybody,

I just graduated from an ADN program in NC and moved to Denver a couple of weeks ago. My boyfriend and I were planning on moving to Wisconsin after my graduation, but at the last minute moved to Denver instead (long story). Since our decision to move here was VERY last minute I didn't do any research on the job situation before I came here.

I have sent all of my paperwork to the CO Board of Nursing and am waiting for my authorization to take the NCLEX. In the meantime does anyone have any advice for me on getting a job?

It looks like most of the hospitals only have New Graduate orientation programs twice a year... and I just missed the summer one.

Does anyone know if I have any chance of getting hired at any Denver area hospitals before the next New Graduate orientations in December?

Also do you know if I can/should apply anywhere now, or do I need to wait until I pass my NCLEX?

Thanks,

p.s. I have left messages with quite a few HR people/nurse recruiters.. but haven't gotten much help.

I am a new grad nurse as well and I just moved to the Denver area. I passed my boards in MN and got my CO lisence by endorsement before I actually moved. I got hired at the first place that I applied to. There are jobs available; I was very determined and worked hard at contacing HR and getting my resume and license to them. I think a lot of it has to do with determination and how you present yourself.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

I, too, graduated with my BSN from MN -- have my IL-RN license with an endorsement for a CO license.

I have received various job offers -- but with some extensive networking and tenacious phone calls to the HR department. After much deliberation I finally accepted two of the offers (one being a new grad program, the other a part-time/PRN position).

Still, I somewhat resent your comment. I have been in contact with five hospitals in the metro-Denver area since Sept. 2007. All of them stated that although my resume is impressive, they are more apt to hiring new graduate students from within the Denver-area (whether it be due to student experience within their facility, or an agreement to hire from a specific university). I have been determined, as well as the fact that I present myself very well and have a solid nursing background (internships, Capstone placement, etc.)...but my search was still overwhelming...

Congratulations on your position and good luck.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I am not a new nurse, but relocated to the Denver area about 10 months ago.

Personally, I found the HR departments city-wide to be less than helpful! I have NEVER (in 29+ years of nursing across the country) been told to "Go home and fill in the online application first. We can't do anything until you do that first." Talk about the tail wagging the dog! This happened at 2 different hospitals. It took a lot of persistance and an insider to get me contact info for a nurse recruiter before I finally landed an interview.

I had worked in Denver for about 10 years once before (15 years ago), at several different hospitals, including Univ. of Co. This time, the recruiter there wouldn't even give me the link to the web page showing what jobs they had available.

When I did finally get an interview, I asked the Nurse Mgr if the nursing shortage here was not too bad, since the various HR departments did not seem very welcoming towards an experienced ICU nurse. She was surprised and a bit horrified at her HR dept's behavior.

Bottom line - whatever works out with your NCLEX/license issues, you will need to be persistent in pursuing work in this area. Do be persistant, and don't be bashful in asking for any other nurses you meet for a name and phone number of the nurse recruiter where they work. Once I got that, it got a LOT easier.

:wink2:

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Hey good info thanks. I am also from out of state and planning on working in Denver when I graduate which is the end of this year. Any other words of advice. Also do you know that starting pay for New grads and for what departments are in demand?

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Specializes in Psych.

Emi-chan,

Thanks for your willingness to help others. I am moving from Florida to Denver, and will get my CO license by endorsement after passing the NCLEX in September.

I should have no problem getting a job as a psych nurse as I have 11 years experience (just not as a nurse); however, it appears in this forum that it may be harder than I thought. If you could direct me to names of hospitals, facilities, organizations that I could call and persist with, I would appreciate it. My population of choice is children and adolescents, but I would work with adults if I have to. As long as it is psych/behavioral health. This would greatly help me in my job search. You are the best!

Joni (Emus14)

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Emus14,

You're welcome -- in all honesty, I would like to help as much as I can. It was very time-consuming process and if I can help -- great!

I am also intersted in Psych nursing and I my primary Psych experience is with children and adolescents (there are not many of us!). If you want to stay with Psych -- I would definitely look into The Children's Hospital at Fitzsimmons in Aurora. I have been in contact with the HR department since September and have come to know a couple of the Nurse Managers quite well. I know for a fact that, currently, the Adolescent Psych Unit is in need for staff.

I will be working at the VA hospital on the Psych floor. I chose this position due to the uncomparable benefits that the VA offers -- I start this Sept. (I recently passed my NCLEX -- Good Luck!)

Overall, as you know -- Psych positions are available... Like we both know, not many individuals find Psych to be their "dream job." I should see no problem with your search if you are interested in Psych. When applying, most facilities were very eager to hear about my experiences and internship.

If you have any other questions -- let me know. I am currently in Chicago and am making my move in a couple weeks. Hopefully we're making the right move! :)

-Emily

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I have heard really great things about Denver Health being open to new grads. When I searched their site I saw a lot of jobs open for "Staff Nurse", and I have no idea if that includes new grads! .

Re: Denver Health: Formerly known as Denver General. You need to do your application there online first. *** Make sure you apply for anything you might be remotely interested in all at once. If you see 4 different possible positions for staff nurse on 4 different units, apply for them all!!! If you are not accepted for the only position you apply for, YOU MAY NOT APPLY AGAIN FOR ANYTHING FOR ANOTHER 3 MONTHS! Went to the school of hard knocks on that one.

Also - their interview process involves a telephone interview. They are not screening for what sort of a nurse you are, they are doing some sort of personality profiling to see if you will be a good fit in their hospital. Some of the questions baffled me - 'do you see yourself as a caregiver or a sales person?'. I said caregiver, then the question came up again later. Guess I answered wrong. 28 year history in Critical Care and I didn't fit the profile, go figure. The interview is conducted by someone who is trained on how to do the interview, often not a nurse. You don't get to meet anyone who would talk to you specifically about the potential position until you pass this part of the process.

So - if you choose Denver Health, buff up on your skills to sound perky and positive and energetic by phone or you won't get past 'GO' and collect your $200, lol!

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Hi Bluehair,

Thanks for the advice on DH! I have my phone interview there tomorrow! I've never experienced anything like this before.. so any additional advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in Triage, MedSurg, MomBaby, Peds, HH.

Oooh, just want to say GOOD LUCK!!! You'll do great!

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:yeah:God bless & good luck:up:
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