I'd give anything for 1 yr of experience. I got my license in April and started my job search that day. I have gotten to the point to where I am willing to take a position and work as an RN without pay in exchange for experience, fortunately I can still rely on the financial support from my parents (I have a non-nursing job but, I still live at home). I ran across a program or two that offered such positions like this while I was still in school, has anyone heard of any programs like this recently??

I have heard of such programs.

The one that I'm most familiar with operates through a local community college and places "students" (read new grad RNs) in local hospitals in order for them to get some real-world experience.

Yeah, it's called indentured servitude and it was pretty popular during the US colonial period. Don't mind me...I'm a frustrated grad too.

Keep in mind though that when a hospital says 1 year experience required it means 1 year paid as rn. Not to burst the bubble. It's tough out there

I would suggest that you check with the Memorial Hermann system in Houston, TX. They have developed a couple of very innovative approaches to helping new grads get experience. I believe one of them is a formal nursing residency program that only pays a stipend rather than full salary. It's worth a shot. If nothing else, they may be able to direct you to similar programs in other areas.

Memorial Hermann has RN fellowship program that provides 6 months experience on various fields of interest with stipends. It is a good opportunity to gain experience and networking.

Memorial Hermann is HARD to get into, too many applicants. I graduated with honors and have been applying there to no avail.

Does anyone know how much their monthly stipend is?

if you're from nj there's an unpaid nurse residency program at St. Clare's hospital. The next program is in January and they're interviewing in November.

seriously, this is exactly what I did after getting my license. I worked for free. ;-) Check your local communities for free clinics and see if they need any nurse volunteers. The hours are not many, and the experience was not skills oriented. but it was experience and I was building relationships with other medical contacts and it was a great experience. Put a little time in and you have some experience on the resume and hopefully also a great reference.

I also very much enjoyed the work they do and will continue there as my schedule allows. ;-)

Where do you live? Lots of home health agencies hiring in Dallas. The work's not that bad and at least it's a paycheck. and you can quit any day when you find a new job

MH fellowship: You have to pay a 500 registration fee if accepted. Kind of crazy if you ask me. But i guess the monthly stipend should makeup for it. I suppose. But experience is experience.

I hope you prospective new grads realize how big of scam it is to work for a hospital for free. I am not a anti government 99% vs 1% person, but you have to look at it realistically.

If the opportunity to work at a hospital is not there (as in you are not hired within 2-3 months of graduation) try to work there as a CNA or phlebotomist or monitor tech. It is much more reasonable to work there (as a non nurse) and have a good work ethic, which nursing managers may see, and may hire you instead. And you are being paid.

I have yet to have one good reason to work for free.

Just go find a job at a nursing home. You are guaranteed to have a job within a good month of applying. At least in California.