New Grad Positions Question???

[everyday6/12]

I feel stupid asking this question but I simply do not know if New Grad positions are paid and how much they pay?? How long do you work as a New Grad and when is your probation over?? Thanks for making me not feel stupid? I just got into Nursing school and am too scared to ask this in class.

[waterpaint]

One thing you should remember for nursing school or any school at that, is that no question is a stupid one. Always ask especially if you're in question.

New graduate positions are paid depending on what state you're applying for, as well as the hospital. Some hospitals require you to do an internship program prior to getting hired. This is something you need to ask the hospital of interest.

Again, each state is different as well as cities/areas. I know that NYC is paying 70K whereas upstate new york is paying about 45K a year. You can look up the different rates online.

Each hospital or institution is different. Some allow new graduates to work, and others require you to take the NCLEX exam and get your license first. More and more hospitals are leaning towards hiring only those that had already passed their exam. The hospitals that allow new graduates to work for them generally have about a couple of months of "probation" where you follow a preceptor. Each hospital has a time limit as to when you need to take that examination. Once you pass that examination, your title of new graduate (GN) changes to Registered nurse (RN).

With the economy being bad right now, it's really hard for new graduates like myself to get jobs. They're looking at hiring experienced nurses only.

My recommendation to you is that you research the hospital of interest NOW...do an intern/externship with them so that you have some sort of a guaranteed job after graduation. Hopefully the economy will pick up by then.

Best of luck to you!

[BBQvegan]

I graduated in May and have been working as a new grad since June 1. I started applying back in January. Upon being hired, I was given a 12 week Orientation period in which I work with a preceptor. I am finishing up my 12th week now, and will be on my own next week. My title was "RNA" or RN Applicant until I passed the NCLEX. Then I became an RN, even though I am still in orientation. At the 90-day mark (next week), I will be evaluated. Hopefully my employment will continue. I am not eligible for a pay increase until one year from when I was hired.

I like the suggestion from the above poster about trying to get an externship while you are still in school. It gives you experience which will make you a more attractive candidate when applying as a new grad. However, do not thing that it means you are guaranteed a job with that hospital. Even though a hospital offers an exciting summer program, does not mean they will have any jobs open after you graduate. So, get that externship anywhere, then apply for new grad jobs everywhere. Good luck!

[everyday6/12]

Thanks and great suggestions!! When is a nursing student eligible for an externship?? When I apply, do I specify this on my resume?? Can you explain the process??

Thanks so much!! jlnewnurse

[BBQvegan]

You are usually eligible when you are entering your senior year of nursing school (when you have 1-2 semesters left). Most programs are for 10 weeks during the summer. Applications are often due anywhere between October and February before that summer. So, go ahead and start researching. When you apply, there will likely be specific questions about your status on a special application. My experience was at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Check out their website for more info. I know they have the program at their main Minnesota campus, as well. There are lots of programs around the country. Get to investigating!

[everyday6/12]

You are usually eligible when you are entering your senior year of nursing school (when you have 1-2 semesters left). Most programs are for 10 weeks during the summer. Applications are often due anywhere between October and February before that summer. So, go ahead and start researching. When you apply, there will likely be specific questions about your status on a special application. My experience was at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix. Check out their website for more info. I know they have the program at their main Minnesota campus, as well. There are lots of programs around the country. Get to investigating!

What website would you recommend?? The only websites that I am finding new grad and externships are hte websites linked to my Community College. Or do I go to the Hospital websites??

Sorry to be so needy,

jlnewnurse

[everyday6/12]

What website would be a good place to research?? The Va Hospital's or Teaching Hospital's? Or is there a general website?? The Nursing resource websites from the schools seem to have a new grad link, but no externship/internship info. What do you know??

Thanks...........JLnewnurse

[BBQvegan]

Yes, just do a search for "nurse externships" for a good start. Look at individual hospital websites. I was interested in oncology, so I found programs at MD Anderson in Houston, MSK in NYC.... Also, Mayo has a program on many different units -- not just oncology. I had a classmate do an externship in St. Louis at Barnes-Jewish. Just search far and wide. Good luck!

[everyday6/12]

thanks sooo much :1luvu: !!! jlnewnurse

[everyday6/12]

Another question for anyone??? Do the hospitals advertise externships in their websites or do you have to ask for one if you develop a rapport while student nursing at that hospital???

thx