Difficulty getting new grad RN job?

U.S.A. Georgia

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Hey everyone. I was curious what the job opportunities are like in Atlanta for a new grad RN. Did you face any difficulty as a new RN with no experience finding employment in Atlanta area hospitals?

As a new LPN, I'm finding many doors closed because I have no acute experience. Do RN's face this same problem? Do you have to "know someone" at the hospital or already have a foot in the door at the facility before they look at your resume as a new grad RN?

The reason I'm wondering is: I'm planning to finish up my RN next year through Excelsior, and I'm worried that I won't be able to find a job when I finish!!! Despite what everyone says about the "nursing shortage", it seems to be quite challenging to find a job.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Family Centered Care, Med-Surg.

I just moved to the area so I can't speak for all Atlanta hospitals but I work at Northside and it seems that they aren't hiring LPNs much anymore. However for RNs it seems like there's tons of opportunities.

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I personally had no problem finding a job as a new grad in fact got the 1st job I applied for. I guess it depends on what area you would like to work in. I chose pediatrics and work at CHOA. Our hospital is really short so we are constantly hiring. My mom works at Northside hospital across the street and they are also very short.

Some hospitals hire new grads during certain times of the year when they know students are graduating. The bes thing to do is apply for jobs the semester you graduate.

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Specializes in Did the job hop, now in MS. Not Bad!!!!!.

You can have mine. I quit yesterday.

Check out Northeast Georgia Health System. It's in Gainesville and it's 'bout an hour north of Atlanta. #1 Cardiology hospital in GA, but everyone inside the Perimeter thinks it's St. Joe's. Altho, I'd take St. Joes anyday. This place is old, w/ antiquated facility, and thinking.

If this hasn't given a glowing report already, check out: http://www.nghs.com/

They'll take on anybody and I thought that meant they welcomed new grads. Really it just means they have a high turnover. Hmmm....I was the 5th to leave my unit in the 8 weeks of working there!!

Good luck

Chloe

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Specializes in Telemetry/General Surgery.

I really had no trouble finding a job. I really got hired before I graduated and passed the NCLEX. Maybe the fact that my mother worked as an RN there for so long helped out, but I digress, ;).

Henry Medical and Southern Regional are hiring LPNs. I know it's not in downtown Atlanta, but it's something.

Wish I could be of more help.

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Specializes in LTC Occupational Med,Internal Med.
I really had no trouble finding a job. I really got hired before I graduated and passed the NCLEX. Maybe the fact that my mother worked as an RN there for so long helped out, but I digress, ;).

Henry Medical and Southern Regional are hiring LPNs. I know it's not in downtown Atlanta, but it's something.

Wish I could be of more help.[/qu

Does Gordon help its students find jobs??

Thanks

"The Hopfull One"

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Specializes in Telemetry/General Surgery.

No, not really. But it'll be very easy for you to get a job at Grady's or Southern Regional's ER's. Gordon is a reputable school, and there is a need for us. You really shouldn't have a problem.

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Hi dmarie,

I'm an RN with only 4 months experience and now out of work for 10 months. I'm also immigrating from Canada though.

I am having alot of trouble finding work. There are less New Grad programs out there now and they are accepting fewer people. I don't know if being Canadian makes it more difficult, but it shouldn't because a Visa isn't an issue.

It may be different a year from now though. If you can make connections as an LPN and then find an RN job in the same institution I think you will have no problems. I'm guessing connections are everything. Also, be as well certified as possible. Do the extras so you stand out.

I hope that helps.

Tristan

Hey everyone. I was curious what the job opportunities are like in Atlanta for a new grad RN. Did you face any difficulty as a new RN with no experience finding employment in Atlanta area hospitals?

As a new LPN, I'm finding many doors closed because I have no acute experience. Do RN's face this same problem? Do you have to "know someone" at the hospital or already have a foot in the door at the facility before they look at your resume as a new grad RN?

The reason I'm wondering is: I'm planning to finish up my RN next year through Excelsior, and I'm worried that I won't be able to find a job when I finish!!! Despite what everyone says about the "nursing shortage", it seems to be quite challenging to find a job.

Thanks!

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Hi,

I'm sort of a New Grad and I'm having a lot of trouble finding work as an RN. I was wondering if you could give me the names of the unit managers at CHOA's NICU, Medicine and Burn units. I'm applying for the January New Grad program and I need to make contact before so I stand out.

My situation is different to most peoples because I graduated in June 2008 in Canada, did a 4 month New Grad program there and then moved down to Atlanta with my husband. I missed the Jan/March New Grad programs here because it took so long for my licensing documents to transfer and then I couldn't do the August New Grad programs because my Wedding was right smack in the middle. So, now I've been unemployed for 10 months and people still don't want to hire me because I'm too inexperienced. My RN job was in Peds, I did my pre-grad internship at the CHOA equivalent in Toronto and not to sound too high on myself, but I'm a good nurse!

Any help would be awesome. Thank you so much!

Tristan

I personally had no problem finding a job as a new grad in fact got the 1st job I applied for. I guess it depends on what area you would like to work in. I chose pediatrics and work at CHOA. Our hospital is really short so we are constantly hiring. My mom works at Northside hospital across the street and they are also very short.

Some hospitals hire new grads during certain times of the year when they know students are graduating. The bes thing to do is apply for jobs the semester you graduate.

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