Employability of new grad nurses in Georgia

[ladymarfee]

I am just wondrin how are the new grad nurses in Georgia. What degree of difficulty you've been through in looking for a hospital job? How long since you've been looking for a job? Which part of the state has hospitals that hire new grad nurses?

[sweetER]

I am a new grad from a school in the Atlanta area and recently obtained a job in a level II trauma center's ER outside of the Atlanta area. I work as a tech at Wellstar until I start at my new job, but my advice for those who haven't graduated yet is to go ahead and get a tech job. The recruiter handling the new grad residency positions told me that anyone who already works there is pretty much guaranteed a spot in the new grad program. However, they are going to be hiring very few if any new grads in women's services, probably none in the ER or ICU unless you are a tech in one of those areas. So if your heart is set on one of those areas, and you're not willing to take any position, you may want to look elsewhere. Keep in mind if you do take a new grad position you will be required to sign a 2-yr contract. This is all exactly what the recruiter told me directly. I live a good ways away from Atlanta, and it just wasn't worth it to me to have to drive so far to work in an area that wasn't what I really wanted. I figured I would just keep working as a tech until I got what I wanted; I am lucky enough to have the means to make that choice. I know some don't. However, if you are willing to live outside Atlanta, (much lower cost of living anyway), or are willing to drive and just take the pay cut, it IS easier to get a job in the more rural hospitals in Georgia. The one I have been hired to does not have a formal new grad program, but they offer a very lengthy and generous orientation. Some will skimp you on orientation, though, so be careful. A friend of mine started at a 70 bed hospital outside Atlanta and was given 8 weeks of orientation for med surg. She's doing fine, but 8 weeks is kind of short IMO.

Be persistent when you apply - call them over and over (give them a few days- a week to call back of course) until you hear back and keep reiterating how interested you are in working there. Send a thank you note after the interview. Have answers prepared to the standard interview questions; it makes you look more confident. Whatever happens, though, keep trying! There is a job for you somewhere!

[GANurseKristi]

I am a new graduate RN with a BSN. I was just hired at CHOA. It wasn't hard at all but I do have 7 years experience as a tech. I just applied to a Staff Nurse position that didn't have a specified number of years experience required.

[cna to crna2b]

I took me a while to find a job as a new RN. After doing a lot of searching I finally found one. I hope things turn around there is only so long that new grads cant be hired until older nurses retire or find new jobs. Good luck!

[Highschoolfuturenurs]

How bad is it here in Georgia for new grads? Could your classmates find jobs too?

[MJB2010]

I am a new graduate RN with a BSN. I was just hired at CHOA. It wasn't hard at all but I do have 7 years experience as a tech. I just applied to a Staff Nurse position that didn't have a specified number of years experience required.

Were you a tech at CHOA or in peds? Just curious! Congrats on the job!

[pjp2u2]

I'm here in Atlanta and quite a few of my classmates already have jobs. Many were hired right into the units where they had practicum: 4-5 into Mother/Baby at Northside, 6-8 at Piedmont (Surgical Services, CCU, ICU, Mother/Baby), a couple at Grady, 8-9 at CHOA (Yay! That's where I will be :), and some hospitals are just now holding interviews(Emory, Gwinnett Medical) so I'm sure more will be placed soon! I'm sure there are more places but I can't remember them all now...

[Sosina]

Hello Guys, I just need advice on how to get a job as a newgrad RN in GA. I applied to different hospitals but no calls. So, would you please tell me how did you guys got a job as a new grad.

Thanks

[GGT1]

This probably wont help you much at this point, but maybe it will help those people still in Nursing school.... The key to employability of a new grad is to work while in nursing school at a local hospital. This is like a 2 year interview...and if you do a good job they a much more likely to hire a candidate from within.

[srobb11]

This probably wont help you much at this point, but maybe it will help those people still in Nursing school.... The key to employability of a new grad is to work while in nursing school at a local hospital. This is like a 2 year interview...and if you do a good job they a much more likely to hire a candidate from within.

I couldn't agree more. The best way to land a job as a new grad is to work as a tech/nurse extern/PCT during school, even if it's only during your last semester. That's how I got my job in the ER.

[WachRN]

Hey I have applied at CHOA as well and have 5 years of experience as a PCT. I am so happy to hear that you got a job there. I was wondering if you could inbox me ([email protected]) some kind of information that would help me get my foot in the door. (Manager's email etc.)

I did my capstone project on a NICU and I have PALS and ACLS! I want to work at that hospital very much. I applied to the new grad job a week ago and I was wondering if you could give me any info on what units are hiring or if there are any spots left for new RNs. I have my GA license.