New grad relocating to Chicago

netglow, ASN, RN · Apr 30, 2011

I am sorry to tell you, the job market for new grads is extremely poor in Chicagoland. Yikes. We have so so so many new grads, and yet not enough positions to handle even a fraction. Maybe you could get some work at a store or coffee shop? I'm not kidding, hopefully you planned or saved some living expense money. Chances are very slim for a NG in Chicagoland. Just look at the link below, and you'll see the sheer amount of graduating nurses we have a few times a year.

http://www.nursing.illinois.gov/education.asp#ACCREDITED

haitianrn · Apr 30, 2011

the previous poster is right.The new grad RNs i see end up at nursing homes very unhappily so not by choice. I don't know why it seems that so many new grads want to come to chicago IT IS NO DIFFERENT than any other job market now

rnspark · May 1, 2011

The new grad job market is not bad if you are willing to do your time in a nursing home. Not everyone can start off as a new grad in the icu and er. Its not impossible to do so but there are limited spots for these positions as a new grad. I understand that a nursing home is not ideal for everyone, but its better than being unemployed and getting no experience. In my icu, we consider nursing home nurses before the new grad at this point in time.

netglow, ASN, RN · May 1, 2011

Yes you have a point. But, the sheer volume of nurses is the problem. Remember that nursing homes do not employ many RNs ratios being 1:20-40 usually. The nurses that would like to move on from LTC to hospitals often cannot as many lower or entry positions are taken by nurses already in the hospital system, as well as many hospital positions will only hire if you have previous acute care (hospital) experience. This means that LTC positions do not "turn over" like they used to. It's not just inexperienced nurses who are having problems finding work in Illinois, I've talked with many experienced nurses interviewing for entry positions and getting them. Hospitals are fine with not needing to train people so, they often fill "entry" positions with experienced acute care nurses since often they can find an unemployed nurse willing to work for the lower pay, who needs minimal orientation.

The OP from her post, is planning on supporting both of them, coming here without a job in hand. It's important she gets a straight answer from us so she can find some kind of a back up plan. That is why she came for advice. Good Luck OP.

beavetron · May 12, 2011

while they are all very right, it is not hopeless... i am a new grad who came from ohio to illinois last year and i was able to find a job by the end of september (i passed nclex in early july). you just have to apply a lot, getting a certification like an acls doesn't hurt, and go to any job fair you're invited to /hear about. You sort of just have to be willing to take anything... a start anywhere is a better start than none at all

Lizzyb3185 · May 12, 2011

Thank you all for your responses I appreciate the responses and the optimism when offered. I really would rather not work in a nursing home but I will if I have to. :) just one more question... Does level of education make a difference in the job market? I am in a program for student who already have a bachelors in a different field, so I graduate with a BSN + a few masters level classes that they call an MN ( master of nursing). I know the answer is still probably "no". But a girl can hope right!?!

Thanks again for your input!

beavetron · May 14, 2011

are you sure you are getting a bsn and not a cnl? at the school i went to if you already had a bachelors in something unrelated, you could get a cnl for your RN but it was not the same as a bsn.

but anyhoo some places do look for higher degrees! i have an associate's degree but it made a difference to my job that i had some classes done towards my bachelors... it shows motivation

Lizzyb3185 · May 14, 2011

Yes it's actually a MN but they describe the program as a BSN + masters level classes making it an MN. Thank you so much for the response! I appreciate you saying something positive and giving a little hope that I will be able to find something :)

Lizzyb3185 · May 14, 2011

I know most have said the market isn't great but can you point me toward any specific hospitals that are more likely to hire a new grad than others? I would like to be able to narrow down my focus if possible and really concentrate on the hospitals where I have a shot. Also any nursing homes, preferably ones associated with hospitals that would be good to apply to would be appreciated as well. Thank you all for the feedback! It's been great to have so many honest responses to help give me a feel for what I'm getting into.

chicago_RN · Jun 21, 2011

Your situation sounds exactly like mine. I graduated from nursing school in December 2010 and moved to Chicago in January because my husband is up here for law school. Like a good nursing student I started looking for a job last September and had a really tough time. I have my BSN, I worked as a tech at Children's Medical Center of Dallas while in school, and I speak Spanish and none of this seemed to matter. I applied to close to 100 jobs in Chicago and all nearby subburbs and only received 2 interviews in a 9 month period. I finally received a phone call yesterday from a hospital with a part-time job offer and of course accepted. But, considering I graduated in December and have been looking since last September, I'd say the market up here is pretty terrible unless you have a lot of connections (I had none) or experience. I know how you feel having the pressure to provide while having a husband in school. Best of Luck! Use any and all connections you have because I found simply applying to hospitals online to be a dead end with volume so high right now. You can message me if you have any questions or anything! Something will come eventually!

smiley93 · Jun 29, 2011

Hi All,
I am currently in school in Ohio and will be graduating early to mid August, my husband has been accepted to school in Chicago and we will be relocating soon after I graduate. How are the jobs looking for new graduates? Where should I look and what should I expect? I am interested in pediatrics and L&D but will obviously apply to anything if they are accepting new grads. Please help! I will be the only income and we dont have much time between my grad date and his start date.
Thank you in advance for any and all advice/help.

Have you checked out Swedish Covenant?

https://tbe.taleo.net/NA6/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=SCHOSP&cws=1&rid=450