Questions questions and more questions

[gomezja]

Colorado bound!! I am actually from Colorado but just finished nursing school in New Mexico. I graduated in August and just sent in all my paperwork to the board of nursing in CO and signed up with Pearson Vue, my question is this, should I wait to start applying for hospital positions or "apply away" now?

Second-for newer grads, how long did it take to find that "magical" new position at a hospital or healthcare facility alike?

Third-I've thought about volunteering or applying as a CNA to get my foot in the door to "any" of the hospitals in the Denver area, would anybody recommend this in order to network?

I really appreciate any insight.....

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Honestly, you probably should have already started applying. I don't know what the job market is like in Colorado but, in my area, any new grad who waits until after graduation to start applying for jobs would be SOL. But, since you didn't, yes start applying now.

I would not expect any hospital to hire you as a CNA once they know you've already graduated from nursing school. They know that you will be seeking an RN position and that you will leave before you're actually useful to them.

[gomezja]

Oh good, I actually started applying to several residencies last month and other non-residencies a couple weeks ago. August is such an awkward graduation date.

If you do not mind me asking, how long did it take before you found your job? Did you apply to positions even if it preferred experience?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

I applied for one job only. I was hired into the floor where I did my senior preceptorship and I had my offer within about 2 weeks of the director finding out I was interested. I had my offer in March of my senior year, graduated in May and started my job in September (by choice). This was in 2007 when the job outlook was much better for new grads.

[gomezja]

Thank you KelRN215....keeping my fingers crossed! Have a good one..