Finding a peds job as a new graduate

Specialties Pediatric

Published

Hey there,

I'm graduating in 36 days! :dncgbby::dncgcpd::dncgbby::dncgcpd:

Things sure have changed since I started down this road two years ago, hiring bonuses and nursing shortages. I'm in the SF Bay Area, and there are practically NO jobs for new grads right now. And for someone committed to pediatrics, like me, the pickings are even slimmer. I had been hoping to stay here in the Bay Area and work at Children's Hospital Oakland, but think I need to be open to moving in order to get a job in peds. So I'm looking for some advice from y'all!

What is the best way to get a job out of area? I've been around a while, and know it's all about networking, which is hard to do when the jobs are in Texas and WDC! Any other great job-finding ideas? And of course, if you know of any hospitals hiring new grads for pediatrics, let me know!

Thank you!

Rob

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Specializes in PEDS.

gosh..i'm in NJ and I really really want to get into peds. thats the only place i know if i get in i'll give my all 100%. i love love love peds. I'm a may 09 grad and i'm becoming miserable. I just dont want to jump at any job because i'm afraid i might end up getting fired because of lack of interest. this already happened at a nursing home job i lost after a month because i was getting bored. please any nj nurses working in peds help. I also applied for a PA and NY license. i'm willing to drive the distance JUST to get into peds.

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Specializes in peds palliative care and hospice.

I work in mass as a new grad.

For people that are graduating in may...try looking at camp jobs. The pay isnt great, but its alot of fun. That is what I did - camp nurse and then I was offered a peds LTC position. It is good but i would like pedi onc at some point.

Also, Palmetto childrens in Columbia SC hires new grads on occasion. Not sure if they have any openings right now or not tho...

good luck!

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Specializes in pediatrics, oncology.

Hopkins!

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Specializes in PMHNP, Faculty,.

Maybe consider working in a pediatric doctors office? I'm a new grad in Mass and recently started working part time in a pediatric office. It's a great start, and is easing me into the role of a peds nurse. I'm getting more comfortable with all of the basics and relating to the kids and their parents. A lot of days we're super busy, but I always get to take a lunch break (big perk!) and I love it so far. As I eventually want to pursue my PNP it's ideal for me right now. There really aren't hospital positions around here right now, and I was thrilled to get offered a nursing job in peds!

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I was hired as a new grad into Pedi. They were interviewing me for Postpartum and when I expressed that my real interest was in Pedi or NICU, I was told that they just had a Pedi position open and it was mine. I've been working there since Aug 2009 and I love it!!! Couldn't dream of a better job. :) I work at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas. Not the prettiest part of Texas (the desert), but I love the people here. Good luck!

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Hello. I realize this is an old thread, but thought I'd share my experience.

I applied for a PRN job with a doctor's office close to me that was owned and operated by a large peds. hospital in my area. The hiring office manager said she did not care I was a 'new grad.' because they REALLY NEEDED SOMEONE. They interviewed me, liked me, and they told me they would train me. I got the job. They really needed someone and I was interested, so I got it. In all likelyhood, a new grad. would probably NOT get right in.

I worked there PRN at the office and kept looking for other jobs within that peds. hospital network. I just landed a better job (more hours) with the actual hospital on an acute med/ surg unit which will give me LOTS of good experience and a great foundation as a new peds. nurse.

I JUST LUCKED OUT REALLY. You may have to do PRN at first, but once you get in, you can move up. GOOD LUCK!

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How early should May 2010 graduates start applying for pedi jobs or any jobs in general? Any tips or hints in regards to landing jobs?

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Specializes in peds palliative care and hospice.

in regards to when to apply...yesterday. Many new grad positions for summer are being hired for now or

may have already filled up. Do what you can and something will come up.

As far as how to get a job...basic interview techniques. I never had any really hard questions, but be prepared for prioritization (pain never killed anyone, but resp. stuff does!). I worked as a cna on a hem/onc floor and I

sold that the best i could as far as experiance goes, and was unoffically offered a peds hem/onc position(i didnt end up taking it :( ).

good luck!

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Thats not what I was hoping to hear. I will be graduating in May 2010 and as soon as I graduate I will be moving out of state and taking the NCLEX in the new location. I am nervous about finding a job there, but I too would love to work in Peds.:redpinkhe

I am moving from Kentucky to Harrisburg, PA. It's great being a military wife.

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How early should May 2010 graduates start applying for pedi jobs or any jobs in general? Any tips or hints in regards to landing jobs?

NOW!! would have been better a month ago but if you havent started get on it now! I graduated last May and had my NICU job lined up in January

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Specializes in Trauma Med-Surg.

Hey Peds Nurses,

I'm in need of some pearls of wisdom from both newbie and veteran peds nurses. I'm applying for a peds new grad position in southern California and I need to find the right words to express why I want to be a pediatric nurse. Here my dilemma, I know why but I'm not overly articulate when I comes to getting down on paper.

I have the same old story that every other new grad has who wants to work in peds. Love the patient pop, family care, psychosocial interaction, dynamic environment, challenging patient care, etc. I just need something that will knock the recruiters/managers socks off as to why I want to be a peds nurse.

Anything that could help me out would be greatly appreciated. THANKS :)

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@deliverator,

I have an interview for CHOC CVICU New Grad on Tuesday. Can you give me any information? I'm rehearsing some basic interview questions. Should I focus more on behavioral/situational questions? Did you have a 1-1 interview, group, or panel? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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