How's the job market?

none the wiser · Jan 23, 2011

You might want to call the hospitals and ask whether they're hiring new graduates and how they handle it, because I have found the hospitals handle it different ways.

The recruiter at one hospital told me to apply anyway. One told me there was a special new grad application I had to fill out and THEY would get me interviews and place me somewhere I wanted to work (I found this to be the easiest). One told me they hire new graduates in some positions, but that I just had to keep my eyes on the site. So far, with this one, I have not seen one internship come up.

I had 2 interviews set up before I graduated, and most of my friends who applied 3 months or so before graduation had jobs. I'm hoping to accept a position this week. In the grand scheme, the job market here is better than a lot of places. :) I am in the Columbia area.

I heard there was a new hospital opening up in Charleston...a Bon Secours I think.

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Jan 23, 2011

Thanks for your reply. Your post made me feel better, lol. I've been reading the thread on here regarding SC jobs and wow, so many new grads are having a hard time! It was making me nervous because like I said the new grads I know haven't had a hard time at all. I was starting to re-think moving, lol. I looked at Roper hospital in Charleston and they have a few RN jobs that don't require experience.....so there are some. I haven't looked into the Columbia area, maybe I should. Do you know how they do it for a nurse/student out of state? Do they do phone interviews? I'm about 15 hours away....don't mind making the drive for an interview though, lol. Anyway....thanks for the help! :) Good luck to you, I hope you get the job!

Sheepwithagun · Jan 25, 2011

I'm a new BSN grad in Charleston and it took me about a month and a half after graduation to get a job. (I start Monday!) I only applied for the specific type of nursing I want to do (OR), so maybe it would've taken less time if I hadn't been so picky?

What type of floor do you want to work on?

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Jan 26, 2011

Congrats on finding and getting the job you want! That's awesome! A month and a half isn't too bad considering I've heard it can take a lot longer then that. Ultimately I'd like to be in ICU/CCU but I know you usually have to start somewhere such as a medsurg floor which I'd definitely be fine with. I've been checking out the sites to various hospitals including the Columbia area. I can't seem to find an e-mail/phone number for the HR office. See, I don't know how it works since I'm so far away, normally I would just call to ask a question or walk in to get an application. Should I just call the main number and get transferred? I'd like to ask if they hire new grad nurses. I know it's far in advance but I of course would like to know where my options are. Thanks for your help. Good luck starting your job!

Sheepwithagun · Jan 29, 2011

I think most hospitals have nurse recruiters now - give HR a call and ask to speak with the nurse recruiter for the position you're interested in. The main number for the hospital should also be able forward you to HR I would think.

I know classmates have gotten jobs at MUSC, Trident, and the VA so they all hire new grads. Keep checking for openings - I saw new grad positions start popping up ~1 months before graduation (December) at MUSC.

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

I filled out an online application at a hospital in Columbia and I tried calling HR at Roper and left a message for a nurse recruiter. Hopefully I'll hear something. Thanks for your help. :)