Jobs

Jobs are available for new grads in Memphis. There are 10 area hospitals, and lots of openings. Most will say "RN", but if you are persistent and they are interested in hiring new grads you have a good chance.

The MED in Memphis will hire new grads into all units but Shock Trauma/Traum Resus. Their General ICU, NICU, and Trauma ICU will all hire new grads.

I have enjoyed being very employable in my past careers. Of all my job interviews, only once have I not been offered the job (OverQualified.) So I have been REALLY surprised with this job search.

I didn't get an extern job. There weren't many to pick from. . . Limited openings - only wanted final semester students, delayed and again delayed application process. I had tests to pass and a family to take care of. I have hospital experience, so I didn't feel it was necessary.

My HESI exit score was in the top 1% nationally. First round to get my license after May graduation. I have ER experience, and have worked as a nurses aid too. I also have Teaching and Business experience. So, I'm feeling that I look like a good investment for an employer. I have been applying on-line for weeks. None of the hospitals want to meet face to face, just submit your app/resume online - dont' call them they won't tell you anything more. (I was very pleasant and professional, but no budging.) I did apply for the ONE extra Versant Residency position that opened up at St. Francis. Interviewed well, got excited, but sadly didn't get it : ( Got one other phone call from a Nurse Manager that apparently didn't read my resume - she wanted RN experience.


The only recruiters who will see you face to face are at Baptist and they are confirming what I am experiencing. . . . No One Is Hiring New Grads. They asked me to consider Missississipi locations. My fellow students are experiencing much the same. MAYBE if you have an IN . . . . AND are persistent as HECK. . . . AND don't care where you work you might get an interview.

Methodist has a caveat in their on-line application - they make you agree that you will not inquire about the application process until you have been called or the job is filled. Should I disregard that and just call the Nurse Managers, or Show up? I am considering this.

The Med just layed off multiple layers of staff, and not at the top of most New Grad's list for employment.

St. Francis Memphis only hires 18 new grads, twice a year for the Versant Residency, which looks WONDERFUL, but I really don't want to wait til December to reapply. The Bartlett location is smaller and new and not hiring new grads as a rule, I am told by one of their recruiters. They ask you to apply on line - that is all - not returning calls.

St Judes and Veteran's have NO openings.

I really want to start my career as a nurse! If you know about specific jobs in Memphis, PLEASE post.

I understand your pain. It seems like it doesn't matter what experience you have. The job market is SO competative now, especially in Memphis. May I ask when you started your job search? I graduated in May, and many (not all, mind you) of those I graduated with started the job search in Feb/March and were lucky to have a job by graduation. This is to say that it can take time. Now that you are licensed, you will be looked at FIRST, above the new crop of August graduates that are looking for jobs (even as we speak). As a licensed RN you will have the opportunity to sell yourself. I had a manager at a Methodist hospital offer me a job before graduation and flat out tell me that if another applicant had come along that was already an RN, she would have had to offer it to that person instead.

You're right...not necessary. They can help, but don't make or break you.

Originally Posted by nursekd2009

My HESI exit score was in the top 1% nationally. First round to get my license after May graduation. I have ER experience, and have worked as a nurses aid too. I also have Teaching and Business experience. So, I'm feeling that I look like a good investment for an employer. I have been applying on-line for weeks. None of the hospitals want to meet face to face, just submit your app/resume online - dont' call them they won't tell you anything more. (I was very pleasant and professional, but no budging.) I did apply for the ONE extra Versant Residency position that opened up at St. Francis. Interviewed well, got excited, but sadly didn't get it : ( Got one other phone call from a Nurse Manager that apparently didn't read my resume - she wanted RN experience.

Sorry to hear about St. Francis! This is where I ultimately took a job, and it was EXTREMELY competative! Over a hundred people applied to a mere 18 spots. I honestly feel lucky I was given a chance!

Originally Posted by nursekd2009

Methodist has a caveat in their on-line application - they make you agree that you will not inquire about the application process until you have been called or the job is filled. Should I disregard that and just call the Nurse Managers, or Show up? I am considering this.

I think if you know the nurse manager, then inquire away! I know several people that got jobs at LeBonheur because they were persistent. Also, I put in a BUNCH of apps for all the Methodist hospitals (like, 10), and ended up with only 3 interviews. If it says RN, just apply. If you get called for an interview worry about the new grad thing later. You can always sell yourself. If you want specifics PM me, and I may be able to help you out with a few departments at University.

The MED recently advertised some openings, but honestly i don't know if I would recommend it because they are in such financial trouble. They have been known to cut back hours, and as a new employee you will be on the chopping block first.

You will be able to find a job...eventually. All the summer grads will need to find a job, so there WILL be jobs available. Maybe not as many, but they will be there! Fear not!

Started a little on the search in Late May, early June. Got serious after licensure Mid June. Decided I would take almost anything last week.
CONGRATS on Versant at StF!!! Wish I were there.
Specifics on University (Methodist, right?) would be VERY MUCH APPRECIATED : )
Sorry, don't know what PM is, clue me in, please.

Okay, I figured it out PM is Private Message. I can't send yet, but think I can receive if you want to try. THANKS : )

Which nursing school did you complete your RN? I'm just wondering; because I have plans on starting a RN program this fall. I am sure you will eventually find work I can only imagine how frustrating this is for you. One thing you can be at peace with is knowing that you are a RN. Keep your head up and know that things will get better.

I went to Southwest because I wanted a 2 year program. It was tough - of the 65 that started with my class, only 14 made it all the way through without failing a class. Some are still working on making the 950 HESI that is required for completion. I think other programs require only and 850 or 900, so that was challenging. Hope to work a year or so, then pursue the Bachelor's.

I did schedule 2 interviews this week - YAY! Wish me luck/pray for me : )