Best Denver Hospitals?

nurse901 · Sep 23, 2009

Hello RenoNewGrad!!! I wish I could give you good news about the market for new grads in Denver but unfortunatly there is a huge amount of new grads looking for jobs there but not enough hospitals willing to hire. I used to work at Porter Hospital and I absolutely loved it, now I can't get back in:(. I have applied all over the place and can't seem to get very far. I graduated in May 2009 and have my Colorado RN license but it seems as if I am competing with all the same people. Hopefully you have experience because that is what most are looking for. Just try to get your foot in the door at any hospital in Denver and then hopefully you can move on if you choose to. Denver is so much fun and I really hope that you are able to get a job and move out there. Good luck to you. I am sorry if this was discouraging but I wanted to let you know of the situation if you were not previously aware. I can't tell you specific hospitals that are the best because I have only worked at one. Hopefully others will respond back.

nurse901 · Sep 23, 2009

Oh also the last time I heard, the new grad pay range is around $20-22. The VA hospital pays the most at $25. This may vary from hospital to hospital.

RenoNewGrad · Sep 23, 2009

Nurse901,

Thanks so much for the information! I really appreciate your response, as I'm obviously not from the area and am VERY unfamiliar with what's happening there. I'm definitely going to be applying for some new grad programs, like at the Children's Hospital and at University of Colorado Hospital. Did you try out for any of these after you graduated? I heard they are pretty competitive, but it may be my only shot if other hospitals aren't hiring... thanks to you, I will be sure to apply absolutely EVERYWHERE, including small clinics, the VA, etc... since I likely won't get my top choice =( and no, I don't have experience!

Thanks again for your input =)

nurse901 · Sep 23, 2009

You're very welcome RenoNewGrad!!!!!! I am glad I was able to help you. I applied to the University of Colorado New Grad program twice and unfortunatly did not get in. They received hundreds of apps for a few amount of positions. Same issue with the Children's Hospital as well. Keep the faith though because things are starting to look better in the market. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask me. I am happy to help in any way that I can. Good luck to you:)

RenoNewGrad · Sep 23, 2009

Thanks Nurse901!!

I just may need you again in the not-too-distant future! =)

nurse901 · Sep 27, 2009

You're welcome. I will keep my eyes open on this forum to see if you post anything else. Have a good one.

JenniferSews · Oct 1, 2009

If you can stick it out in AZ and find a job there for 1 year to gain experience, I'd highly recommend it. The job market here isn't great, although it is slightly better for BSNs, which I assume you have if you're applying to University and Childrens. Good luck!

RenoNewGrad · Oct 2, 2009

Thank you JenniferSews,

I'm starting to really consider staying here, or moving elsewhere for a little while, considering the responses I've gotten from Denver hospitals recently =/

Thanks for your advice!

hope3456, ASN, RN · Oct 3, 2009

Renonewgrad,

How is the job market in NV (I assume that is where u are) =-)?

RenoNewGrad · Oct 5, 2009

Hope3456,

Nevada looks pretty good, actually. I've been told that one of the hospitals even has enough open positions to take everyone in my graduating class [48 of us]. I'm originally from Las Vegas and my family there has told me that hospitals there are also offering some hefty sign-on bonuses. I haven't applied anywhere here in Reno yet, but I probably will, just as a backup plan if CO doesn't work out for me. Do you plan on coming to Reno/Vegas?

hope3456, ASN, RN · Oct 7, 2009

Hope3456,
Nevada looks pretty good, actually. I've been told that one of the hospitals even has enough open positions to take everyone in my graduating class [48 of us]. I'm originally from Las Vegas and my family there has told me that hospitals there are also offering some hefty sign-on bonuses. I haven't applied anywhere here in Reno yet, but I probably will, just as a backup plan if CO doesn't work out for me. Do you plan on coming to Reno/Vegas?

My dh and I were going to move out there about 4 years ago but then i simultaneously found out I was pregnant so figured it would be better to stay put, lol. We both like NV so maybe someday, hopefully.

If you are easily able to get an acute care job in Reno I definately do so and get at least 1 year experience, you will have an easier time getting RN employment here in CO. It seems like new grad RN's are a 'dime a dozen' in CO and the hospitals don't want to hire them currently. Good luck!