Boston New Grads Who Got Hired...What Helped??

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Graduating in December with a 2nd degree BSN from a well respected Boston area college. I have a 3.9 gpa, great recommendations (hopefully more to come as I finish the program), Dean's list, Sigma Theta, am willing to work anywhere within driving distance from the Boston area. For those of you that got hired, what do you think it was that set you apart? I'm already anticipating a pretty tough struggle!

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Specializes in Pediatric Cardiology.

I am sorry - I realized my post was not helpful AT ALL.

Good luck. Unfortunately I don't really have any advice except to apply to anything and everything! The job I have is not something I would have expected to have but it pays the bills and is giving me some experience.

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Specializes in ICU.

I have had three job offers since graduating in May 2010, and THE most important thing was to work per diem as a CNA at a major Boston hospital while I was in school. I also had a 3.9 GPA, Sigma Theta Tau, excellent references, 2nd degree program, etc. etc. BUT what it came down to was that I had that extra exposure to the hospital environment and patient care. I know that two of the three job offers (both acute care) were directly a result of that experience, even though neither one was from the hospital where I worked as a CNA (hiring freeze).

Yes, there was barely any time to work while I was in an accelerated program with two little kids, and I wondered what the hell I was thinking since the pay was so low and my exhaustion level was so high... but it was TOTALLY worth it!

Best of luck!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, ER.

I absolutely second the above post. If you don't work as a CNA in the hospital you want to work in as an RN, you have slim to no chance of getting hired when you graduate.

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I have had three job offers since graduating in May 2010, and THE most important thing was to work per diem as a CNA at a major Boston hospital while I was in school. I also had a 3.9 GPA, Sigma Theta Tau, excellent references, 2nd degree program, etc. etc. BUT what it came down to was that I had that extra exposure to the hospital environment and patient care. I know that two of the three job offers (both acute care) were directly a result of that experience, even though neither one was from the hospital where I worked as a CNA (hiring freeze).

dtrmnd2sccd, if you don't mind my asking, had you worked as a CNA before starting school? If you only worked while in school, how did you get your CNA cert -- through your coursework/clinical training at school?

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Specializes in ICU.
dtrmnd2sccd, if you don't mind my asking, had you worked as a CNA before starting school? If you only worked while in school, how did you get your CNA cert -- through your coursework/clinical training at school?

No, I hadn't worked as a CNA before school, but after two clinical rotations, you can apply without having CNA certification.

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working as a CNA during school totally helped me get work after I passed the NCLEX. I had a high GPA, Sigma Tau, etc. But I was able to work as a private duty nurse for the same agency that I did CNA work for. They usually don't hire new grads but they knew me. And this lead to me doing continuous care at end of life for patients on hospice which lead to me making connections that enabled me to be hired full time for a hospice which never hires new grads. I also did school nurse subbing--so I basically worked as a nurse from the get-go but now I have a full time job. Don't be afraid to do stuff like this--you learn a ton, you know more than you think but ALSO don't think you know more than you do! (I passed the NCLEX in August)

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Thank you all so much for the helpful replies!! Keep them coming please!

I've applied for numerous PCA jobs but I just revamped my resume in anticipation of preceptorship stuff so hopefully the new resume might help me with the PCA job apps. I also just hit up my clinical instructor to see if she could be helpful in my trying to find a PCA job (since one of the ones I applied for is in another floor of the unit she works on). Maybe she could put in a good word, I know she really likes me and I'm really dilligent/conscientious @ clinical.

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Thank you all so much for the helpful replies!! Keep them coming please!

Yeah, what honeymist said.

I've been reading these boards enough to know it's a tough job market around Boston, which has me anxious because I'm starting an accelerated BSN program and I really do need to get a job once I finish, because 1) I'm eager to start my career as a nurse and 2) I'm gonna need to be able to help support my family and pay off my loans.

And though things look grim, it's encouraging to see that some new grads are able to find employment. I get that it's not the kind of market where jobs just fall in your lap. Those who succeed appear to me to be bright, hard working, and very proactive about seeking out those few positions that are out there. Your advice and info about your experiences are extremely helpful!

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Ask any and every nurse if they have any ideas on facilities that are hiring. Don't just look online - cold call if you have to.

I have a similar background as you. Before moving 2000 miles away for a job, I had applied for over 300 positions - all online. Most of my friends didn't get jobs until after I left, but all of them were from word of mouth. One of my friends somehow got the email address of a nurse manager and basically pleaded for a job. The nurse manager didn't hire her, but forwarded her resume to a sister facility that did.

Well, my point is - think outside the box. Good luck!

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