California's 2009 New Grad RN Program- Who's hiring right now?

[piscesmama]

Greetings.

This is my story- I graduated from Nursing School in May 2008 (ADN) and passed my boards in October 2008.

I live north of San Fran and have yet to find a New Grad Program. I've been on Allnurses since last summer when I started studying to pass the boards. I used Allnurses especially the "random facts" thread which helped me pass the boards with flying colors. My family is ready to move out of the area because there is no new grad program avail out here.

I have spent hours online looking for New Grad positions in Washington State, Southern Ca, New Mexico, and Ashville NC. These are the areas, along with the Bay Area that I am interested in. I am looking to see if someone would like to buddy up or we can all help continue this thread and we can help search together for all the possible positions in the areas mentioned above or just in California. I have found that the work done alone is not enough or that I have just missed an application date, or I didn't know that blank blank just hired for the season.

The random facts thread was so hot because it was encompassing info about one main event with up to the minute info. Maybe a thread like "California's 2009 New Grad RN Program- Who's hiring right now?"- and it would include SNF's and whatever we can think of that a new nurse can do in the community, would be like the "random facts" thread. I'm sure I will hear from an Allnurses thread monitor about if this is OK or not.

At this point I am just trying to be creative and use the best resource online, which to me has been this sight.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Piscesmama

[joblessnas]

WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama told Americans on Sunday a substantial number of the 140,000 U.S. troops in Iraq would be home within a year, saying Iraqis were now ready to take more responsibility for their own security.

The VA hospitals "should' be hiring Extra so many nurses so, that they can take care of our Heros when they come back home.

2011 many more expected from Afghastan .

[lilbruin224]

At this time no one is hiring new grads, everyone asks for minimum 1 year experience or previous experience as a LVN, as far as nursing residency programs they want some experience too. It is like when you try to get credit no one will help you because you do not have sufficient credit history. How can us new grads get any experience if no one wants to train us or give us a break. I have been looking for a job for over a year, I have 4 kids and bills from school and still cannot get any breaks. I hope someone starts hiring new grads with no experience soon.

[hopefulRN10]

I am a new grad RN (graduated in June 2010), and am having absolutely NO LUCK in finding any positions in my area. I live on the Monterey Peninsula, CA and have searched as far as 65 miles (one direction) to find a new grad program. I read the recent post about the CINH providing funding for the Bay area hospitals for new grad programs, but I continually check those hospitals listed as recipients for these funds, and NONE have posted any such program yet. In fact, many have a pop-up box on their website directed at new grads, stating they are not offering any new grad programs at this time, and to keep checking back. I've done this for four months, and no changes yet. I have a home and a family here, so moving out of the area is just not an option for me. I would appreciate any feedback or info from anyone who may know of any new grad positions in this area (Monterey county, San Benito county, Santa Clara county, Santa Cruz county). Thanks, and best of luck to all us!

[lilbruin224]

I am from So. Ca. and have also looked over 65 miles from my home and no luck i graduated in may of 2009 and know people who graduated in may of 2008 and still cannot find work. very depressing and sad. I am ready to start the career I have been working hard to get for many years and I cannot get hired anywhere.

[BJoy]

Hi everyone,

I just graduated in April 2010 and job my license in July 2010. Every place in Southern Cal that I have applied to I get the same statement as everyone else, "you need at least 1 year of experience". The new grad programs that are posted usually already have applicants chosen, I feel that I can make this statement because a nurse manager asked if I was on the list 1 day after one of them closed, which is just impossible and I was told they usually already know who they want before they even post the positions. This is sooooo frustrating because you take all this time to fill out the application, answer the essay questions, etc all for nothing. We have started to look outside of the state of California and it seems to be difficult no matter where you live. I really appreciate everyone sharing their stories because it helps me to understand that I am not alone and it also provides me with proof that it is tough all over, especially for those family members who can't understand why I don't have a job yet and keep telling me, "but there is a nursing shortage, why don't you have a job".

Thanks again everyone, if you are thinking of moving to Southern Cal you might want to reconsider because it is very tough here too.

[caliotter3]

Finding nursing work in the Monterey peninsula area has historically been difficult. I got nursing work when I moved to San Jose. Then, I had to leave the San Jose area to find work again. You have to put up with the possibility of necessary relocation if you want to work in CA, at least until you find a position that you can cement yourself to until your nursing career is over.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Even if they are asking for 1 year experience, apply anyway. The worst that happens, you don't get the job. You never know. Also, try to utilize any contacts you may have. I've only been looking for just under 2 weeks, and after reading some of these posts, it's frightening. Hang in there though. If you are persistent, something will happen. Good luck to everyone. This is a very disturbing trend. I hope it is over soon.

[PRN22]

Hello Everyone,

jobs hunting is really stressful now, I apply many place, no one call for interview. Only denial, so frustrated don't know what to do now. Does anyone have any new tips how to search for job, please help. Thanks

[cm20]

I agree with you all.. no luck yet. Just keep applying, talk with people, get ACLS, PALS, volunteer, and have faith :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Great idea, but....

Part of the problem with volunteering and obtaining more certifications is time and money. While those are great options (and I have actually signed up for a 3 month course on crisis intervention), it is not feasible or realistic to spend money that you haven't got. I'm all for continuing education and volunteering, but, on the other hand, with a $30,000 debt plus interest, and living on my own, I need to work to earn money, and enhance the skills I have. Many people are in this same situation.

Also, most volunteer agenices require a 6 month to 1 year commitment, which is not realistic if you have to all of a sudden relocate for a job.

Not to mention, prior to nursing school, I paid $1700 for a tutor for the prerequisites.....

Basically, there comes a time after 5 years that someone should be paying us for our skills. Some of us can only afford so much debt. Living off credit only lasts so long. Agree?

[cm20]

Oh yeah definitely agreed.. I just threw them out there, I know they've been said but there's not much more any of us could possibly do.. Or at least I can't think of anything else. Craigslist.. I heard Fresenius and Davita hire new grads.. but I haven't heard very positive things about those companies. They are my last resort..

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

I've looked through at least 10-15 sites by now. Most of the jobs posted are for Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Manager, Director of Care, LPN, or experienced 2-5 years. So I am either overqualified or underqualified. However, there are still many places that I have seen that would accept new grads. I guess the key is to keep networking and hammer out as many resumes as you can.