Can you find a RN job in Chicago?

[mzjones6]

I plan on applying for jobs as a new grad very soon in the Chicagoland area, concentrating more in the city. I've been to various hospital websites such as Advocate Healthcare System, Resurrection Healthcare System, U of Chicago, Rush, and they all have available positions open. But I know just because they have all these positions open doesn't necessarily mean I'll get a job immediately. I also know its dependent on which speciality/area I want to work in, not to mention that I'm coming from out of state. So I was just curious if anyone knew how much hiring they do around this time of year going into the end of the year? Should I go ahead and apply now or wait until after the new year?

[livingthedream, APN]

The IL BON requires that you have your license before you can work. Meaning if you are a new grad, you can apply - but they cannot let you work until you actually pass the NCLEX. For some hospitals (St. Joes) they will hire you and put you through training (no RN work) and call you an intern an then you must pass within three months of this "intern" period. Other places, like U of C tell you not to contact them until about a month before graduation because they cannot hire you until you pass.

I would always apply. The worst that can happen is that they don't respond and then you just apply again later. Some places like IL Masonic will hire new grads in large bunches and then do large on-boarding processes - they have you pick your top 3 areas and then your decision as to what dept. to work in is not really as big of a deal.

good luck!