Confused about GN programs

U.S.A. Texas

Published

Hello all you nurses :)

This is my very first post. Im feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment so I really need some help. :confused: I am a student nurse at TAMU- Corpus Christi and I will be moving back to Spring, TX (Near Houston, TX) once I graduate. I graduate Aug. 6, 2011 so its getting close to begin applying at hospitals.

My school really hasn't help us out at all in figuring out how or when to apply to GN programs, so I'm feeling a little lost. :uhoh3:

Since I will be moving back home once graduate, I've been browsing through google for any GN positions or internships. It seems like the only one popping up is the Versant program.

I plan to become a pediatric nurse, so I was wondering if anyone knew of good hospitals that I should apply too that you know offer GN programs and also if you know when they start to accept applications for new GN's. I've been looking at all the hospitals websites and its most of the time it doesn't even state if they have a GN program or vaguely states that it accepts GN's at certain times of the year, but does not specify when. :/ So any insider information would be lovely lol.

Also if you guys could help me out with some tips on how to make my interviews go well, that would be awesome!

Thanks in advance guys! Nurse's rock :) :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

Hey! Welcome to the Forums! I actually live right by Spring! To be honest with you, most of the big popular hospitals have already either selected or are interviewing their prospective GNs. Most GN programs opened up the applications earlier in the year. But it's not too late to call around anyway and see what you can find! I managed to find a job at a good hospital that I didn't even know was in Houston lol as a GN (and this was in May...just hired Wednesday!). Some hospitals don't advertise that they are willing to hire new grads.... you just have to do some research and call around. I don't know why some schools don't prepare students in letting them know what to expect! Good luck to you and please keep us posted!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the quick reply! Well since I don't graduate in august, I wouldn't be able to start right now. Congrats on getting hired! but I graduate at a weird time. Some people were telling me that most GN positions aren't available when we graduate and are able to work. :( So im wondering, do you know if GN hiring cycles open up twice a year? Do most hospitals start taking applications in Dec, Jan? I just would like to know how long I have to wait after graduation to be able to get a good internship or when is a good time of the year to start applying.I would love to work in the medical center. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

That is kind of weird! But oh well, you will be at a head start when applying time comes. If I were you, August is the the perfect time to start calling all hospitals (well, as many as you can...not just Medical Center ones...believe me on this, I work in a big popular TMC facility...and still wasn't hired as an RN) and asking them when they will open up. Write down the dates and slowly be on the look out. Some will open up earlier than stated, and some later. Some might leave their application up for only a week, and some will leave it all semester. Now is the time to get recommendation letters, HESI scores ready, etc. A lot of the popular hospitals want at least a 3.0 GPA. I'd start applying ASAP!!! Like August/September actually! October is usually when most really start opening though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

BUT some smaller hospitals can hire you ASAP... you won't have to wait until December like the bigger places, that have very formalized GN programs

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the great advice! You've been so nice and helpful! I started calling around today, and your right most hospitals told me to start looking online for the internship applications opening in september and october. One recruiter told me that if I didn't have a job by october, that I would be ahead of the game since I most likely will have passed nclex already, while the other applicants might only have their GN permit. Wish me luck :) I'll keep you posted on my job search!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ok so I know this post is from a super long time ago.. lol.. but I got a job! Just wanted to share the news with you Trilldayz! You were so nice and helped me a lot :) Thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care (ICU/CVICU).

yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! congratulations!!!!!!!!! i'm so happy for you! where did you find it? and what will you be doing? i'm ecstatic for you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I got a job at MD Anderson! :)) I applied online when I saw their graduate nurse residency open up! I'll be working at a clinical nurse on a GU floor and I couldn't be more excited to start working at such a great hospital! :) Thank you again!!! I'm so nervous but excited to start this new journey!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment