Do Travel Agencies Hire New Grads?

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2012

Highly unlikely. Thats like asking for a death sentence. Your expected to be competent with 1 day of orientation in most cases. Impossible as a new grad. they look for a minimum of 1 year experience.

NedRN · Jun 11, 2012

They have in the past, but required a long term commitment. Given the current situation, I doubt that you will find any opportunities at agencies. Even if you did, you would be nuts to do that. It is far better to find yourself a good internship at a teaching hospital (anywhere) and get yourself solid experience. You will be a better nurse, and more marketable as a traveler. You will also be better paid, have good health insurance, and paid time off.

trutuyu · Jun 11, 2012

Thanks to both of you for your comments. I know how hard the economy is and how hard it is for a new grad to find a job. I however don't care about how much money I make or where I live. I just want to be a nurse. So I was just curious, because I know that there are places that nurses can find jobs I just don't know where that is and am looking for a way to find out. Thanks for your comments though.

morte, LPN, LVN · Jun 11, 2012

probably have to search metro area by metro area.....even on here (AN) try posting in different state forums. I would think if you checked out more common areas that are looking for travel nurses that would be one way, but i have been told some places actually like travelers because they have less local ties and less likely to need time off for family needs.

Thanks to both of you for your comments. I know how hard the economy is and how hard it is for a new grad to find a job. I however don't care about how much money I make or where I live. I just want to be a nurse. So I was just curious, because I know that there are places that nurses can find jobs I just don't know where that is and am looking for a way to find out. Thanks for your comments though.

NedRN · Jun 11, 2012

Thanks to both of you for your comments. I know how hard the economy is and how hard it is for a new grad to find a job. I however don't care about how much money I make or where I live. I just want to be a nurse. So I was just curious, because I know that there are places that nurses can find jobs I just don't know where that is and am looking for a way to find out. Thanks for your comments though.

There were no jobs in California when I graduated. I found a recruiting book from the teaching hospital association and drove cross country interviewing until I was offered a job in Baltimore. Had an 8 month operating room orientation and left after three years to travel.

This was before the internet, and cell phones for that matter. I doubt such a recruiting book is available anymore but with the internet, finding HR phone numbers is easy. I would suggest googling "teaching hospital association" and there on AAMC you will find a page with links to all the major teaching hospitals that are members. I would have a goal for the specialty you want to pursue before calling. Employers want candidates with direction. Saying you will work in any department is not a plus generally. Neither is sounding desperate.

trutuyu · Jun 14, 2012

Thank you so much NedRN and Morte, That is the most help anyone has given me to this point.

SCRN01 · Jun 25, 2012

I agree with the others. Not only will you not likely be able to get a job right out of school, but you probably don't want to either. Your first 1-2 years you are basically learning the ropes and gaining valuable experience. I couldn't imagine going to a hospital where they expect you to know how to do the basics and realizing that you are lacking in those skills. It would not be a good experience for anyone involved. Sometimes it can be hard just to get in a hospital period so do that first anywhere you can, preferably not a major hospital where you are going to get run over. Then after a year you can find a bigger hospital and really get your hands dirty.18 months minimum is probably what you're looking at to travel but most places require 2 year min.