Does anyone know of any hosptals in Chicago that accept graduate nurses?

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I am a last semester nursing student from Florida that is planning on moving to the Chicago area after graduation. I have been researching hospitals lately and was wondering if anyone knew of any hospitals in Chicago that accepts graduate nurses? I have looked at many hospitals' websites and have come up with 5 that look good: Rush, Univsersity of Chicago, Northwestern, Illinois Masonic, and St. Joseph's. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks!!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Virtually all of the larger hospitals in Chicago hire new grads, and offer extensive orientation programs and/or internships in a number of specialty areas.

Rush and Northwestern are both excellent hospitals with good reputations. I'm not familiar with St. Joe's, and I don't have a good impression of U of C.

Children's Memorial is an excellent choice if you have an interest in peds. Cook County (Stroger) Hospital is an excellent choice for ER and trauma.

Best of luck to you as you prepare for your new career. One word of caution: some areas of the city are virtually in-accessible from other areas. Make sure you choose a job and an apartment that are within a reasonable commute!

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Brookie,

I am in Florida right now 2 semesters from graduation and am planning to move straight to Chicago as well! I used to live there and my boyfriend got a job downtown so more than likely, my home will be downtown. Let me know any info you find! We're in the same boat! (only mine leaves 2 semesters later) I've heard many good things about Northwestern and Rush. I dunno if you've ever been to Chicago but I love love love it! Good luck!!

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SayMay,

I absolutely love Chicago! There is so much to do. My aunt and uncle live there and every time I visit, I have the best time. I am so excited about moving! I have heard good things about Northwestern, Rush, University of Chicago, and Children's Memorial Hospital. If I find out any information, I will be sure to let you know. Good luck to you too! P.S. Where in Florida do you live?

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Loyola also has good new grad orientation programs, and they do everything -- teaching hospital, burns. One of my friends has worked there since graduation 5 years ago and really enjoys it.

If you look at any of the Advocate Health Care sites they will tell you about their hospitals.

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Hey! I'm in Tampa at USF. What about you? Thanks for the reply! Keep in touch and let me know how things go. :)

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Specializes in NICU.

I don't know of a single Chicagoland hospital that DOESN'T hire new grads. Have no fear, you'll find a position. When it comes time to choose between different offers, go with the hospital that has the best orientation program, and the one that you got the best vibe from during the interview with the nurse manager and unit/floor tour.

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Virtually all of the larger hospitals in Chicago hire new grads, and offer extensive orientation programs and/or internships in a number of specialty areas.

Rush and Northwestern are both excellent hospitals with good reputations. I'm not familiar with St. Joe's, and I don't have a good impression of U of C.

Children's Memorial is an excellent choice if you have an interest in peds. Cook County (Stroger) Hospital is an excellent choice for ER and trauma.

Best of luck to you as you prepare for your new career. One word of caution: some areas of the city are virtually in-accessible from other areas. Make sure you choose a job and an apartment that are within a reasonable commute!

Why not a good impression of U of C (please PM me if needed).

You mentioned COMMUTE. I hate to drive! I used to live in NYC and miss the subway sooooo much. I am looking at U of C, Rush and Northwestern. I currently intern in CVICU (Milwaukee) and want to move. What am I looking for...or where should I look. I am not kidding when I say that I would turn down a great job if I have to drive. I want to take El, bus, walk...whatever besides driving! It is best for everyone if I am off the road:)

I am looking for a great Cardiac unit (ICU or Stepdown). Any info on a great cardiac unit would be great!

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Brooke--

I am also on my last semester of nursing school, but here in Chicago. I do many of my clinicals in the various city hospitals. I also work as a Student Nurse Tech at St. Joseph's. FYI, St. Joe's is located on the lakeside, in Lincoln Park. Its a part of the Resurrection (Catholic) hospital system. In general, St. Joe's is a very good hospital, great equipment, nice staff (depends which unit!). Illinois Masonic (AIMMC) is located very near St. Joseph's but is part of the Advocate healthcare system (not Catholic). I do my clinical rotations there now. Its also a very nice, modern hospital. Its located right by the train too (if that influences your decision at all!).

Northwestern is supposed to be one of the best--very modern. I also got a recommendation from a veteran nurse to check out Univeristy of Illinois Chicago (UIC) because she said it has the best benefit plans and salary of all Chicago hospitals. It also is involved in tuition reimbursement and higher education programs, to my knowledge.

I hope that helps

Good luck on the NCLEX!

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Specializes in Gerontology.

I currently work at Loyola as a new graduate nurse on the neuro ICU and I am enjoying it. I like the action but sometimes it can get overwhelming. I am glad I passed boards before starting so I can focus completely on my new role as a nurse. The people are not as friendly as I hoped but it is doable. Anyway good luck in all your endeavors.

La Drina,BSN,RN

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