Employability of new grad nurses in Georgia

gracieD · Oct 12, 2010

I live in Atlanta and I just graduated in July. Fortunately, I was just hired into a New Grad Program last week!! I have had only 4 interviews after applying to practically everything I could find. In every case but the last, they hired someone with experience, which was always discouraging.

As far as major Atlanta hospitals go (Emory, Piedmont, Northside, Tenent, St. Joseph), the firm response that I've received is that they only hire new graduates into their new graduate programs, the only exceptions being scholarship students or students who did externships there. Even then, these new graduates can fill up the program spots, leaving fewer spots for less-connected new grads.

Overall, I would say that the market for Atlanta new grads looking to get into a hospital is very competitive.

GGT1 · Oct 13, 2010

I did an externship between my 1st and 2nd year and continued to work as a tech my 2nd year o school... so when I graduated I was offered 3 new grad positions. However, I know some that graduated that have not yet landed a job and others that had a hard time.

My suggestion... WORK WORK WORK and WORK HARD and make connections. It is very competitive

AKAnurse4 · Oct 16, 2010

I live in Atlanta and I just graduated in July. Fortunately, I was just hired into a New Grad Program last week!! I have had only 4 interviews after applying to practically everything I could find. In every case but the last, they hired someone with experience, which was always discouraging.
As far as major Atlanta hospitals go (Emory, Piedmont, Northside, Tenent, St. Joseph), the firm response that I've received is that they only hire new graduates into their new graduate programs, the only exceptions being scholarship students or students who did externships there. Even then, these new graduates can fill up the program spots, leaving fewer spots for less-connected new grads.
Overall, I would say that the market for Atlanta new grads looking to get into a hospital is very competitive.

If you don't mind me asking which new grad program did you get hired into?

Highschoolfuturenurs · Oct 18, 2010

I did an externship between my 1st and 2nd year and continued to work as a tech my 2nd year o school... so when I graduated I was offered 3 new grad positions. However, I know some that graduated that have not yet landed a job and others that had a hard time.
My suggestion... WORK WORK WORK and WORK HARD and make connections. It is very competitive

I have a question.. I thought you could only do externships during your senior year at nursing school? where did you do your externship? did they look at your grades?

RNUS · Oct 23, 2010

I am a new grad and have been searching for a job in the Atlanta metro for 2 months. I am curious on where gracieD got hired into as well.

GGT1 · Oct 25, 2010

I have a question.. I thought you could only do externships during your senior year at nursing school? where did you do your externship? did they look at your grades?

I did the externship in the summer before my last year of nursing school and then continued as a tech at Gwinnett Medical. And yes they did look at grades.

mswhitern · Oct 27, 2010

Hi all..I have been a new nurse here in GA since 8-20 and I am having no luck as well..being patient:up: I have interviewed for rn resident program with south fulton, there were 120 applicants, and only 16 who were invited to open house. They still have not decided however who the 9 will be to be hired.

I know that Emory & Piedmont both have programs, Gwinnett does as well, but you needed to have applied already - the next date is March 2011.

I have heard that Piedmont only does certain students, from certain colleges (don't remember which one) - I am new to GA.

Good luck to all in our journay, have patience, God will deliver the right position and at the right time.

Now, if you wish to start with home health - try Right @ home and Amedisys. :nurse:

gracieD · Oct 27, 2010

If you don't mind me asking which new grad program did you get hired into?

I just started at Piedmont in their Critical Care Residency this week. I am starting with two other new grads. I am from out-of-state, as is another new grad, so it seems that they don't reserve their programs for only graduates of specific schools.

My advice is to check area hospitals' job postings EVERY DAY or set up a search client to send you an email when jobs containing "New Grad," "Residency," etc. are posted. Due to the high numbers applicants they only keep these jobs open for a few days, at best, so you have to apply quickly!

mswhitern · Oct 27, 2010

Congrats Gracie and thanks for the clarification - that was info that was told to me in regards to Piedmont. Also, thanks for the info in regards to the job hunt...will make sure to keep looking.

Good luck and congratulations:yeah:

AKAnurse4 · Oct 28, 2010

Hi all..I have been a new nurse here in GA since 8-20 and I am having no luck as well..being patient:up: I have interviewed for rn resident program with south fulton, there were 120 applicants, and only 16 who were invited to open house. They still have not decided however who the 9 will be to be hired.
I know that Emory & Piedmont both have programs, Gwinnett does as well, but you needed to have applied already - the next date is March 2011.
I have heard that Piedmont only does certain students, from certain colleges (don't remember which one) - I am new to GA.
Good luck to all in our journay, have patience, God will deliver the right position and at the right time.
Now, if you wish to start with home health - try Right @ home and Amedisys.

Hey!!! I went to the residency open house as well at South Fulton 2 weeks ago.... Have you called?

mswhitern · Oct 28, 2010

Good morning AKA, which state r u from, want to know if you were one of the ladies I was at the table with. Girl hope we get a call soon.