Finding a peds job as a new graduate

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Specializes in Quality Improvement / Informatics.

Hey there,

I'm graduating in 36 days! :dncgbby::dncgcpd::dncgbby::dncgcpd:

Things sure have changed since I started down this road two years ago, hiring bonuses and nursing shortages. I'm in the SF Bay Area, and there are practically NO jobs for new grads right now. And for someone committed to pediatrics, like me, the pickings are even slimmer. I had been hoping to stay here in the Bay Area and work at Children's Hospital Oakland, but think I need to be open to moving in order to get a job in peds. So I'm looking for some advice from y'all!

What is the best way to get a job out of area? I've been around a while, and know it's all about networking, which is hard to do when the jobs are in Texas and WDC! Any other great job-finding ideas? And of course, if you know of any hospitals hiring new grads for pediatrics, let me know!

Thank you!

Rob

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Specializes in peds cardiac, peds ER.

Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta still hires new grads. It's a great place to work. A bit far from you, but thought I'd let you know!

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Specializes in Pediatric ED.

So does Cincinnati Childrens in Ohio: they offered me a job in the ER as soon as I pass NCLEX.

I came from Florida to get it. I just kept calling and asking what I needed to do. Then I traveled up there to interview.

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

So how is the job hunt going? I'm kind of curious because I'm looking into peds myself.

!Chris :specs:

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Specializes in Pediatric ED.
So how is the job hunt going? I'm kind of curious because I'm looking into peds myself.

!Chris :specs:

Yes, Keep us posted :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

The childrens hospital I work at in RI hires their Pedi nurses as float nurses.. so you are only guaranteed 8 hours a week. But at least you can get the experience and have the opportunity to post for a perm position is one opens up. :)

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
The childrens hospital I work at in RI hires their Pedi nurses as float nurses.. so you are only guaranteed 8 hours a week. But at least you can get the experience and have the opportunity to post for a perm position is one opens up. :)

Are you talking about Hasbro? I work for Lifespan at RI hospital and when I graduate I am looking for a position in Hasbro so that's why I am asking.

!Chris :specs:

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

Correct - Hasbro. They hire new grads on the float pool. So you can schedule for 40 hours a week but only get 8 hours. I've heard that it doesn't happen all the time. It is a good learning experience since you are floated to all floors except ICU and the ED. :up:

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Correct - Hasbro. They hire new grads on the float pool. So you can schedule for 40 hours a week but only get 8 hours. I've heard that it doesn't happen all the time. It is a good learning experience since you are floated to all floors except ICU and the ED. :up:

Now did you look into the critical care internship that they offer new grad nurses? I ask because I notice on the list of departments are the Peds. ICU and the Peds. ER on the CCI webpage.

!Chris :specs:

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

I didn't actually. I only know this by working on the pedi side. I started on the adult side and they do hire new grads for the med/surg floors. But working with the kids is so much better. :wink2:

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Specializes in Family medicine, Cardiology, Spinal Cord Injury.

I'm a new grad as of Dec 2008. I really want to work in peds but the pickings are slim in the LA/Orange County area. I interviewed at CHOC for a CVICU RN Residency position, but I was competing with 99 other people for 2 spots, so yeah, it's tough out there.

Are they trying to get more male nurses into pediatric nursing?

It looks like I'm going to have to take a job at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Long Beach. It's a government job, great benefits, set for life kind of job, but no possibility of getting into pediatrics with the VA.

How hard is it to transfer from Adult to Pediatric nursing? Will I have to compete with new grads with zero experience on the same level if I have 2+ years experience of adult med-surg/icu?

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

I have years to go before I get my license but I know that when I do I want to be in pedi or l&d so if I have to move I'm prepared to move. :D

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