New Grad Nurse, First Job Question

**CalicoKitty, BSN, RN** · Jun 28, 2012

You should probably post this question in the state you work in. There's sections for states under U.S (Right side between Career and World). There may be others that have discussed it there.

RN2bNicole1988 · Jul 1, 2012

Yea! I do the background check and everything the 9th at 9am ( i thought that was late since we begin orientation on the 11th). All i heard was that its a three year contract and from what I learned the pay begins at 26$ an hour?? I'm not sure!

Krytlebug · Sep 17, 2012

Hi, just curious if you started Desert Valley and how you like it. I just got accepted to their new grad program starting in Oct. Was the starting pay $26/hr? I meet with HR later this week, so don't have any details yet. I am excited either way...I graduated in January, so I am happy to have a job! :)

RN2bNicole1988 · Sep 18, 2012

Hi! Welcome :) Yes and I am currently at DVH and I must say I do love it! The pay scale sucks.. $26.81 starting off..but that didn't matter to me.. I just wanted experience and a job I love. The preceptors I had were wonderful and I had a great experience on the MedSurge floor. The contract is 3 years I don't know if they told you that but this hospital stresses growth from within so you can always advance yourself to a different position within those 3 years.. Hope this helps!

Krytlebug · Sep 18, 2012

Thank you so much for the response! I, too, am less concerned about pay and more about getting experience and having a job I love. I am thankful for the job and excited to start! I did know about the contract and I am fine with that. As my husband says, at least I know I'll have a job for 3 years. :) I am happy to hear you like DVH and maybe I'll see you there. :)

Krytlebug · Sep 18, 2012

Also, just curious, is it straight time for the full 12 hours?? Thanks! :)

RN2bNicole1988 · Sep 18, 2012

I'm not sure what unit you will be on, but when you first begin its 2- 12 hour shifts with your preceptor, one 8 hour shift with either a CNA, RT, PT, Resource Nurse, etc and one 4 hour shift thats a class with the other residency nurse. good luck! I'll be in ICU if you ever have any questions!

Krytlebug · Sep 18, 2012

Thanks for all the info!! I appreciate it!! I will be starting in Med/Surg from what I've been told, but maybe I'll stop by the ICU. :)

mestrela · Dec 31, 2013

How long did it take you to get started? I was given a verbal offer of employment the week of Thanksgiving for their January start date but have not received any written offer. I found out from HR that there is no financial approval yet (??) Do you nurses know anything about what is going on or if this is similar to what happened to you?

Krytlebug · Jan 9, 2014

Mestrela,From what I heard, there were several new grads hired recently and then our corporate office told the director that she couldn't hire any new grads at this time. Maybe that is the "financial approval" HR told you about. I heard it had to do with hiring experienced nurses instead of new grads, but that may not have been true. Have they given you a start date yet? If I were you, I would keep looking just in case. When I got hired, I started within 2-3 weeks. Sorry.