I am currently in search of my first job and am trying to find a hospital that has a good training program to get me off to a good start.
I am currently considering Memorial Hermann, Methodist, Ben Taub, and St Lukes as my top choices. Im hoping to get a job in either ICU, telemetry, or transplant.
Does anybody have any experience with any of these GN Internship programs here in Houston? Anybody complete or currently enrolled in any of the programs? I really want to choose a good program that will get me off on the right foot and prepare me for the real world.
My advice to you guys is to apply EARLY whether you have a BSN or not. There may be a nursing shortage in America but there is NOT a nursing shortage in the Medical Center. I didn't know we were moving to Houston until March and then I applied everywhere only to be told that most of their spots are already filled.
Just something to keep in mind for all you future GNs!
Good tip! Thanks. When do you think is best time to start applying?
I think the break before your final semester is a good time to start calling around and asking questions. For example, if you were graduating in May, I would start calling around during Christmas break. All the hospitals will be different. St. Luke's starting taking applications and interviewing in December for June internships whereas Hermann didn't post their application until mid-January. I would make a habit of checking their websites regularly. When are you graduating?
So basically... if I graduate with an ADN, it will be harder for me to get a job???
Yup, BritRN made some really good points.
I dont think getting a job coming out of school will be much of a problem. But some hospitals are harder to get a job there just because a lot of people want to work there so they have a large number of applicants. Even with the nursing shortage the large volume of applicants allows them to be more selective and turn people away. So far in my job search, Methodist has really been the only hospital that wanted to know if I would be getting my BSN. The other hospitals that I have applied to havent been asking.
My advice for those trying to get into a GN internship is to apply early AND follow up on your application.
Once you turn in your application start calling the recruiter to make sure they got it and ask if it would be possible to come in for an interview. I've found that once I started being more persistent (and being courteous as well) I have gotten many more interviews. A lot of my classmates that got interviews early also did the same thing. The recruiter might not be able to get you an interview immediately but hopefully somewhere down the line something will open up and they'll consider you for the position.
If you're a Dec. grad, you can wait till late Sept/early Oct to get serious with the hospitals. Last yr I applied in Aug. which was most definitely too early. I think this caused me to be overlooked by at least one hospital, but it's all good because I got a job doing what I wanted!
Okay Hope this helps. Most places do an internship twice a year and Methodist states they have an internship year round. For instance I graduate in December and the deadlines are in the end of september/october. So whoever said to check the break before your last semester is correct.I waited until now, because I already work as an SN, and I feel a little crunched for time. Most hospitals prefer to hire BSN because the difference between the two is critical thinking skills aquired during the extra time in school. Methodist is the only hospital that requires, a BSN as a new grad. From all of the hospitals I have interviewed and done clinicals they have all stated they would like BSN and as far as new grads they would chose a BSN over ADN. You can also try the outlying hospitals they are more likely to hire ADN. After speaking with all of the new grads from May 2010, I do not know of any of them that did not receive a job ranging from Ben Taub to St. Josephs to St. Lukes. But with that said they are BSN, I'm not exactly sure how ADN works, but you will find a job somewhere, just remember the medical center is not your only option, because all internships are really competitive. If you are new to nursing school, the best advice I can give you is to get a job somewhere to have your foot in the door, and work more than one place work twice a month at one place and twice a month somewhere else. That way you have options. Also try your best on HESI, have a good GPA, and be really enthusiastic in the interview with good resume and good letters of recommendation even if they don't ask for them.
BrittRN2b
162 Posts
Good tip! Thanks. When do you think is best time to start applying?