Graduating soon, best way to find new grad programs?

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Hey everyone,

I'm graduating in May with my BSN (whoo!) and am starting to look for new grad programs. I am willing to relocate, as I don't really have an obligation to be anywhere after I graduate, and I was wondering what is the best way to go about searching for new grad programs in the country? Somehow, I don't think googling "new grad RN programs" is really going to do the trick. Tips? Tricks? Know of a program? Let me know. Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In my area of the country, new grad transition programs are rapidly gobbled up by students who have had clinical rotations in that facility. There is very little chance of acceptance for a "non-local" grad. Hopefully, your experience will be different.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Best option is to find one near where you live. 2nd best option is to look in cities where you have close ties (went to school there, admitted into grad school there, have close relatives there, etc.). Most of the best hospitals have been burned by graduates moving to their towns only because of their new grad orientations. The nurses take the new grad program, consume the hospital's resources, then leave and go "back home" once they get the minimum experienced required for good jobs in towns where they really WANT to live.

So ... look at hospitals in places where you can present yourself as someone who has TRUE reasons why you want to settle down in that town for a long time -- long enough for it to be worth it for the hospital to invest in you. Remember, this is not like school where you are paying them to provide you with the education. You are asking a hospital to pay you and also pay for your education for a few months. The best hospitals (and the best new grad programs) will have multiple applications to choose from -- and they want to invest only in those nurses who are going to stay in that town for a long time.

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Specializes in oncology, MS/tele/stepdown.

Starting local is easiest. I looked at the health systems with the best reputations first, and went from there. The HR sites have specific information for new grad nurses. They know that you don't know what to do, so it's okay! My school holds a job fair every semester, which was more valuable to me for information than for actual networking. There were more distant health systems there, plus some from out-of-state who were able to shed some light on the licensing process for their state. I hadn't even heard of the one health system that was actively hiring new grads and giving sign-on bonuses, had I been willing to relocate.

When I was applying, many new grad programs would list what you need to apply, but not say when they would post the actual listing. Because I was disorganized and they only left the posting up for 6 days, I missed out on applying to one of the big, local health systems. If I had had all of my materials together, I could have made the application deadline, rather than having to wait 6 months for the same opportunity. Make sure you have your recommendation letters from your clinical instructors in your possession, and let them know when you start applying. Some places require you to use their recommendation forms, not the ones from your school. Make sure you can contact your clinical instructors if you need them to write you another letter! If you know the application requires an essay, have it prepared before they post the job. Be prepared, and check for the postings you know you want daily.

I should also mention that I got my RN job because I was an extern on the same floor for a year. If you have an opportunity to work at a hospital before graduating, take it, especially if you are in a competitive area. They held jobs for myself and my fellow extern/new grad because they knew us and we worked hard, but they could have easily filled those spots months ago if they wanted to.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Perform a search using term New Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Versant New Graduate RN Residency lists participating hospitals.

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

Best option. Use the resources your got. Just ask your nursing school instructors. They often have past students who let them know about programs available. Chances are you'll need a recommendation letter from one of them anyways.

In Central Florida there's two programs I know of. Orlando Medical Center and Florida Hospital. Before going out of state just search your local hospital website for Graduate Nurse Residency program or Nurse Residency. You can also try calling up the H.R department and just ask of they have a Graduate Nurse Residency Program or nurse residency program, they might be able to guide you to the link to apply. Some times its hard to find on hospital websites and many people find it by word of mouth. Links to the program might be on their career pages.

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Florida Hospital Graduate Nurse Programs - Apply Now

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
Best option. Use the resources your got. Just ask your nursing school instructors. They often have past students who let them know about programs available. Chances are you'll need a recommendation letter from one of them anyways.

In Central Florida there's two programs I know of. Orlando Medical Center and Florida Hospital. Before going out of state just search your local hospital website for Graduate Nurse Residency program or Nurse Residency. You can also try calling up the H.R department and just ask of they have a Graduate Nurse Residency Program or nurse residency program, they might be able to guide you to the link to apply. Some times its hard to find on hospital websites and many people find it by word of mouth. Links to the program might be on their career pages.

Graduate Nurse Residency Program

Florida Hospital Graduate Nurse Programs - Apply Now

Actually *Orlando Health is laying off employees and cutting back hours, pay and benefits. They have been on a freeze since last year for nursing.

Orlando Health is made up of several hospitals: Orlando Regional Medical Center, Dr Phillips Hospital, South Seminole Hospital, MD Anderson, Arnold Palmer, and Winnie Palmer. And they have recently purchased Physician Associates of Florida, a medical group of physicians and clinics.

New grad programs *MAY* resume in 2014, but there are no guarantees at this point.

As a result, Florida Hospital will be flooded with experienced applicants for positions that would have previously gone to new grads.

I live in the area and have found the market terrible for new grads unless you have a 4.0 AND/OR have a manager requesting your application.

Just thought you should be aware of the situation.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

FL New Grad RN's: I spoke with Cape Canaveral hospital recruiters at AACN's NTI, they were booth next to allnurses)-- system First Health still has new grad program.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
FL New Grad RN's: I spoke with Cape Canaveral hospital recruiters at AACN's NTI they were booth next to allnurses)-- system First Health still has new grad program.[/quote']

Unfortunately, their program is not currently posted. Someone emailed me back a few weeks ago saying they hire in January and July? Not sure if that is still the case, but their program is currently not listed at any Health First locations on the job page.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

Saw this compiled list online, seems pretty accurate. :)

RN Residencies « NewNurseGraduate

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Specializes in Med Surg, PCU, Travel.

I live in the area and have found the market terrible for new grads unless you have a 4.0 AND/OR have a manager requesting your application.

Just thought you should be aware of the situation.

Thanks for d info..Florida sucks! I've been wondering if I should start working parttime as CNA/PCT or something that will get me ahead of other new grads..I'm by no means a 4.0 student :( At the same time working, being a dad and school might also hurt my grades.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

Thanks for d info..Florida sucks! I've been wondering if I should start working parttime as CNA/PCT or something that will get me ahead of other new grads..I'm by no means a 4.0 student :( At the same time working, being a dad and school might also hurt my grades.

I'm planning on trying to move out of state. My ailing parents will need to move with me which should be a challenge. Need somewhere safe without stairs and will be the only one working, if I ever get work.

Being a CNA only helps at Florida hospital. And even there, it's only if you want THAT unit, if you want a different unit or different hospital, too bad. Kind of sad. Also try for FH's senior nurse tech program (SNT) because that's a one semester commitment that will also help get your foot in the door. Ask around during clinicals.

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