Help! Any advice for out-of-state new grad applying for jobs at UW?

[Flesty]

Hello!

I'm a recent new grad (just this past Saturday!) who is currently living in Ohio. My dream job would be to work for the University of Washington Medical Center and eventually go to school there. I'm currently applying for jobs online and hoping for responses.

However, I've been reading the forums here and for other states, and it seems that most out-of-state new grads don't even get looked at. How can I improve the chances that I'll be taken seriously?

I haven't taken the NCLEX yet. I registered for it in Ohio, just because that seemed the safest option at the time. It'll take at least 4-6 weeks before I can take the test due to paperwork. I'm wondering if it'll improve the chances that I can get a job at UW if I change my NCLEX application to apply for licensure in Washington state? (I think this will cost me another $200, though.)

I've done well in school (graduated with honors), have had lots of great clinical experiences, work currently as a tech in a High-risk OB unit, had experience as an undergraduate teaching assistant, experience doing research, working as a sexual assault volunteer, and at Planned Parenthood. How can I improve my chances of getting a job? (I'm not too picky about what area I'll go into - I'm just not interested in peds, rehab or psyc. Anything else is fair game!)

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks thanks thanks in advance!

[maygrad07]

hey, i work at UW hospital, i have been there for almost 5 months. I think you will have what it takes to get hired. It is mainly a cancer hospital with floors such as stem cell, oncology, rehab, med surg, transplant, ortho, etc. I love it there, its a great place to start, the staff is so helpful, i have learned more than i could have ever imagined. just apply and be yourself, from my experience and other new grads say the same thing. Ask questions, do your research on a magnet hospital, know why you want to work there, be able to give reasons and how you would benefit the hospital...hope this helps

[pugmama]

Be persistent. Apply online. Make sure the resume/cover letter you upload looks good--no blatant errors, professinal looking. Call HR--speak with the nurse recruiter--tell her/him that you've applied online and are very interested. If you have an interview, be enthusiastic. Then, send a thank you note.

Good luck!