Help needed!! --New and jobless RN

ShemRN · Mar 1, 2006

I'm in the same boat...but mine's further south right now!

I applied for Oregon endorsement a few weeks ago (should've done Oregon directly though since I knew I was moving up after graduating) but haven't found really any openings to apply for anyway.

Saw one briefly posted for new RNs at Salem Hospital, but now it's gone. They along with Adventist Health were the only ones who even bothered responding to my New Grad position inquirys.

What area are you in, and how far would you be willing to go for a job/new grad program? Is there a specific are of interest?

Rosewine · Mar 2, 2006

ShemRN,

It is hard to break into the industry here. I was told that the schools are producing more graduates than the hospitals can possibly offer. The hospitals (I am not sure which ones) are kinda obligated to accept the in-state graduates first because of some 'agreement' they made years ago. I find this totally ridiculous. We are licensed by the OR state board of nursing. What is this called? Protectionism? Discrimination? Is this legal?

I was told some in-state graduates even go out of state to get into the fields that they want.

The no of hospital beds per head is also lower than the national average. Are they controlling health care costs or is it that the economy is not in a good shape? I don't know, isn't this terrible?

I have my spouse to think about. It is either I travel very far or stay put in an unhappy job/jobless situation.

ShemRN · Mar 2, 2006

I keep hearing mixed reviews on hiring out of state grads - but regardless of where the grads come from, oportunities are certainly less.

I've asked what area you are in so I can maybe forward you anything I come across.

Graciegirlienurse · Apr 20, 2006

so I graduated last june. I now work at ohsu. I found that there were plenty of positions to apply for last spring, but not a huge response to my applications, and I feel like I was a very competitive candidate. What ended up working for me was bypassing hr, hand delivering my applications to the managers of the units I wanted, and then emailing and calling those managers. the managers were happy to speak with me, but helen in HR is like a brick wall. Also dont be afraid to apply for positions that say they require experience. of course thier first choice will always be someone with experience, but often if will hire a new grad if someone experienced is not avaliable. I think that the most important thing to do is follow up after applying, if 4 people apply and 1 is calling every couple of days, which one will they remembr? good luck

Rosewine · Apr 21, 2006

When there's a will, there's a way.

Thank you for replying. :) I really appreciate it.

I'm jobless no more.

I just had an experience with one 'cocky' student nurse.

ShemRN · Apr 21, 2006

I just had an experience with one 'cocky' student nurse.

Don't be a tease! Tell us!

oceania · Aug 19, 2006

Just an FYI I work at Willamette Valley Med Ctr in McMinnville. We have some openings and they hire new grads. You might check it out.