HELP-- New Grad Planning to Move to St. Louis

[BSNSt3ph]

Hi Everyone!!

I just graduated from my nursing school with a BSN and recently decided that I would like to make the move to STL to begin my nursing career. I have not taken the NCLEX yet, but plan to in early June.

I am a current recipient of the HRSA Nursing Scholarship Program, so unfortunately this is severely diminishing my opportunities as far as finding a hospital that fulfills my service obligation to the scholarship. :(

Two hospitals under BJC health that are approved by the scholarship include: Barnes Jewish Hospital and Children's. Under SSMH is Cardinal Glennon and SLU Hospital. After going through the OB rotation I have realized that my top choices would be to work in

1) newborn "transition nurse"

2)NICU/Special Care Nursery

3) Mother/Baby

I want this so badly and would LOVEEEEEE to work in any of these areas!!!!!!

I have already submitted an application for Graduate Nurses through BJC (have not yet received any calls for an interview), but I have heard that through this application process, graduates are typically hired into oncology, med/surg.

For anyone who is familiar with these hospitals, does anyone know if it is even a possibility for a new grad to be hired into these areas at these particular STL hospitals????

[BSNSt3ph]

Children's and glennon will both hire new grads. Both excellent facilities by the way. I work at mercy in creve coeur and I know we do, too.

You don't have to live in the city if you don't want. Lots of people commute like 20 minute drive from the county. Especially at 7 in the morning or night shift traffic

is not bad at all.

Good luck :)

Thanks for the input oncivrn!! Have you heard of the futures program? Do you know if I would have to go through that program to get hired in Cardinal Glennon's NICU as a new grad?

[etuttle1]

You apply for the futures program directly (they have different groups hired about every 4 months). You can list your preferences for certain hospitals and specialities that you would prefer in the application. Unfortunately, it depends on which hospitals are hiring new grads and what areas they have openings, so you are guaranteed a position if you are accepted into the program, but it may not be in the specialty of your first choice. The hiring process is pretty standard: send in your application and then if they are interested in you, they will call you for a basic phone interview through HR. Then, if you pass that step, you will be called to interview in person for specific floors at any hospital that is interested.

I really liked the program. Your orientation time depends on what unit you are hired in, but you will be paired one on one with an experienced nurse and they will teach you everything about the floor. You will work side by side on the floor with that nurse, as well as attending any required education classes during orientation. You will also be in direct contact with the education leaders of your hospital, and they will be following up with your orientation progress. Hope that helps and good luck!