I don't know what to do! I recently graduated nursing school and have taken NCLEX and passed. Right now I have been job hunting, applying online and have not been getting any call backs. I have been looking for jobs in the medical center and I know they have a right to be picky. But I wish they can see how much I desire to work there and how I would love to learn from them.
In april I went on an interview for a summer internship and they told me they would contact me by the end of that week. They never called back. I just feel as though that the hospitals in houston don't like me. But I want them to so I can get the proper training as opposed to the training I would get in my tiny town.
Looking for a job is all new to me and I am having trouble selling myself. Maybe some of you that are from houston can advise me on how to look for job there.
What area are you trying to work in? ICU, ER, Med-surg????
I've worked at 3 different hospitals in the Med Center and have enjoyed all to some degree or aspect. Ben Taub-TSICU, MDA-SICU/MICU and now St. Luke's-Neuro ICU.
You really shouldn't have any trouble getting into Ben Taub...they always need help. The thing about them is you may get burnt out quickly if you go to the ICU or ER.
MDA is really nice. Updated computer charting (ICU and OR only though) and the nurses on the floor only have 4 patients apiece.
St. Luke's is really nice too. Its been said that they prefer BSN trained nurses, but I'm in with an Associate's degree. Many of there staffers have been there 10yrs+ because they enjoy it so much. St. Luke's treats their nurses well.
My boyfriend is a resident and has had rotations at every hospital in the Med Center. I haven't been there, but he says Methodist is also a very good choice.
All I can really say is to stay persistant! Call and check every week or so. Check the job posting regularly. And soon! New Grad internships start in June I believe. Good Luck!
Try to get names/emails/numbers of the managers of the unit you want... and call the recruiters! I had one guy from Hermann in the med center call me a ton of times before I finally answered (always called when I was in school..) but couldn't accept because I was moving. I had Woman's call me 2 months after I applied offering an interview. Have you tried St. Joseph?
I have not tried St. Joseph's yet but I have heard that is a neat place to work.
The Womans Hospital has finally called me for an interview and I hope that I can pull it off. Wish me luck!
It's experience that they're looking for. There certainly is still a nursing shortage in Houston. As well as the rest of Texas. The three major Houston hospitals have been in the New York/New Jersey area numerous times over the past year hiring experienced nurses from this area to relocate to Houston. My wife was one that accepted an offer with Memorial Hermann and we'll be relocating in the fall. She has a BSN and 10 years experience. St. Luke's and Methodist are the other hospitals recruiting NY/NJ area nurses.
Well, honey it's not just nursing, it's all across the board....I've been looking for a job for 4 months non-nursing related and I have found nothing at all. I've been on maybe 20 interviews. I don't want to blame it on the economy and the sucky job market, but what can we say? Have you tried one of those nursing recruiting firms? Or applying in the outskirts of Houston? I have a B.A. degree with sales experience and I cannot find anything, which is why I'm pursuing my dream of nursing. I hope the best for you!
Previous posters are correct - there is still a serious nursing shortage in the Houston area. However, most of the major hospitals have existing relationships with schools of nursing - so their internship programs are usually filled up quickly by students who did clinicals at the facility.
Having worked (ICU) in the 'miracle center' and outside it, I am continually amazed by the perception that med center hospitals are the best places to work. I haven't noticed any dramatic differences in nursing leadership or practice environment in the med center versus suburbs. Nursing in the med center just means adding 2 hours to your day getting to and from your car parked way out in the 'brown' lot.
However, most of the major hospitals have existing relationships with schools of nursing - so their internship programs are usually filled up quickly by students who did clinicals at the facility.
rbezemek,
What do you mean by existing relationships with school of nursing? Do you mean all of the nursing schools in Texas or solely the ones in the Houston area? Thanks!
Sorry I wasn't more clear. Most of the Houston med center hospitals serve as the primary clinical rotation sites for several local nursing schools (UT, TWU, HBU, PV-A&M, etc). Their students usually have first pick of of any special programs for new grads.
I'm so glad yyou posted this because I asked a question similar to this on another thread and got no responses. I wanted to know working in the med center was like the ideal thing to do. My cousin makes the commute sound like horror. All the rant and rave about the med center gave me the impression that once you are in the medical field, you SHOULD be working there.
labcat01, BSN, RN
629 Posts
Twilight- have you looked at HCHD???