How do you FIND new grad programs in your area??

[Kendrer]

Hi all!

Im still a first year nursing student, but out of curiosity I’ve tried to search for new grad programs and residencies in my area (the SF Bay Area). I would think there would be a lot of programs like that, but nothing more than one or two programs show up that are a bit out of my travel radius. Do you simply find out about new grad RN programs or residencies through your school towards graduation?  I feel like there are some out there but they don’t publicly advertise??  Is this true?  How have some of you new grad nurses discovered new grad programs?

 

thanks for your guidance!

[londonflo]

On 11/6/2021 at 9:42 AM, Kendrer said:

Im still a first year nursing student, but out of curiosity I’ve tried to search for new grad programs and residencies in my area (the SF Bay Area).

I honestly don't know about any hiring in SF but here are my recommendations: (I would appreciate any comments from those in that region as to if I am way off base).

1) Volunteer for any and all college health-related activities...like vaccinations, working with the homeless, health related programs in grade schools, high schools or your college. After completing these activities ask for 'letters of recommendation' from the organizer and note this on the start of your resume. Start building your resume now, you can always delete things but it is difficult to recall everything later at graduation. 

2) apply for any scholarship you can--American Legion, American Cancer Society,  Local or County hospitals,  local hospital or college-related scholarships and add these to your resume. Find the Foundation Office NOW  (or whoever processes the scholarships available and ask about due dates, what scholarships you may be considered for..etc) If you have to write an essay do it. Don't turn down a scholarship activity it it takes work on your part. Most perspective applicants decide writing an essay is too much for an application.  Once you have written one, you can modify it over and over.  (If you are awarded some scholarship put this info under Honors and Scholarships or whatever your resume-expert recommends). Seek out your career coach early to start building your resume. 

3) Apply for Sigma Theta Tau and try to be as active as you are allowed in the organization. If they need volunteers to hand out programs -- do it. Wear a name tag that says your name and college....schmooze. And again seek recognition for your resume.

4) Does your college adopt a local school or homeless shelter? Be there. If interested in a specific area -- Cancer, pediatrics, cardiac,  (for example taking blood pressures at the State Fair -- sponsored by your local hospital) etc. look for local opportunities to volunteer.  What ever community activity you can do will set you apart (that is if you are staying in the community your school is in). Write it all down....

5) Be a great student on your clinical floors, smile, be approachable, seek out the manager....Smile some more  (appropriately) when  accepting constructive criticism. Explain you want to work there some day and smile some more. Ask the manager for their business card....explain what you have developed an interest in on their floor. Send this in an email to establish name recognition. 

6) Most importantly keep up with your academic requirements - if your time is tight...school is FIRST

7) Best of luck to you and congrats on asking this early in your educational career...you are going to be a winner!

 

 

 

[Kendrer]

Wow thank you!  I will definitely reach out next year when I graduate from my ADN program. I noticed that the UCSF Health new grad program lists ASN, BSN or MSN graduates - do you know if they take ADN program grads?  I am at college of Marin. I plan on doing an RN to BSN program or a bridge BSN program (if I get in to the Sonoma state program) immediately once I pass the NCLEX as well. 

[MaryMayyy]

UCSF tends to prefer BSN from what I've seen.:) Let me know if you have any more questions, happy to help!