How do new grad programs narrow down applicants?

[Summers3]

I'm curious to how new grad RN programs narrow down hundreds of applicants for their open positions.

I understand that time is a factor, like if they hit the maximum number, they won't take anymore applicants.

For those who do make it on time for application, what criteria do they look for? GPA, school, background, skills, volunteer experience, etc? (cause obviously they don't look for actual nursing experience right)?

Thanks, everyone!

[Summers3]

Thank you for your detailed reply! :)

This might be a far-fetched question. But seeing how in some situations, several nurses also participate in the interview along with the nursing director, do you happen to know if this method is also practiced in the other departments of your hospital?

Since the most I heard about is sometimes only a nursing director will review your application and invterview you personally. That's it. Sometimes a committee from that unit does it. Or all the varieties in between.

I'm not applying to any programs yet nor am I currently job hunting but I would like to still ask to make sure I am aware of all the possibilities out there.

Thank you again for your time and consideration, dah doh! :)

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

@ Tina N: Yes, the interview process varies depending on the facility and unit. Sometimes you interview with HR, sometimes it's a director or manager, sometimes it's a couple of nurses like a charge nurse and preceptor, sometimes it's the educator, sometimes it's a panel interview. Sometimes you get interviewed more than once for the same position. Sometimes you interview once for a chance on multiple areas. It just depends on what the facility and unit does. There is no standard across the board.

In the end, GPA doesn't really matter as long as you have a valid license. Can you spot a "C" average nurse versus an "A" average one? Maybe the "C" student is an awesome nurse but a bad test taker? However, we presume that most likely the "A" student will do better. GPA does also matter if you plan to attend grad school.

[Summers3]

I see! Well, I guess it is only normal that each facility and department has their own way of interviewing applicants. Yes, I absolutely understand that grades play a minimal part in finding employment after school has ended. But what counts the most is probably the internal connection plus the experience each applicant is bringing to the table. I mean, in your experience, what is the range of experience you see in your applicants for job application (not new grad program)? (probably varies but maybe 2 years minimal?) I would think that the majority is probably not new grads with no experience right if the position is just a regular RN position? Or at least, it will be much tougher to get in if you’re a new grad and you’re competing with experienced candidates. Also, dah doh, this is probaly a long shot but may I please ask if it is possible that a committee might potentially favor a new grad/grad with less experience than someone who had more experience? Like, would letters of rec and stronger internal applicant/connection come into play? So it is not potentially 100% based on experience? Honestly, I just hope that I’ll be lucky enough to score interviews and eventually find employment not too long after graduation! Thank you again for taking the time to advise me! J