New grad looking for jobs in chicago area

U.S.A. Illinois

Published

Howdy all,

I am a nursing student at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and I am trying to look at places to work in the Chicago area once I graduate this May. I know that last year it was very difficult to find a job as a new grad in the Chicago area. I also know that many of the university hospitals will hire their new grads from within first. However, I am still optimistic that I can find something. Are there any recommendations that anyone from that area has? I know of a couple internship programs, one at Children's Memorial and one at Illinois Masonic. There don't seem to be any job postings that are specific to new grads at this time. My roomate is applying for jobs in the Raliegh area of North Carolina and she has found several new grad job postings. I was wondering what I should do if I want to apply for a job, but I don't have my license yet since I haven't sat for NCLEX. Anyways, any info, suggestions, or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you all for looking out for us new grads. I have been lucky enough to receive some great information and advice from this site already.

Thanks again,

Ryan

0 Votes

I recently moved to IL from VA. There seem to be way more jobs over there. All my friends from nursing school are employed there. I talked to a recruiter at Northwestern two days ago that told me they start posting positions for the new grad programs in March and April. I know that you can't work in IL unless you are licensed, this has been my issue. I moved here before I took the NCLEX and have been unable to work. In VA, you can work for 90 days from date of graduation under supervision before you need to be licensed. Anyways, because these are new grad positions I bet you can apply for a potential job they will want filled in May.

0 Votes

Ryan,

I'd really think twice about moving to Illinois. I am a Hoosier too and the only reason I am here is for my wife and her job.

The cost of living in Illinois is ridiculous compared to Indiana. Unless you have specific reason for Chicago, nothing like good old Indiana. You'll never get ahead paying the high cost of housing or the astronomical property taxes.

0 Votes

I am thinking about moving to IL as well and have had a difficult time contacting HR from University of chicago Hospital in order to find out how to apply as a new graduate. However, I do know that in IL you can apply before you sit for your boards; however, you have to be licensed before you can start practicing. Have you had any luck yet?

0 Votes

Does anyone know if Chicago grads have a bigger advantage than people out of state getting a job?

0 Votes

I'm a soon too be new grad in Chicago and we have been told that the market is still tough. We were advised to apply places we have connections at because it's hard to get in anywhere else. I would suggest working a year or so in Indiana if you can find a job there and then apply to hospitals in Chicago when you are no longer considered a new grad. I know that seems like forever, but I think you'd have a better shot at getting in at one of the Chicago hospitals if you do that.

Good luck!

0 Votes
Specializes in NICU.
Ryan,

I'd really think twice about moving to Illinois. I am a Hoosier too and the only reason I am here is for my wife and her job.

The cost of living in Illinois is ridiculous compared to Indiana. Unless you have specific reason for Chicago, nothing like good old Indiana. You'll never get ahead paying the high cost of housing or the astronomical property taxes.

yes, the cost of living is high but that's also completely proportionate to style of living. If you want a huge house with a large yard, fenced in with a dog, two cars and so on then Chicago itself is tough for a new grad.

I moved here as a new grad a little over four years ago. I have student loans, I travel quite a bit and I lived downtown in a small one bedroom apt. Now I live in a VERY nice downtown condo. granted I do live with my boyfriend, the mortgage doesn't pay itself! AND YES, I'm still "ahead" as you put it. I continue to travel, pay loans and I'm in school. So "getting ahead" in Chicago is all relative to what you want!

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment