International New Graduate Nurses wanting advice on where to start work.

[hanlema85]

Hello everyone, I've really been having a hard time trying to get hired here in California (almost 5 months of trying to look for a place to start!) from gov't hospitals to skilled nursing facilities, and still no luck, can anyone give me good advice on where i can actually find a job? an agency?? its so difficult as well since New graduate programs are mostly for new graduates here in the US and seldom i guess would hire New Grad's outside of the country, but still i know there are, do any of you know a good place where i can start?? please, i really need help on this, I'm starting to get worried:no: on when i can actually start my profession but I'm trying to keep my hopes up.. I'm in dieing need of advice, thank you so much if you can!! God bless you all!!!:redbeathe:nurse:

[suzanne4, RN]

You are in the Bay Area, that is what is causing problems for you at this time. There are many more American grads that wish to work in the area, even graduated from the Bay Area have issues trying to find work. Average number of new grads accepted in a program are about 12 to 15, from over 200 applicants.

Government hospitals such as the VA actually are requiring citizenship now before they can hire.

Would highly recommend that you look at other areas to find a job. If you have two years of experience in the US, then easy to find a job where you are, but as a new grad, it is going to be bleak and not getting any better.

Please check out the CA Forum so you can see what is actually happening there right now.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Check out the individual state posts, you will see many states also have a glut of new grads. Call the hospital and speak the the recruiter. If they are in need of nurses they will talk to you. If they have a enough nurses they will not give you the time of day.

Apply to nursing organizations that you are interested in, for example if you are interested emergency nursing, join that association. Go to area meetings and network.

Some places in the mid west are hiring new grads. Check out the boards, apply online and follow up with a phone call.

Since you are a resident of the US why didn't you go to school in the US? I keep asking this question since their are many obstacles going to a program outside the country you want to practice.

Since you have not been exposed to the new technology, try to get a program where there will be an extended orientation. If you are not a US citizen start applying for citizenship since this will allow you to apply for government positions.

Good luck, finding your first position is tough.