job prospects for a new grad

[tentay87]

So this has been worrying me for awhile. I'm a junior on a BSN track. I will graduate next May (2011). I don't think I will be getting an internship this summer. I go to school in Central IL but I would like to move back home (to save money) when I graduate. Here are my questions:

How hard will it be to get a job without any experience in the suburbs/Chicago? ( I look at all the job postings and they all require a minimum of 1 year at least). Since I go to school 3 hours away, it's hard to score summer internships back home because they want you to stay after summer.

When do hospitals hire? I will be graduating in May and I heard some don't hire until Aug/Sep/Oct. What do I do before then--besides passing the NCLEX?

Also, which hospitals have new RN programs (so far I know Children's Memorial has one--but I haven't seen any posted)

What are other ways to get experience?

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

[NurseThis21, BSN, RN]

Hi there!

It's okay if you aren't able to get an internship or other experience over the summer. Most people can't afford that due to family, location, etc. It's appealing to recruiters, but definitely not required. Also, don't waste your time trying to look for positions online that say NEW GRAD RN Residency. That's not going to happen because most hospitals have lost revenue over the past two years and haven't had the opportunity to implement cohesive residency programs. Instead, look for positions that say "Experience Preferred" or "New Grads Welcome To Apply". That way, the recruiter will know that you will need extra guidance and they will find suitable preceptors for you.

I'm hoping that the economy will ease over the next year or so, but keep the above mentioned in mind just in case if it doesn't.

Right now, the hospitals that I can think of that are new grad-friendly are Children's, Advocate Healthcare systems, Resurrection Healthcare systems, Stroger, Rush Medical Center, UIC Medical Center, and Loyola University Medical Center. Try to focus on those if you're looking for a place that has a great preceptor program.

Also, start applying for jobs next January. That way, you'll have a few months before you graduate to get a feel of what hospitals are offering and if there is a new grad program, you want to make sure you apply in time. Hospitals usually hire at the beginning of each month so you have 12 good chances at getting a job each year! Not that your luck would be that amazing, but know that hospitals hire year=round no matter if you are a new grad or not.

Use the summer months after you graduate to focus on your NCLEX. Hopefully, you'll have a job or are very close to getting a job if you started applying in January and therefore, you'll have more time to dedicate to the test of all tests!

If you feel you really want to do more to stand out among other applicants, volunteer where you can. It doesn't have to be in a hospital per se, nor does it have to deal with nursing, but it will let the recruiter know that you weren't wasting you time and you like to help out wherever you can. It helps with the "well-rounded" applicant look.

Good luck with everything and I hope you have a better time with landing a job next year!

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Northwestern Memorial has summer internship spots which are geared towards people like yourself who would not otherwise be able to experience a clinical rotation at NMH. They're listed on NMH's jobs site.