Jobs in Tucson/Phoenix area for new grad

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Hi Everyone!

I have been sifting through posts on here about hospitals, jobs and new grad programs in Arizona, but it seems like everything I find has been from several years ago. Maybe I'm just not searching properly:unsure:

Here's my situation... I currently live in PA and will be graduating May '14 from an ADN program. I am looking to move back to AZ (either Tucson or Phoenix area) but I feel so lost and don't know where to begin in finding jobs. I know the market is really tough right now, but my 'dream job' would be to work in NICU, L/D, Mother/baby, etc. I'd be willing to work in other departments as well. I'm even considering correctional nursing or reservations. I've looked on several hospital pages and can't really find too much on new grad programs or recruiter contact info. Any advice on what I should do, where to go, who to contact, who hires ADN grads? I'm on winter break now and want to start to get things organized because next semester is going to be soooo crazy. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

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Call the hospitals. Tucson fazed out new grad programs in a lot of hospitals

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I am graduating soon from a program in Tucson. I am moving out of state so I'm not fully versed in the market here, but it seems those that have prospects already had a foot in the door somehow. I know that TMC is not hiring new grads for NICU this go around because I did my preceptorship there. It maybe isn't as tight as some places but still tough and remember there are 3 BSN programs graduating folks plus a MEPN program AND a huge ASN program. I had looked at Phoenix and it seemed a little better, but not by much. Good luck.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Most of the hospitals i Phoenix are aiming for magnet status. To get an ADN hospital job is VERY hard out here and generally you have to know someone at the facilities to even get an interview. Unless you have LPN experience, then that might help with an interview. Are you going to bridge to BSN? If you are, then it will be easier to get interviews. Most hospitals in phoenix have done away with their new grad programs, so when job searching, go to the regular search board for the facility you are looking at and there should be a spot on each listing marked if it is for new grads or not. Some facilities have an option to sort my new grad openings only. The openings are very limited so make sure to start applying a couple months before graduation. If you cannot get into a hospital LTC, rehab, and home health still hires a lot of ADN grads. GL

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Oh and we are saturated in Phoenix. There are 8 or more CC with ADN programs, I believe 3 UNIs with BSN programs, and quite a few private schools. All of which churn out hundreds of new grads each semester.

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Thanks! Yea I am definitely going to continue on with for my BSN. I'm starting to look at online programs and schools in my area. Do you think hospitals out there will be more inclined to hire me knowing that I will/am taking BSN courses?

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Its not a definite, but in general a new grad ADN who is working towards a BSN is more desirable then a new ADN who is not continuing education.

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