Las Vegas - NOT new-grad friendly

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No wonder the nursing shortage is awful here.

I graduated three months ago, passed the NCLEX-RN four weeks later, have current BLS and am ready to work, but I can't even get a call for an interview from these hospitals in Las Vegas! And it's not just me! I have friends who graduated with me who just can't believe how few openings there are for new grad RNs here.

For a state with the WORST nursing shortage in the country, you would think the hospitals here would embrace an eager energetic new grad with open arms. I guess nurse managers don't want to take the time to precept and nurture a new nurse because they don't realize what an investment it is. Give us a home and we're appreciative and likely to be loyal over the long term. Perhaps moreso than seasoned nurses.

I just think it's ridiculous that I have gotten dozens of call backs and several job offers from California, Arizona, Texas, etc, but only two measly callbacks in Las Vegas. I get a lot of "thank you but we're only hiring experienced nurses" I actually want to live in Vegas, begin my career here, and make this home, but it looks like I need to start packing my bags just like most who graduate from nursing school in NV.

Good luck with your shortage :up:

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Specializes in ob/gyn med /surg.

i've heard that it is hard to get a new job as a new grad RN. have you tried the valley health system? i saw a job posted for a new grad on the spring valley website...i would check valley hospital and DSH... good luck in your quest.. you will get a job sooner

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Yea, I've heard of this as well... in general, the hospitals around here are NOT new grad friendly.... it's possible that hospitals r also cutting down on their budget. I mean the whole state of NV is in terrible shape, everyone's just trying to save whatever way they can. It's sad though, 'coz a good number of new recent grads will be moving to other states and the other states r the ones who will be benefiting the most!

Just curious, if u were to rate the school that u graduated from, how would u rate it in a scale of 10? How effective were the instructors in presenting the material and the clinicals? I assume that the nclex are mostly clinical questions then?

I appreciate any input, and so does a lot of people around here, i'm sure. Congrats on passing the nclex! and goodluck on ur new career in any of the above states u mentioned.... :)

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Specializes in ED.

Try Reno, we hire new grads all the time! :)

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Congratulations on passing your NCLEX and keep the faith. I was in your situation until last week having passed my NCLEX last December but just moved to Vegas a month ago for my husbands career. I had prior experience but still under one year. We moved from the Midwest where the nursing shortage is no where near what it is in Las Vegas. Thinking I would get numerous call backs I was left constantly having to call the hospital and check on my application status. I have been hired, but was told the summer is a slow time for the hiring process and getting a job in less than a month is rather quick. Also, I would think you would have more of an opportunity being from Vegas as I was told they are mandated by the state to hire Nevada grads first etc. etc. Visit the Recruiting Nevada Nurses website. There were some new-grad positions at the St. Rose campus in Las Vegas. Good luck and stay persistent. Good things will come eventually:)

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Specializes in Psych.

I'm having the complete opposite experience. I've had one solid job offer already and will be interviewing for another one that I really want right after I graduate in a couple of weeks. I haven't had any trouble finding prospective employment. The offers I recieved came out of my clinicals. I know that alot of nurse managers have a specific cut off of new grads they can take because of available preceptors. I know they are reluctant to take new grads from out of state because they feel that the person may not stick around. Vegas isn't for everyone. For those who relocate hear who are out of state but have less than one year of experience try an agency. You can float around the hospitals, see which ones you like and then get to know the nurse manager there. At my last clinical site they had several former agency nurses who did just that and they had less than a year of experience. Don't just lock yourself in to what you see on their employment websites either. I know that often alot of positions aren't posted and if you contact the nurse manager directly of a unit you have a greater chance of getting a new grad spot that may not be listed. If you don't mind med surg try Sunrise. Ask to speak to the nurse manager of 4 East or 4West. I forget her name. But she is actively hiring new grads right now.

D

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I can totally relate to this subject. I am a recent graduate who took my nclex in July. I did relocate to Las Vegas from Cleveland. My boyfriend is a chef, and he has had no problems with a job. I have a temp rn licence while I'm waiting for my Ohio RN licence to endorse. I am also BLS certified and ready to go. We moved here August 4th, and I have been looking for a job everywhere. I have already committed to making this my home for a minimum of 4 years. I am frustrated that as hard as it was to finish nursing school and to want to work, I have had no such luck so far. I will keep trying, and so should you. If I have to, I will get a temp job until something becomes available. Hopefully it won't come down to that. I've waited and worked hard to get "RN", I so much want to start my career as well. I'm praying we both get hired soon:)!

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Thanks everyone. I think I just needed to vent.

Deefromlv thanks I will definitely try out the nurse manager for those units at Sunrise. It's not my preference, but I don't mind med-surg.

Sunnyb714, I'm glad to know I'm not alone. I'm from your part of the country too. I'll definitely give you the heads up if I find something =)

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I totally agree , its not a new grad thing im an expierneced truma ER nurse from inner city chicago with 18 years experience and had to be very aggressive and follow up on all the applications i put in. Yes your right all those postions advertised and no one follow up with u , good luck just get tough with them Bryan :yeah:

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

I don't think it has anything to do with being a new grad, as the other poster mentioned. Las Vegas hospitals are notorious for having slow HR departments. It takes a lot of calling HR departments to get hired -- constantly follow up!

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I feel you!we are in the same boat.

GOod luck for their shortage! :devil:

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Specializes in Lactation Ed, Pp, MS, Hospice, Agency.

Yea... sure... new grad friendly!! Hte to say it, but, NOT!

I was on her floor several times during my clinicals & she never gave me a 2nd look! She must have changed tremendously then!!! Her staff LOVED me too & encouraged me to apply!

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