Moving to Seattle next month, looking for a job with no experience

Hi folks!

I was wondering if any of you could give me advice. I just got my license as an RN in Washington a few months ago and I have had no luck in applying whatsoever(I've applied to Swedish, Harborview and Seattle Childrens). I will be moving to Capitol Hill next month, and I am so scared that I won't be able to find a job as a nurse with no experience. I am not so picky when it comes to getting my first job as a nurse, but since I'm not from around the area and I have no family there, I have absolutely no idea where to start. Its just that most of these RN jobs require at least 1 year of acute care experience. Any ideas, advice, positive vibes, job hookups would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

-Will, BSN, RN

Franciscan has residencies starting in September. I know their hospitals are far from Capitol Hill, but it's something. Check their website, I can't remember what specialties they were. I won't have my license in time to start in September, but a recruiter emailed me that they currently have needs in ICU and progressive cardiac.

Good luck, and send some positive vibes my way too!

Thank you NewYorkerGirl! I have taken you advice and contacted them via email and I attached my resume. Hopefully other people can give me more suggestions. So far, I've applied to Virginia Mason, Franciscan, Swedish, and Seattle Childrens. If anyone can give me advice, please, I am all ears! Thank you!

-Will, BSN, RN

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

Seattle is a difficult area as a new grad because you have the U of W cranking our RN's and other schools as well. You may have a better chance at landing a position in the South Sound compared to strictly Seattle. Franciscan is a good organization to work for and they also own Highline Hospital, which is in South Seattle/Burien area. Granted it's not "Pill Hill", but at least it would be a good place to start. Those residencies are not easy to come by, so if you are accepted, IMO, you should accept. At least it would get your foot in the door and open up other avenues, including Seattle.

Thank you tokmom! The residencies I've applied to/inquired about are Harborview and Franciscan so far. I would take the residency up in a heartbeat. It's as if I had won the lottery if it did happen. Crossing my fingers, will keep you guys updated on my job hunt, incase someone else is in the same situation as me. Any nursing homes/rehab facilities that you guys can recommend around Capitol Hill would be nice! I'm expanding my options beyond hospitals, since beggars can't be choosers!

[verene, MSN]

Aegis is an assisted living/LTC facility on Capitol Hill (off madison and 21st? I think), that particular facility just opened this winter so they may have openings. I've heard that as far as LTC goes the Aegis facilities in the area are pretty good with how they treat their staff. Sound Mental Health is also located in the area and hires RNs if you are okay in working out-patient psych. I believe they are currently looking for on-call staff. Community House Mental Health is slightly further away (23rd and Jackson) I know they are hiring CNAs currently, no idea on RNs. There are several other LTCs and clinics in the area though I don't know much about them.

Hey verene! Thanks for your post, I checked Aegis but they require atleast 2-5 years of experience for their Wellness Nurse positions. Do you folks know if there are any other positions available for new grads besides hospital residencies?

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

Hey verene! Thanks for your post, I checked Aegis but they require atleast 2-5 years of experience for their Wellness Nurse positions. Do you folks know if there are any other positions available for new grads besides hospital residencies?

Really? I know of 2 different Aegis Wellness Nurses that started there as new grads.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

What about Gentiva home health? I hear they take new grads

I will definitely try for Gentiva, hope to hear from them!!!