New to Denver...New to nursing.

U.S.A. Colorado

Published

Hello everybody,

I just graduated from an ADN program in NC and moved to Denver a couple of weeks ago. My boyfriend and I were planning on moving to Wisconsin after my graduation, but at the last minute moved to Denver instead (long story). Since our decision to move here was VERY last minute I didn't do any research on the job situation before I came here.

I have sent all of my paperwork to the CO Board of Nursing and am waiting for my authorization to take the NCLEX. In the meantime does anyone have any advice for me on getting a job?

It looks like most of the hospitals only have New Graduate orientation programs twice a year... and I just missed the summer one.

Does anyone know if I have any chance of getting hired at any Denver area hospitals before the next New Graduate orientations in December?

Also do you know if I can/should apply anywhere now, or do I need to wait until I pass my NCLEX?

Thanks,

p.s. I have left messages with quite a few HR people/nurse recruiters.. but haven't gotten much help.

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

I know it really stinks to be in this situation, which is why I try to warn new grad RN's wanting to relocate to northern CO. Nsg recruiters will jump all over you if you have 1+ years experience but seem to roll their eyes at the new grads.

CO doesn't allow GN's anymore, so you can't start working until you pass the NCLEX (and have your license) - I know some places won't hire you until you actually have your license # - but I can't speak for everywhere.

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Hope3456,

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my post. After posting, I discovered a couple of threads that I had not seen yet and now feel that I have an accurate view of the situation here.

While the situation is MUCH different than in my hometown, I'm going to keep my chin up and hope that it will all work out. What else can one do?

Just curious, does anyone know if there was a particular "incident" that led to CO doing away with GNs?

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Oops, I thought the first one didn't go through so I rewrote it. Now I can't figure out how to delete the second one. argggh. :banghead:

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, M/S.

There are the health care job fairs.....they might be a good source of info - they are advertised in the denver post. I personally have never been to one, but they probably would be worth attending, maybe the recruiters could let you know when the next time their facility would be hiring the 'new grads.' and even if you don't get an acute care job right away you shouldn't have a problem finding a job in other areas, probably not as lucrative but i guess it would depend on how bad you need a job and what you are willing to do - maybe just until you get hired with a hospital? There are also lots of healthcare jobs listed on craigslist.com.

I know the job situation is alot different other places and it is easy for new grads to get into any position they want, just seems harder in CO for some reason. And I don't know why CO did away with the GN licenses. It does make you wonder:uhoh21:

Good luck, keep bugging the nurse recruiters and let us know how it turns out.

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Thanks, Hope3456! I forgot about Job Fairs. I'll definitely look into that.

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

NewGrad79,

Hey! I just graduated this past May from a college in MN. I have been searching for positions in Colorado since last September.

What I've found -- as an "out-of-stater," is that it is VERY difficult to get Graduate Nurse positions. I had applied to various hospitals: The Children's Hospital, University of Colorado (the Grad Nurse Residency Program), Denver-VAMC, and Swedish Medical. I have received phone calls from all four, but with the U of C and The Children's Hospital -- they have positions set aside for students that either graduated with the U of C Nursing school, OR other RN students that completed their clinical at those hospitals. the U of C GNRP is very, very competitive anyway -- but I had a meeting with the recruiter this spring (to check out the Denver-area) and she informed me that the hospital has prior commitments to its former student.

AKA, it really sucks for people like us.

I have looked into Job Fairs and all that, but like I said...when you're out-of-state, it's A LOT harder. I've literally harassed the HR departments (not a "bad" harassing, haha, but shows that you're really interested -- or, for I've been told :confused:) to ensure that I would keep my name on file, etc.

I have been to Colorado twice in the past 6 months for interviews. I am pretty sure I have a job at the VA (pending my NCLEX results, Eek) and I actually have a phone interview with another brand-new center this afternoon. I have never lived on the west-coast, so this is a complete adventure.

So, I have no idea if this is helpful...haha, I'm sorry if it isn't. Just be persistent. I felt like a stalker, but I got the interviews I needed! Trust me, I totally know that :banghead: feeling.

When are you planning on moving out there? I will be out there this September, I hope (another thing that's pending until I find out my NCLEX results). If you need any other information -- let me know. I've accumulated many phone numbers and contacts in the past few months.

-Emily

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Hi Emi-chan,

Thanks for your insight. Yeah its a tough situation to be in as an "out-of-stater" new grad.

This forum has been so helpful, to know that I'm not alone.

Even tougher for you having been out of state! Luckily I moved here at the beginning of the month.

Good luck! We will all find jobs!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Critical Care.

I am going to be in the same situation it seems.. I am graduating in May '09 from out of state and moving back to Colorado hopefully soon after I graduate. I'd love to get any sort of contact information!

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Kittyfeet,

Where are you interested in working? I would love to help anyone -- I had a pretty hard time, so... if I can make it easier for you, I will try!

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Hello! Been reading your post folks and I can relate to this. I'm a foreign-trained nurse who is married to a USC & will be taking the NCLEX-RN exam next month. I tried several times to apply online @ the new hospital here in CS but can't get through. Should I wait to pass the NCLEX & have my license before I make another attempt for any job application? I had a 6 months perioperative nurse training or what you call, a volunteer nursing here but I'm still looking for my own niche so to speak. And I would appreciate any help/ info I can get. God bless.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Critical Care.

Well, I'm pretty open right now. I would ideally like to live close to work and I used to live south of Denver in Centennial, so that's the area I have in mind but I'm open to anything. It's all beautiful to me and much closer to the mountains than here in Texas, haha. I havn't lived there in 9 years though so I'm sure it's changed a lot. I have no idea where the best areas to live are.

I have heard really great things about Denver Health being open to new grads. When I searched their site I saw a lot of jobs open for "Staff Nurse", and I have no idea if that includes new grads! Down here I think people have trouble getting first jobs in places like the ICU and ER, but there is an abundance of new grad positions on the med/surg floors with low acuity. I would be fine with anything, I'm not looking for the sickest patients possible while I'm still learning, although I would be up to it if a position were to open up in a higher acuity area.

Any names or numbers you have would be great! : ) As well as any tips on what hospitals are good. I have lots of friends there but none of them are in health care, lol. I hope you finally found something too! I'm wondering if recruiters will even talk to me when I don't graduate until May, but I figure it might also be good to start early.

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