NEW GRAD APPLYING FOR JOBS

Christina_, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2019

If you want to get into a hospital, it is best to apply for a nurse residency program. You can try applying for jobs on a specific unit if you want, it doesn't hurt to try. But, they usually will not hire you, at least not here. If you are working as a CNA in a hospital, it is easier to get a RN job on that unit or at that hospital, if you ask your manager for help. Idk where you are from, but you should look into nurse residency programs & find out when they start opening it up for applications.

MotoMonkey, BSN, RN · Nov 11, 2019

I would apply to any position you qualify for. In my neck of the woods, most of the hospitals require you to have completed a residency program, or have a year of experience before they will hire you directly to a unit. However, make sure you are always networking and making positive connections with nurses, charge nurses, and managers if possible. I completed my final practicum on a unit that does not hire new grads, however, I made a lot of positive connections and after I graduated and passed the NCLEX I was encouraged to apply to an open position on the unit and was subsequently hired. So it is still possible to be hired onto a unit that "doesnt take new grads" but it is much more difficult.

_Cecilia_, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2020

I agree with both @MotoMonkey and @Christina_! From most important to least, your priority for applying to jobs should be:

Nurse Residency/Nurse Fellowship programs
Specific jobs where you had your final practicum/capstone/internship
Specific jobs that PREFER at least one year of experience
Specific jobs that do not require or prefer one year of experience

I also cannot stress how important it is to build connections. During Nursing School, I didn't do this enough, so I looked to LinkedIn to help me connect with nurses who worked at hospitals I wanted to apply to and Nurse Recruiters. By doing so, I was able to receive a phone interview and in-person interview at 2 of the top 5 hospitals in my area. After my in-person interview, I was able to receive an offer at the hospital and the population of my dream! It was challenging having to apply to multiple jobs and not hear back. Sometimes, you look similar to other applicants on paper, so if you reach out, it shows you're eager and excited! (Equally important is having a well-written, organized, experience-filled and uniquely formatted resume)

In regards to when to apply, I would strongly suggest the following:

DEC/JAN/FEB/MID-MARCH 2020: Begin researching hospitals, nurse residency programs (research/apply for this earlier if these applications open earlier)/New Grad nurse interview questions
APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2020: Begin actively applying for jobs, reaching out to connections, practicing nurse interview questions, creating your portfolio, studying for your NCLEX

Here's the link to the portfolio if you're interested!

Hope this helps! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions