New Grad hires-Question

db2xs · Mar 17, 2016

Hi lakota (love your username, aho!). I got into a new grad program in California eight months after I graduated; I applied three times before getting in. My situation may be unique compared to other people who got into new grad programs, but after the second time that I was rejected, the hospital offered those of us who didn't get in a chance to help out with its roll-out of the new EHR system. It was no guarantee for acceptance, but it was better than nothing. Before that ITS stint ended, I secured a temporary position at the hospital in another department and finally, I got into the program. I have been there ever since.

I am a second-career nurse. When I was taking prereqs, I volunteered at an ED. Also during school, I did an internship at a clinic. I personally don't think that those helped me in any way. I know people who were CNAs and didn't get into a new grad program. It is perplexing as to how people get in. You can ask HR and the managers why it is they selected some people over others, but you will probably get the same answer more or less: "right fit," etc.

For me, after I failed the second attempt, I asked the manager with whom I interviewed why I didn't get in. She said that I would not be a good fit for the particular unit that I interviewed for.

Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut solution to all of this. So many of the people I worked with through the ITS program were great candidates, and there really was no reason in my opinion why they shouldn't have been picked in the first place.

BayNurse93, BSN · Mar 17, 2016

db2xs, wow! That's great that you got that opportunity. Thanks for all the info!! What unit do you work in now?

db2xs · Mar 18, 2016

I work in a heme/onc/telemetry unit.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Mar 19, 2016

I graduated early 2009 and got a new grad job within a month. I had 4 years of LVN experience in a variety of settings. Not gonna lie, experience helps. I would apply to every little random hospital in towns you've never heard of before. They may not have a formal,training program, but they're more likely to hire you and give you that needed experience.

fudgebrownies · Mar 29, 2016

I started my new grad program 5 months after I graduated, a little under 3 months after getting my license. This is my first healthcare job, but I was involved in some volunteering for about a year at another hospital. I also had the chance to go on a medical mission trip abroad for a few weeks too a few years ago. So, in summary, I did have some experience, but it was not extensive by any means.

I felt it ultimately came down to two things that got me hired.

(1) My BSN GPA was nearly a 4.0. I was a research assistant for one of my instructors for a short period as well. I also had a previous Bachelor's in an unrelated field.

(2) I did my preceptorship at this facility and, on a related note, got a wonderful LOR from my preceptor. While I ended up interviewing for another floor entirely due to personal preference and interest, having spent time working in and alongside the staff really helped me get a good sense of the organization's missions, culture, and expectations for the nurses and so I made sure to emphasize during my interviews I knew well what kind of an organization I'm getting myself into and why I would be a great fit.

RunBabyRN · Apr 2, 2016

Apply, apply, apply.

I have prior medical experience, and that seemed to work AGAINST me applying for new grad positions. I was too experienced for those, but not experienced enough for regular positions. Plenty of my classmates were able to get into new grad programs and are working.

Apply to as many programs as you'd consider, and keep your options open. Good luck!

BayNurse93, BSN · Apr 3, 2016

Thanks everyone for your advice and insight!

I definitely plan on starting to volunteer soon and throughout the Summer for the new grad programs applications in the fall. I hope that will help a little also.

jsimpsonlee03 · Apr 12, 2016

My advice to you is apply EVERYWHERE! I was in an EL-MSN program for nursing. I have a prior degree in Biology. I "graduated" in 2014. I took my NCLEX and passed in December. By April, I had my first job. My title was RN II NICU, which obviously that was my first job. Apply to RN I and II. They will filter you out if they don't want you. After a series of unfortunate event. I needed to find another job. I left September 2015, and I am now in the new grad residency for NICU at Loma Linda (I was denied the previous cohort). I think you should apply everywhere you can. for me, I wanted only NICU. I waited for a NICU position and that is why it took me a moderate amount of time to get the job

nerdynurse22 · Apr 17, 2016

Apply everyplace, large and small hospitals. Nursing was a second career for me but first degree. I was a senior helper during nursing schooly ADN program (not even a CNA). Then applied everyplace starting before I graduated. Took a job in home care same month I passed boards (1 months after graduating). Did that while I returned to BSN program. Graduated and then moved out of state (to California). Applied everyplace. Got a lot of rejections, but one offer for hospital RN. Took it and happy to have over 1 year hospital experience. I also had a lot of volunteering experience which helped me (flu clinic, medical mission trip, overnight child camp and more). Just focus on what you have to offer and sell yourself!!! Don't turn away a position even at LTC/ SNF/ homecare as its all experience!!! Good luck!