New grad moving from Phoenix to Chicago

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 1, 2011

Start your endorsement now. You will find all you need on the IL BON site. You will not interview without license in hand. Illinois does not hire nurses without licenses even as externs. The market in Illinois is very bad for new nurses. But, who knows your relative might help, but more and more, doctors are insignificant. They are just employees. Your relative will be unhappy to be told this, but it's true (huge ego blow). It doesn't hurt to try you might get lucky.

There were a few new grad programs this Spring, however taking in very few people. But it was something. So you have missed that. These programs, I know from a very good source were spoken for prior to their public announcements. So, those not very tight with those that choose, were never considered.

Good you are coming to stay with family.

senseiRN · Jun 1, 2011

Hey,

I'm also a new grad and the market doesn't look good. HOWEVER, last year, new grads (that I knew) were hired either August/Sept or Dec/Jan/Feb. I suggest getting your license asap ( the places that called me back for an interview, they told me to call them back when I had my license---I'm still waiting to take my NCLEX). Everyone I know (and their friends/classmates) have jobs.... maybe not right after graduation or even 6 mos after graduation... but they are all employed now (May 2010 graduates).

There are also job fairs in the fall in nursing schools (UIC etc) so maybe you can ask permission to attend those. That way you can meet HR/recruiters face-to-face & try to make an impression that way.

Chechy · Jun 2, 2011

Thank you for your replies. I am taking Nclex here next week and hoping to get my license within a week or two after testing. I already called the nursing board in Illinois to get the fingerprint card sent to me and start the process of endorsement. Hopefully some hospital will call me, it gets really depressing when after 3 years of schooling you can't get a job on the career you love, I really don't see myself doing anything else but nursing.

Cali · Jun 2, 2011

It only took me 5 weeks to get my license by endorsement for Illinois. I actually worked as an agency nurse in Chicago for 3 years. I know Mercy Hospital on Michigan Ave hires new grads all the time. It's not a bad place to work. I'm not sure about hiring of new grads, but I noticed most of the nurses at University of Chicago Hospital seemed happy with the facility and the pay so check them out. MacNeal Hospital also hires new grads all the time.

Chechy · Jun 2, 2011

Do you think being bilingual will be an advantage? The reason I ask is because I thought it would be here in Arizona but most hospitals are using their own translators team and don't let nurses translate anymore even if you are a native spanish speaking individual, so what I thought to be and advantage is actually irrelevant here.

Cali · Jun 3, 2011

Being bilingual will be handy but I don't think it will necessarily make you more marketable. Some of the hospitals I worked in had their own translators. Some hospitals also use the double phone so you and the patient can talk to the translator at the same time.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 3, 2011

OP, here is one you might try:

Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, Chicago, IL

They often post of wanting bilingual nurses. The area that hospital is in can be dicey, and also I think it's probably gonna be a rough job, as they used to constantly advertise for NGs. If they kept every NG position they posted the hospital would have a few too many nurses, LOL. So big hint that it's a revolving door -- other hospitals hire few NGs.

Also you should know that it is part of Resurrection Healthcare. They have their own nursing school and almost always pick up those students into any open position. They also have clinics and LTC and rehab. Those nurses are also placed in these areas, and are first choice to move on to acute care. So I see the posts, but don't know how many outsiders are ever hired.

chicago_RN · Jun 21, 2011

I just moved to Chicago from Dallas as a new grad, it took me 10 months to find a job:( Only 2 interviews in that amount of time. I got a call from Children's for an interview but had to decline because I didn't have my license yet. So definitely be diligent about that. I'm bilingual as well, it didn't seem to do a whole lot in my case. Everyone seems to want experience unfortunately. But as others have said, many positions for new grads are already spoken for for those with connections. And you seem to have one. Hopefully it will work to your advantage! Good luck!

chicagomalenurse · Apr 9, 2012

Hey chechy welcome to chicago, i live in phoenix for a few years. I know a few home health agencies who are in need of spanish speaking nurses. Either for in office or home visiting. Let me know. Or if your interested in teaching cna classes this will be a plus.. I can also direct you toward thar

nursemaryj · Apr 12, 2012

I am relocating to Chicago by the end of this month and I am looking for work also. If you could direct me to the job teaching CNA classes I would great appreciate it because my background is in education and nursing. If you can forward that information to [email protected], I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.