New grad, new job

RN_Marie · Feb 18, 2012

A lot of hospital nowadays have a NEW GRAD REGISTERED NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAM. It's like an extended job/clinical training. You get paid experience while you are learning or orienting in the facility. This program is a result of the huge turnover rates of nurses. Nurses come and go and the facility/hospital lose the investment they put into the nurses.

Look for the same new grad programs in your area. Most big hospitals do have them. It's the best way to get a job and get the experience you need.

bcems134 · Feb 18, 2012

I wish the hospital had that program as I specifically asked HR yesterday about New Grad positions yesterday. She said they no longer had that position, and I was overqualified for the nurse externships which would have started as a junior. She recommended getting on at the hospital in another position and in 6 months apply for an RN position. In the meantime, I would be an RN working as a CNA.

I find that frustrating, and I am unclear if that would actually lead to an RN job ultimately.

RN_Marie · Feb 18, 2012

Don't give up! There are a lot of other hospitals that do offer those. If you don't mind me asking, what State are you in? Some of my classmates applied as a patient care technicians to get a job as an RN in the hospital.

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Feb 19, 2012

What you're describing is a very common dilemma for new nurses. The problem is that there are so many schools producing nurses and not enough nursing positions. So it can be difficult for nurses to find work.

It is easier to get hired by a hospital if you already work there. Most prefer to promote from within, or are required to give preference to internal candidates. But check your state's law regarding working as a CNA while having an RN license. Some states do not allow this.

You'll also need to look outside the hospitals. Apply at SNFs, LTC, outpatient areas, etc. These may be more willing to hire a new graduate.

If your area is a really tight job market, you may need to relocate to find a job that you want. Try to see how many of last year's graduates are working, or where they are working. That will give you an idea of whether you should think about moving.

Finally, submit an application even if the position requires experience. You never know. Apply in person as well, and target floors where you did your clinicals and the nurses know you. Ask your clinical instructors on these floors for a recommendation.

Be persistent. Apply to a lot of positions. Make sure you have a great resume and cover letter- ask your instructors to proof read it and give you suggestions. Highlight your strength and clinical experiences, not the fact that you're a new graduate.

bcems134 · Feb 19, 2012

I am in NC. I have been in contact with my faculty about the issue and have started thinking about places other than hospitals which I am open to, but I will keep reaching for a hospital job. In the meantime I will keep on working on the next 6 weeks of school and see what happens.

CCRN Marie, I am thinking about another position within the hospital where I would like to work, but there is a 6 month hold on applying to another position. So if I were to be hired in say teletech, I couldn't apply as RN for 6 more months after I was hired. I am not sure 4-5 months as a tech while I am an RN is what I really want to do, but I know it will get foot in door, as Ashley said above, so it is becoming more appealing.

Thanks for the responses.