New Grad Positions in Chicago

netglow, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2011

Each facility runs it's own timetable. All you can do is keep applying. NG jobs are very difficult to get as programs have been drastically cut. But, it's a bit better than it was a year and a half ago. Illinois has many, many RN programs so you will compete with all of the grads, as well as those like you who figure Chicago is a good place to look. To get an idea check out the listing of programs. Yup keep scrolling down, its long.

http://www.nursing.illinois.gov/education.asp#HOSPITALS

dudette10, MSN, RN · Jul 23, 2011

I had five calls for interviews, and each call took about 3 weeks after the online application. These were not residency positions; they were just positions that did not require experience. I submitted about 70 online applications, so my hit rate was less 10%. Just keep applying and make phone calls to contacts in facilities where you have them.

dudette10, MSN, RN · Jul 23, 2011

One other thing...wikipedia has a page where it lists all the facilities in Chicagoland. Write them down, then go to the facility or system websites, find the ones you are willing to commute to, register, search, and apply.

doodledee · Jul 27, 2011

dudette10 - Thank you for the information about your job application experience.

I just started submitting applications in the Chicago area a couple weeks ago and haven't gotten any interviews which is pretty discouraging. It seems like in general new grad jobs are very very sporifice in the Chicago area. I am considering moving back to where I went to nursing school.

mlyRN · Aug 2, 2011

dudette10, thanks for the advice. I have applied to about 60 positions over the last 3 weeks and am crossing my fingers.

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Aug 3, 2011

Again - three weeks is the soonest you'll hear back from most hospitals - if at all. Hospital HRs in Chicago move at a glacial pace, and don't believe in sending rejection notices either. Also, apply to any job that also wants 1-2 years of experience - the worst that'll happen is that you'll get some resounding silence from those as well.

Rogers Park_Ed RN · Oct 21, 2011

Not sure if you're still looking at this thread...But I graduated in May, and have found it very difficult to (1) find a posting for a new grad RN position and (2) get a response from the HR department. Its frustrating because I live near Chicago but I've had to apply to openings in Danville, IL (~3hrs south). That's the only interview I've had. I've set up job agents at most of the area hospitals, though I only get emails for Resurrection and Alexian Brothers. Anyone else had any luck or advice on which hospital to apply to?

TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP · Oct 21, 2011

I would suggest the ED where I work, but we just hired a slew of new grads that started orientation in the past couple weeks, and I don't see any remaining openings on the website (for the first time in at least a year...). Generically, I would make sure that you're looking at the smaller hospitals as well as the large and mid-sized systems, and checking everything at least weekly.

As opposed to getting responses to HR departments, have you gotten your ACLS cert yet? If so, your PALS cert? You should be continually trying to improve your resume, especially if you've taken a while to find a job.