New Grad Programs?

itsnowornever, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2012

Hi all! I'm a pre nursing student (just beginning to work on my prereqs) but have been researching options on gaining experience and/or getting a job straight out of RN school. I have run across several New Grad programs at various hospitals in the LA area but the sites don't give too much detailed information. Can a few of you give me the low down? The sites NEVER give too much info. Just that they have it, sometimes how long it lasts.
When do you think is a good time to apply for a new grad program? If you will have graduated and taken your NCLEX prior to the start date of the actual program go ahead and apply. Example- Applications for X new grad program are accepted in October and the program will start in March. If you will graduate at least 30 days before the program start date and dont mind taking your NCLEX immediately after graduation, then apply. Prior to taking your Nclex or right after passing ?It all depends on you. If you feel like you will pass NCLEX on the first try and immediately after graduation, then then apply for them before you graduate (again, as long as by the time the program starts you will have already graduated and taken/passed NCLEX)I noticed that most programs accept applications 2x a year.
Are new grad programs PAID? YES. It is a job.
Is acception into the new grad program a guarantee of a job at that hospital?As long as you dont get fired.
Do you get to pick the specialty area that you would like to work in at the hospital or are you a floater?You can pick the floor, but be warned, competition will be greatest in the "glory" sections---ER, ICU, L&D...less competitive IMO on neuro, oncology and float pools
Can any of you break down the whole process from application to first day of orientation?You apply, wait a month or so hoping they call, if they call you have an interview with a panel, then another more indepth interview, then the physical/drug screen/background check, then the months of waiting until the actual program starts.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Please, dont get "hung up" on having to start in a new grad program. I have talked to several managers as well as faculty at my school that all agree with what i am saying---yes they are nice, HOWEVER, even if you are hired straight onto a floor you will STILL get an in depth orientation (if the hospital isn't willing to do that, run away!) I can't help but roll my eyes when nurses say "Oh you have to do a new grad program, or med surg before going into a specialty"...no you don't. Are they nice? Sure! Are they prestigious? Yup...but you better be sure it's the floor you are willing to work on for 1-3 years before going into the program or you will end up owing thousands of dollars.

ExPharmaGirl, BSN, RN · Oct 27, 2012

Please, dont get "hung up" on having to start in a new grad program. I have talked to several managers as well as faculty at my school that all agree with what i am saying---yes they are nice, HOWEVER, even if you are hired straight onto a floor you will STILL get an in depth orientation (if the hospital isn't willing to do that, run away!) I can't help but roll my eyes when nurses say "Oh you have to do a new grad program, or med surg before going into a specialty"...no you don't. Are they nice? Sure! Are they prestigious? Yup...but you better be sure it's the floor you are willing to work on for 1-3 years before going into the program or you will end up owing thousands of dollars.

Oh boy would I love a job that is not a new grad program. In San Diego, the main hospitals will not let you work for them as a new grad unless you get into a new grad program with them which is nearly impossible due to the thousands of applicants. Then all 3 of the smaller hospitals want 1 - 3 years of acute care exp. The wonderful catch-22. The only way to get a job down here is to move out of state and come back in a few years. Which is likely what I am about to do.

As for the OP's question, apply based on the requirement that you must have your license by start of program. Yes you get paid (for 99% of them).

Also, it depends on the hospital as far as whether they will keep you after the commitment time. Most do, but one of our hospitals in the area does not guarantee employment after the program.

Your specialty also depends on the hospital. You get to select a couple of preference, but they will place you where they see a best fit. Some hospitals hire differently.

perioddrama · Oct 27, 2012

If you want to get a general idea of the process, you can take a peek into other threads that are currently in the process of applying and interviewing for new grad programs right now. One example is CHLA for a new grad start date of March 2013: https://allnurses.com/california-nursing/chla-new-grad-783885.html. Some lucky people recently got calls to set up their interview dates.

Agree wholeheartedly with what ExPharmaGirl said. A lot of the job listings say "no new grads apply" or "1-3 years experience required." So, how do new grads get experience? Through a new grad program that specifically takes new grads. Unfortunately, you will be competing with thousands of other new grads for a limited number of spots. It is absolutely brutal.

Hopefully by the time you graduate, things will be better.

Best to you!

Nursing24/7, LVN · Oct 28, 2012

Thanks for the replies guys. So basically a new grad program is ideal IF you can manage to get accepted into one. There appears to be alot of bumps in the road to getting a job as a new RN grad (and LVN). Hopefully by the time I get done with my RN studies, the job market situation will be a little better in the LA area *crosses fingers*