New Grad RN in CA find any work in CA?

danielle11 · Jul 15, 2014

Hello!

I am a new grad from CA (Central Valley near Modesto) and have been offered two positions at hospitals since my graduation in May. I was offered float pool at a small hospital in Turlock and cardiac step down ICU at a larger hospital in Modesto. The two hospitals I received offers from both stressed how much they look at geographical location because they do not want to invest thousands of dollars in a nurse who will leave after they get 1 year experience. I know that attending the local university and living in the area greatly helped my chances at those two hospitals. Good luck to you!

akRN619 · Jul 15, 2014

Of the 60 or so people I graduated with in January, I'd say about a third have RN positions. Most of us were previously LVNs and were able to secure jobs with our previous employers (I'm currently at an LTAC--not my dream job but I am grateful for the position, paycheck and experience). There are tons of new grad programs available (and you have something like up to 18 months after graduation to still be considered a new grad) throughout southern California, although I understand there are 100-1000 applicants for every open position...but I believe 6 to 8 members of my cohort got in with Scripps' new grad and 1 or 2 at Sharp (but they were already Sharp employees) which is a huge percentage, if you look at the numbers.

Just keep applying. And if nothing else, there are always SNFs that need nurses if you're willing. I'm assuming moving isn't an option for you?

RunBabyRN · Jul 16, 2014

It's tough for sure. I have applied to over 500 positions. No hospitals around here will take new grads. However, I have found a couple of positions through agencies doing health fairs, immunization clinics and infusions. I have an interview for a community clinic job (full time) coming up next week. My goal is to be a CNM, so I'd LOVE to get into L&D, but the clinic does prenatal care, and, I believe, may have a CNM.

We just graduated in May, and I got licensed June 20. Of my class of 23, I don't know of others with work, but a few are interviewing. A few are in residency programs (there were some bad politics with that locally, which is why I'm not currently working where I precepted). I've applied for a residency program as well, and won't hear back until early August. I've heard good things from one of my instructors about this program.

A couple of tips that have helped me in looking for jobs-

Think outside the box. One little trick I did was on the hospital sites, when you're applying for a job and it asks where you heard about this position, if there's a drop down menu of choices, explore those sites! Many are useless, but some have some good stuff! Don't bother applying for travel positions- even if you have other medical experience, they want 2 years of RN experience, no matter what. But other agency positions may not be this way.

Use your connections.

Check out Craigslist.

Apply even if you may not qualify.

Open up to anything you'd even maybe consider.

Good luck!

thinwildmercury · Jul 17, 2014

I have some encouraging news! Out of 40 of my graduating class of May 2014, I would estimate half or more of my class has found a job! The vast majority are in acute care. Most got a job where they precepted or worked during school but many got jobs at hospitals who were totally unfamiliar with them. So the jobs are out there and connections/networking seem to be the best way about getting them =) (although surprisingly I had no connections where I was hired lol so that's possible too)