New Grad/RN Program in California

Published

Hi to all the nurses! I just passed the NCLEX last December 2008 and I am looking for my first RN job. I am having a hard time looking for a job here in Northern California because it seems that every hospital don't have positions for new grad or new RN's. They're looking for experienced ones. I wonder if an RN like me can apply for an LVN position in a convalescent facility to gain experience atleast I have my foot on the door of nursing and then work my way up from there. Help anyone? Thanks!

Specializes in med surgical.

Good for you:yeah:. Hope you get the job. I am happy for you.

May be I should just go into the hospital to look for jobs.

I hate dealing with online posting now. I need some human

contact!!!!!

My classmates got offers for the same jobs I am looking.

May be they did the same things...just calling

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am starting to get really depressed! I graduated from nursing Dec2008 in Texas (where it is flooded with tons of new grad programs). I got engaged during graduation week to my hubby who is stationed in California (he's in the Airforce) and we got married and moved to California in April. Little did I know about the trouble i would run into getting my first RN job. I've applied to so many places with only 1 interview.

My husband keeps putting all this pressure on me to get a job. Which is understandable given our financial situation. But reality is no one is hiring!

Ugghh, Before I got married, I had aspirations to be an ICU nurse and 1-2years later, apply to CRNA school (which totally would have been possible in Texas. But here in California it's seems as if I do get a nursing job, I would have to settle for anything like nursing home or med/surg which i don't enjoy.

Ahhh, just needed to vent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, & ED.
I am starting to get really depressed! I graduated from nursing Dec2008 in Texas (where it is flooded with tons of new grad programs). I got engaged during graduation week to my hubby who is stationed in California (he's in the Airforce) and we got married and moved to California in April. Little did I know about the trouble i would run into getting my first RN job. I've applied to so many places with only 1 interview.

My husband keeps putting all this pressure on me to get a job. Which is understandable given our financial situation. But reality is no one is hiring!

Ugghh, Before I got married, I had aspirations to be an ICU nurse and 1-2years later, apply to CRNA school (which totally would have been possible in Texas. But here in California it's seems as if I do get a nursing job, I would have to settle for anything like nursing home or med/surg which i don't enjoy.

Ahhh, just needed to vent.

at this point, all i can say is you're being tooo picky. find a job and be glad you find one. nursing comes with passion and dedication...not with a bar that measures what position you stand on. sorry, your words are stunning after reading so many stories of new grads who would appreciate any nursing position. matter of working hard and evolving...can't eat the cake and ice cream at the same time! texas is in the same position...don't know what you're talking about.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

TO:BettyBoop004

I was in your position a month ago BettyBoop004. I am originally from California and graduated june of 2009. My fiance is in the air force and he got stationed in texas. It took me about 2-3 months until i finally got a call back from Methodist hospital. The only reason why i got a call back was because i kept on calling them to see where i was at in the application process after i turned in my application. I finally got a hold of a nurse recruiter who would give me a chance. It is true you should not be picky. I took whatever job they gave me or that was available because once you get your foot in the door and work there for about a year or two then it will be much easier for you to get a job in the future some where else. Don't give up and just stay positive. Too bad your husband and my fiance couldnt switch orders so i could stay in california and not pay another $250 or so just to get a texas license lol. Good luck :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

where in california do you live? maybe i can tell you some hospitals that you may be able to apply to?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I just graduated in May of 2009. Got my license in july of 2009. I personally applied to each job in southern ca with my resume and a coverletter and was not getting any relpies, I thought it was going to be easy to find a job because I have a bachelors (non nursing degree) and a RN. I called the nursing recruiter from the hospital I really wanted to work at and explained to her my need for a critical care position. I got a interview on last monday and they hired me on the spot. I start on Monday. Sometimes you have to go the extra mile and call in for this position there was over 800 applicants for 3 spots. hope this helps

Hi Hartmom,

I am desperate for a job right now (3 kids, 1 unemployed husband, and myself 3 week postpartum, my 3 year-old daughter really wants to go to preschool, but we cant afford it :(...)I really appreciate if you can tell me how exactly that you explained "your need for a critical care position" to the nurse recruiter to make her/him give you an interview, because I have called and walked-in many hospitals but haven't get any luck yet :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

which hospitals have new grad RN trainings right now?

when applying online, do i have to wait for an email reply or can i contact the hospital right away?

are new grad programs in hospitals the only entry-level jobs for new grad RNs? what other options are there for new grad RNs?

pls answer my questions. thank you in advance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

SO....would you post an update of your experience and to your earlier question??

Yetzer in nashville

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi,

Can you give me some suggestion also, I feel like I've applied to everything and they don't even take the time to look at your resume before tossing it into the large pile of junk as I have no response so far or they tell me that the new grad program has been cancel. Thanks in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

which hospitals are currently accepting new grads?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Here what it takes to get a job in SoCal now and in the future select all apply

1. Regular bsn. some hospitals are staying away from online bsn.

2. Supporting degree from another field

3. Very high Gpa

4. Previous exp eg, Lvn in Acute hospital (kindred hospital)

5. Already employed as lvn in acute hospital during Rn prog (hopsitals are upgrading their own once they pass)

6. Excellent recommendation from the "right people".

7. Pure luck

if u meet the first six u are set, if you have 6 then you dont need the rest. 7 again you dont nee the rest, 5, u stand at 80 percent 3 and 4 u down to 70 percent. if none of those apply ,then its time to join the military and commit 3 years and come out as displined ,travelled, exprienced nurse and a job waitting for you at local VA hospital. Pride comes before a fall.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just graduated from nursing school w/my ADN and I have never been more scared!! I was already concerned with the availability of jobs in my area (tampa) because it's already inundated with nurses and there are a lot of nursing schools in the area. I am getting ready to take my boards in the next few weeks and was planning to visit some family in San Diego and look for a job @ the same time...but all these stories of how hard it is to find a job have me shaking in my boots!! I don't have much experience aside from my clinicals and I am beyond frustrated with position descriptions that say "1 + years of experience required". There has been alot of terrific advice given and I certainly will try it!

Here's a link to recruiters nationwide that was posted by someone else but just in case you haven't seen it:

http://www.nahcr.com/Members%5CDirectory%5CDirectory.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion