New Grad RN trying to relocate to Atlanta...I really want to work at CHOA

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · May 28, 2013

What is your background? Are you BSN? As far as I know, even if they post BSN 'preferred', they really do only pick the BSN and higher trained nurses. When you get dozens and dozens of applications every day, you can afford to be picky. Best bet would be to apply for their residency programs if they have em.

lexy_thenurse · Jun 3, 2013

Im actually ADN. Im going to apply to Piedmont also but i really want to work in pediatrics. Piedmont has a residency program now and im definitely applying for that. Do you know of any good areas to move to around that hospital. I have children so i need a good environment for them. thanks

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Jun 5, 2013

Anything in the perimeter areais nice if you want to pay the price. Some apartments have those hospitals as preferred employers and give some discounts. You can also go out to alpharetta. A bit farther out but you get more bang for your buck for living and better schools for your kids.

But back to CHOA...with ADN, new grad... I think you should focus your attention elsewhere. The nature of the beast in HC right now is that if you dont have BSN or higher (and I'm not being an academic snob, I have the equivalent of associates too), you probably need to take a job that is not your preferred employer. Heck, I had 3 years med-surg and got stuck in home health for a year!!

I do wish you the best of luck though!

lexy_thenurse · Jun 10, 2013

Anything in the perimeter areais nice if you want to pay the price. Some apartments have those hospitals as preferred employers and give some discounts. You can also go out to alpharetta. A bit farther out but you get more bang for your buck for living and better schools for your kids.
But back to CHOA...with ADN, new grad... I think you should focus your attention elsewhere. The nature of the beast in HC right now is that if you dont have BSN or higher (and I'm not being an academic snob, I have the equivalent of associates too), you probably need to take a job that is not your preferred employer. Heck, I had 3 years med-surg and got stuck in home health for a year!!
I do wish you the best of luck though!

Thanks for the advice. Im going to try my luck with CHOA and anywhere else in the area. Yes i heard that alpharetta was a great area. thanks alot!!

dee1267 · Jun 10, 2013

HI im a new grad from florida and i really want to work at CHOA (children's Healthcare of Atlanta). I really want to know what the hiring process is like and what are some good areas to move to with children. thanks!!!!!

Hello, I just went through the same thing and landed a job with CHOA. I too only wanted peds so I understand your drive. Although I have my BSN I know they hire ADN as well. Here is the layout for a new grad.

1st you have to apply as a new grad in march and October.(the march one may still be up)

2nd is a phone interview lots of questions!!

3rd if they like you a manager interview to the area you expresses interest

4th some departments/units want you to shadow

5th is a prep test NCLEX for peds

After all that then hopefully a job offer.

It is a long processes but it is worth every bite of it!!

Areas around the hospitals seem to be nice. What hospital do you want to work at for CHOA ?

I too have to do the big move and I decided to move close to the hospital I don't want a big commute to and from work with long hours and have my kids far from me. Hope this helps :)

dee1267 · Jun 10, 2013

**Sorry about the miss spelling lol looks like auto correct added es on express and process. :)

lexy_thenurse · Jun 26, 2013

Hello, I just went through the same thing and landed a job with CHOA. I too only wanted peds so I understand your drive. Although I have my BSN I know they hire ADN as well. Here is the layout for a new grad.
1st you have to apply as a new grad in march and October.(the march one may still be up)
2nd is a phone interview lots of questions!!
3rd if they like you a manager interview to the area you expresses interest
4th some departments/units want you to shadow
5th is a prep test NCLEX for peds
After all that then hopefully a job offer.
It is a long processes but it is worth every bite of it!!
Areas around the hospitals seem to be nice. What hospital do you want to work at for CHOA ?
I too have to do the big move and I decided to move close to the hospital I don't want a big commute to and from work with long hours and have my kids far from me. Hope this helps :)

sorry im just looking at your post but thank u it was very helpful...got my fingers crossed!

quittaRN · Nov 22, 2014

Did you end up getting a job at CHOA? I work at CHOA now, It's a great place to work. I have an ADN but also 9 years experience. Message me if you have questions. Hope you got a job there.

lexy_thenurse · Mar 24, 2015

Havent been on here for a while but I'm in the hiring process at Choa. What can u tell me about the digital interview?