New Grad

[candle1234]

Hello all, I need some advice. I just Graduated from Regis University in Denver with a BSN. I pass the Nclex 2-5-08, and today I received my RN licences in the mail. So all is good, ok yea, but I've applied to a couple of hospital to their new grad programs and was turned away. I have some experience, I was a Medical Assistant for 5 years at a cancer center, so I bring something to the job. I decided to just apply to a RN position, without the new grad title hoping this will help, still waiting to see. What all do you recommend. Candle in Denver

[cherilee]

1. ask your nursing instructors if there are jobs where you had clinicals.

(go to the ones who taught the specialty you are interested in).

2. School job placement opportunities if offered

3.Inquire where fellow students got THEIR first opportunity.

4. Research on the internet, new grad programs at hospitals

5. Post a resume on monster

6. Volunteer at the hospital you want to work for and have them get to know you.

7. Fill out 5 applications a day or send out 5 resumes a day. Follow up with everyone.

Congratulations

[notactuallyblonde]

I also graduated in August, and applied for months before being called for an interview, and was hired -- but I was only applying at one *very nice* hospital. From what I got from HR, they like it when new grads already have a license, and from what I gathered from the manager, having experience is a plus, especially in customer service (so try to mention something to that effect in your resume). Otherwise keep applying, make finding a job your job for now, and I'm sure eventually someone will call.

[jjjoy, LPN]

It may take awhile to get your first job but it's worth it. If places are so very desperate to hire they might not have very good support for new grads (despite what they promise) and may be difficult places to work (thus, why they are so desperate).

Definitely follow up on any applications and if you can speak directly with any nurse managers that can often get you an interview faster than via the HR dept.

[HealthyRN]

There is no rule that you have to apply to new grad programs only. These programs are great and provide a lot of support, but many hospitals also hire new grads into positions that aren't advertised as such. Just make sure that they will provide you with an adequate orientation.