new grads in MI

smitty10 · Aug 28, 2010

check out the U of M health system.

i will graduate on 9-17-10 and should be ready by mid October to take the boards. I was wondering should i try to look for a graduate nursing position, or just concentrate on passing the boards then look after i recieve my license?

where in Mi are you. I'm in Detroit

Smitty, GN

tonyal · Aug 28, 2010

I just graduated and was told by many managers, recruiters that they systems are not hiring until you pass the nclex. I have applied for aprox. 100 jobs and have not gotten one call yet. I'm hoping as soon as I get my license it will be different

Forester · Aug 29, 2010

I'm in the same situation. I haven't had any luck finding jobs. Hardly can find any to apply to. I went to a job fair on friday and they told me they couldn't even talk to me until I got a license (henry ford macomb). It's pretty depressing. Good luck!

tonyal · Aug 29, 2010

I'm in the same situation. I haven't had any luck finding jobs. Hardly can find any to apply to. I went to a job fair on friday and they told me they couldn't even talk to me until I got a license (henry ford macomb). It's pretty depressing. Good luck!

I was going to go to that, glad I didnt waste my time.

lizzy33 · Aug 30, 2010

I passed my boards already and am still having no luck, I'm in the grand rapids area now but I am willing to re-locate within Michigan. Best of luck to everyone on the NCLEX!

UDM2010 · Sep 7, 2010

Try DMC... you can't start working until you pass boards but you can interview and they will offer you a job contingent on passing boards. I just passed my boards but I had accepted a job beforehand and had to turn down another. Keep trying it will happen.

wife&mommyRN · Sep 9, 2010

Hi there,

I live in the SE michigan area, everyone from my program that graduated, 90% of us have all found jobs, with no problem. The search was alot easier for those that passed state boards. I would call and speak to the nurse recruiters, vocalize that you have a license and let them know you want med surg. There is no being selective being a new nurse in this economy and you will find something. Always try the big 4 1st (HFH, DMC, UofM, St Joes, St John). Also try the michigan talent bank for job searching. Everyone from my program got jobs in one of those hospitals, BSN program.

Smitty, I would focus on passing boards 1st. Start preparing now, be ready in October and start applying for jobs and calling recruiters the day you pass. I wouldn't even look online for jobs until then. From what I understand the hospitals are no longer hiring GN's.

jan18 · Sep 10, 2010

I am located in GR also. I passed NCLEX Aug 19 and before that had no luck with interviews. Since getting my license I have had 5 interviews and I have 3 more next week. I have 2 offers so far. Most of these interviews are for med/surg. I would recommend getting your license then apply hardcore to everywhere you can. Even if the job says "Experience required" apply anyway. Call recruiters and managers to let them know your interest. I've been interviewing at the larger hospitals in the area...i.e. Spectrum, Borgess, UM, Toledo, Sparrow. Also, if you can, be flexible. It may not be possible to get your first job in critical care or L&D. If you have time to wait around to try to get hired in a specialty, fine. But if you want a job right away, go med/surg to get your foot in the door and your skills down then look at moving to another unit. That's my advice anyway.

1rarejewel · Sep 16, 2010

I'm in Detroit and got a job in Oakwood's Health System. I was a NA there and they still wouldn't interview me for the RN position until I passed boards. I didn't bother applying much of anywhere else (I think by then I was sooooo pooped out from school, work, life, etc.).