New RN with no experience... finding job.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Mar 2, 2009

You are a registered nurse therefore you are not a graduate nurse. I think you are thinking of a newly licensed nurse program, now is a perfect time to apply. Newly licensed nurse programs are for new nurses to learn the new world of nursing, you get support from you fellow newly licensed nurses and nurse educators. You are ahead of the game since you have your license and others have not graduated.

Most new graduate programs request a nurse to commit for a year or two years. Once completing a program it looks good on a resume.

Other options are to look for a position that will give you an extended orientation. Good SNFs will give a new nurse an extended orientation , the down side is that the places that give a good orientation don't pay the highest wages. Once you accept a position for it to count as experience a nurse should stay at least one year. ( Looks bad to get an extended orientation and leave).

Good luck job hunting.

heavensent88_RN · Mar 2, 2009

where can i apply for Newly license nurse program? I have no idea with this. Pls help...

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Mar 2, 2009

It is what the title is

Newly ( one who is new)

Licensed ( one who has a license)

Program - self explanatory

I have also heard them referred to NLN ( new licensed nurses) or nursing internship programs.

Basically nurses with 0-1 year experience. These programs are known as new graduate programs or nursing intern programs.

Here are links to several hospitals are the way they describe their programs

http://www.leememorial.org/jobs/jobs_nursinginternshipfaq.asp

http://www.legacyhealth.org/body.cfm?id=1725#what

I believe Baylor has an internship program.

http://www.sanursing.com/your-career-mhs/career-development/internships

Hope this helps.

heavensent88_RN · Mar 2, 2009

OMG... i understand the word Newly licensed Nurse program. tsk tsk tsk..:sstrs:

im just asking where can i apply?... well, thank you for the links...

God bless you.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Mar 2, 2009

I would get on the internet find the positions you are qualified for and apply online. Then I would follow up with an hard copy with a cover letter.

Most Human Resources require all applications be submitted online,

since they forward them by email to the hiring manager.By sending them with a paper copy you are reminding HR you are serious. Also follow up with a phone call which would be a good time asking about their new graduate program.

For LTC or SNFS it is the opposite. Most are not online yet. You need to go in person and fill in an application. Make sure you are dressed in professional attire and bring a resume.

For Hospitals you can go to the Joint Commission Web Page http://www.qualitycheck.org/consumer/searchQCR.aspx

and you can find all the Hospitals in your area.

From LTC and SNFs

http://www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/Include/DataSection/Questions/ProximitySearch.asp

There will be a similar link for home health care, some home care care agencies have a new nurse program, you will need a driver's license and car to work in home health.

Happy Hunting.

AdobeRN · Mar 2, 2009

Apply for any "intern" position you are interested in. Most hospitals should be starting to post these now for those graduating in May. I would go ahead and apply for any interesting position, even if it states you need experience.

thedit · Mar 12, 2009

Hey girl,

I can't believe you're nursing school didn't help prepare you for finding a job! Tsk tsk!

In Austin, the Seton system (which includes several hospitals) has a Versant program that I believe lasts about 18 weeks and has been highly praised by other nurses who went through the program. They take about 30-40 new nurses twice a year. Apply now. They have an open house on April 1.

Parkland in Dallas has internship/residency programs in almost all of the areas of the hospital. Some of my fellow classmates already have been accepted, but I think Parkland is still hiring/interviewing. Get cracking on that too.

I don't know too much about Houston hospitals, but many hospitals there probably need nurses (in certain areas i.e. Med/Surg, psych, the less desirables...)

As for what would be the best area to start off in? Well....of course it depends on what you want to do but....ultimately, Med-Surg will probably give you the most experience, develop your critical thinking skills, and allow you to practice your technical skills as well.

So...google any hospital you want to work in and just hunt, hunt, hunt to see if they have some kind of residency/internship/new grad program available. Try to find the names of nurse recruiters and call/e-mail them with any questions you have.

Most importantly, congratulations on getting your RN and best of luck!!!!

NeoNurseTX, RN · Mar 14, 2009

You are a registered nurse therefore you are not a graduate nurse. I think you are thinking of a newly licensed nurse program, now is a perfect time to apply. Newly licensed nurse programs are for new nurses to learn the new world of nursing, you get support from you fellow newly licensed nurses and nurse educators. You are ahead of the game since you have your license and others have not graduated.
Most new graduate programs request a nurse to commit for a year or two years. Once completing a program it looks good on a resume.
Other options are to look for a position that will give you an extended orientation. Good SNFs will give a new nurse an extended orientation , the down side is that the places that give a good orientation don't pay the highest wages. Once you accept a position for it to count as experience a nurse should stay at least one year. ( Looks bad to get an extended orientation and leave).
Good luck job hunting.

I did a "GN" program after I was already licensed. I took a while off after graduation and did volunteer work and was still accepted into a new grad program. Some take people w/ less than 1 year experience, some take them only if you've never worked as an RN..just depends on the hospital.