New RN's...do you have a job ?

Tryptophan · Jul 3, 2011

I was fortunate enough to get a job in a hospital prior to graduating from my program. However, I would not say health care is booming, at least for RNs.

lkk78 · Jul 4, 2011

Hi Guys! Think it really depends on your location, I'm here in Georgia and I had 3 job offers before I graduated. I did work as a PCT for 2 semesters and had good grades, but most of the people in my class have jobs lined up, contingent on passing the nclex! I literally found out today that I passed the nclex and will be starting orientation July 18th for my position at icu step down! I feel so grateful that jobs around here aren't as scarce as it seems in other places!!

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2011

I few people in my graduating class (May 11) have finally got job offers in LTC. I got my friend an interview at the hospital and I think she will get it. Outside of the 3 in LTC the only hospital jobs have been the contracted students and myself (not contracted) and hopefully my friend. After a couple months I am going to try and get another friend an interview. I don't want to push my limits. It's up to them to shine in the interviews of course but I have no doubt they will and a lot of it seems to be having just a little connection to get that initial notice.

CameoRN · Jul 4, 2011

Super fortunate here...I applied for 6 positions, & was called to interview on one. I interviewed and got a 7p to 7a job in the Clinical Decision unit. It may not be as 'sexy' as some positions, but I think for a new grad, I'll get to see a lot, and see it fast! I'm quite excited about it. :clown:

Now to get through my last month of 36h / week clinicals + 8h / week preceptorship (for school, not job) and my last class... and then boards.

I'm in a 2nd Degree BSN program of 22 students, and I *think* I'm the first to receive employment.

StephanieB_RN · Jul 7, 2011

Hi mustangmona- I have had the same luck but I just graduated in May and became licensed last month. I had multiple rejections, as well as some interviews where I did not get the position. I even know some pretty "important people" where I applied and that still didn't help. Looks like "knowing somebody" doesn't mean squat! I'm hoping that the next round of jobs that open up for new grads will go better for me now that i'm a registered nurse but who knows. It's looking glum around the DFW area. Do they have any more psych positions open where you're at?

tianastepp09 · Jul 8, 2011

I still am jobless! I started applying in Jan and I graduated in May. It seems like 75% of places that I apply simply don't hire new grads or they prefer a BS degree over my ASN degree. I'm starting to get discouraged! I know that I need experience to get a job, but ummm hello - I need a job to get that experience! Does anyone have any advice?!

Priomo RN · Jul 10, 2011

I still am jobless! I started applying in Jan and I graduated in May. It seems like 75% of places that I apply simply don't hire new grads or they prefer a BS degree over my ASN degree. I'm starting to get discouraged! I know that I need experience to get a job, but ummm hello - I need a job to get that experience! Does anyone have any advice?!

Hi! I felt the same way. But it was all because I did not do my research properly. New grads have to aim to RN Residency programs. They hire new grads only!. Most teaching hospitals offer them, and also some other hospitals do. Usually they start in the Spring and Fall and you can submit your applications 5 or 6 months in advance. What I did 6 months ago (when i graduated) was to start calling to every single hospital in a 50 miles range from my house and asked about their programs. Most of them require you to go in person and pick up the application package and then submit it by mail. I applied to 12 programs and got calls from 5. I interviewed with 3 and got 2 offers, one from UCLA and one from CHW Northridge. I start in August! :)

Good luck.

gunrock · Jul 10, 2011

Going along the lines of what Priomo said above..

Not sure if this has been posted yet, but check out UPenn's list of new grad residency programs:

http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/nursing/nurseresidency.pdf

It's a pretty good listing and I went through the list and highlighted states / cities I could potentially want to move to and gave them a call. It's way to hard to find info on hospital residency programs (esp. if they are out of the state).

Scrubmouse RN · Jul 10, 2011

Nope. Pretty slim pickings where I live in northern Illinois. I have a BS in biology, graduated with a 3.88 GPA, speak two languages, and am personable. No one wants me every freaking job opening wants at least one year of experience. The hospital system I want to work at has sent me emails about job fairs with on site interviews. Unfortunately, they explicitly state that no new grads need apply.

Priomo RN · Jul 10, 2011

Nope. Pretty slim pickings where I live in northern Illinois. I have a BS in biology, graduated with a 3.88 GPA, speak two languages, and am personable. No one wants me every freaking job opening wants at least one year of experience. The hospital system I want to work at has sent me emails about job fairs with on site interviews. Unfortunately, they explicitly state that no new grads need apply.

Wow...exactly why you need to apply to RN residency programs. They actually state that they DO NOT want anyone with over 6 months of experience....Some times they want people with NO experience at all only. Good luck to you.

nursingsfun · Jul 10, 2011

I'm with you. Still looking. :confused:

tianastepp09 · Jul 10, 2011

Going along the lines of what Priomo said above..
Not sure if this has been posted yet, but check out UPenn's list of new grad residency programs:
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/careerservices/nursing/nurseresidency.pdf
It's a pretty good listing and I went through the list and highlighted states / cities I could potentially want to move to and gave them a call. It's way to hard to find info on hospital residency programs (esp. if they are out of the state).

I'm trying to access that link, I can't seem to find the list that you are talking about from that link?