New to WA---RN New Grad Programs?

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Hi! I recently relocated to WA from CA. I'm a new grad. Just got my WA RN license. I'm curious to hear about what New Grad RN programs or RN residency programs Washington has to offer. What hospitals are offing them? I'm mostly looking in King county but I'm open to moving around. Thanks!

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Specializes in Neurosurgery/Epilepsy.

Seattle hospitals that I know for sure have a new grad RN residency program are Swedish, Harborview, Virginia Mason, UW, and Childrens. Stevens was recently aquired by Swedish and will offer one also, if they didn't already. On the Eastside I know Evergreen and Overlake offer residencies. I went through Swedish's program 2 years ago. You have classes that are strictly new grad and have new RNs from all the departments that were hired at the same time. Then you have classes that are for new to Swedish RNs. Then finally you have classes that are put on by your department. The acute floors offer a 3 month residency and ICUs are typically 6 months depending on your progress. I know Harborview and Swedish are both hiring new grads right now. Harborview has a general new grad pool, and Swedish is looking for the neuro ICU and postpartum. Let me know if you have any other questions!!

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Thank you so much! I'll look intothe programs!

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Specializes in mother/baby, transition nursery, level II NICU.

paddingtonRN, do you currently work at Swedish? I'm trying to get in any way I can as a new grad relocating from Louisiana, and my WA license is pending. I keep emailing the nurse recruiter that sends out the "this positions has been filled" emails, but no reply. I can't get through on the phone either.

Any suggestions???

Thanks so much...I have a family to support!!

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Specializes in labor & delivery, mother/baby.

Keilene and Baschaff-

From my experience so far I would recommend looking at hospitals just outside of the city. Places like Swedish get so swamped with applications that without having had clinicals or worked as a tech there your chances are pretty slim.

If you're willing to look outside the city check Franciscan Health System. They have hospitals in Tacoma, Federal Way, Puyallup and a couple others. All of their positions are open to new grads with a senior practicum in that specific area and although the jobs aren't specific to new grads they do offer an 8 week training, starting with preceptor etc. I had an interview there a few days ago and am really hoping I got the job, it seems like a great place to start your career!

Good Luck to you both!!

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I know that it seems that all of you have your hearts set on Seattle/Tacoma,a large metropolitan area. However, if you move your sights to the east, Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho (about 30 miles east of Spokane off of I-90), also offers new grad residencies.

They have also offered me an ICU refresher course, which I will be starting in the near future.

The nurse recruiter there is Julie Pickup (208) 666-2050.

The other nurse recruiter is Jim Hansen, MSN,RN- BC Supervisor, New Graduate and student services at KMC

(208) 666-3375- office

(208)- 215-0290- cell

KMC is a magnet facility. The pay is not bad, because all of the new grads in N Idaho would just come over to work in Spokane, which has unionized hospitals, better pay and benefits.

Eastern washington also has a much lower cost of living than Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. The crime rate here is also alot lower than Western WA, California, etc. PM me if you want more information. Hope that helps!

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewhere in the PACNW

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Specializes in Neurosurgery/Epilepsy.

Baschaff-

Yes, I'm still at Swedish. Are you applying for a specific floor? There are many nurse recruiters and each cover different floors. Each nurse recruiter has an assistant that does the initial calling and emailing. The actual nurse recruiter doesn't step in til their assistant weeds through the group. You have to get through that first hoop. I only know the recruiter and assistant for my floor which is not currently hiring new grads... We just hired 4... All I can say is keep trying, wish I had a trick for you!!!

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Specializes in mother/baby, transition nursery, level II NICU.

I'm applying anywhere they are posting new grad positions...but I am willing to work anywhere to gain experience. I would like to be in peds, L&D, postpartum, PICU, or NICU, or ER. All I can do is apply online and wait, and email Paula Bartley but I don't get a response...I can't get to anyone on the phone. It's really hard because they don't know my school of nursing, and I can't find a way to find a way to stand out from all of the rest. I have really good clinical experience in school, and I really want to work....just like the rest of the new grads out there.

If you have any nurse manager's email or anything just so I could introduce myself that would be awesome. Apparently in this market the only way you can get a job is by knowing someone. :crying2:

Thanks:D

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Hey baschaff,

Any look out there in WA yet? I'm considering moving there from CA too. Same boat

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Hi Guys!

I am starting my RN ICU refresher course next week at Kootenai Medical Center, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

I am doing computer classes, on their charting system, tomorrow, and Friday.

I will be following a preceptor, just like you guys. Wish me luck!

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Somewhere in the PACNW

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Specializes in mother/baby, transition nursery, level II NICU.

hey Kodakgee...No, no luck yet, but I've just recently stopped looking until the Spring. I need to let my little girl finish out the school year here. I'm going to try to have a job lined up before we move, so it won't be too long until I'm applying again. In the mean time I have a job at a Dr.'s office here doing well child check-ups so I'm hoping that will be enough experience to find a job in WA later.

It's still pretty rough everywhere, just keep trying. You'll want to get your WA license to show them you're serious about moving though. I'd look at the hospitals outside Seattle too, like Providence in Everett or the Franciscan system in Tacoma, Federal Way, etc.

Good luck!!:D

LindaRN, good luck to you too:yeah:

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Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton also offers a new grad residency program. In fact, they use the Versant Residency Program (they are 1 of only 2 hospitals in WA that offer it). It's highly structured, extremely supported and the new grads who participate in the program come out more confident and better prepared to work independently.

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