Advice for new grad looking to relocate to the triangle area

[g.elizabeth]

Hi all! I apologize in advance for the long-winded post.

I will be graduating in December 2016 from an ADN program in Pennsylvania and I'm extremely interested in relocating to NC. I'm looking into all the hospitals down in the triangle area but Duke is my first choice.

I'm wondering if anyone has any advice/tips they can share about applying and interviewing for new grad positions, especially out of state. Anything you found that helped you prepare and get through the shadow/interview process? What are some common interview questions that managers ask new grads? Is there anything that I can do now to help set me up for success? Is there anything that I should avoid doing when it comes to applying for jobs?

- Here's a little back story on me;

I'm 23 and went straight into community college after graduating high school.

My overall GPA isn't bad.

Besides nursing school I don't have any patient care experience, so I feel like that sets me back compared to applicants who have experience as CNA's or techs.

I did volunteer at a local hospital 2 summers ago and I will hopefully be volunteering again this summer.

I did apply for a summer nurse externship program at a local hospital but unfortunately was not accepted.

I appreciate any advice/tips/suggestions anyone can give me to help make my dream become my reality!!!

[quazar]

The good thing about Duke is that because it's so huge and because it's a teaching hospital, they have a LOT of positions opened specifically aimed at new grads, and also have new grad residency programs. If you do a search in the "careers" section here, there are a LOT of posts from new grads detailing what their interviews were like and what questions were asked. It's honestly been so long since I've worked for Duke that I couldn't tell you how to navigate their interview process, let alone as a new grad. However, I will tell you this: most nurse managers appreciate applicants who seem like they could remain calm under pressure, and who are also intelligent and kind. They are looking for someone who is smart but not unable to say the words, "I don't know, let me find someone who does" or ask for help. At a tertiary center like Duke, you are also getting the sickest of the sick, so they are looking for a non-judgmental attitude as well. Lack of bedside experience is not necessarily a drawback at Duke, so I wouldn't worry about that.

The jobs section here is very helpful, so look there, and as dorky as it sounds, if you're really nervous, run your answers by friends and see what they think. Best of luck to you!

[g.elizabeth]

Thank you so much! That was very helpful!!!

[geniebea]

Hi I see that you are labor Delv in nc, I am moving down there to be closer to all out family in a few months. Can you offer any insight on the job market? I have 2 yrs of exclusive l&d on a very busy high risk unit doing ante, circulating and triage. Just wondering if it will be hard to find a job w exp or if it's virtually impossible like it is around here in dc. Here it's very competitive and you stay till you die! I love love my unit and don't want to leave but all the family and hisbands family are in nc now. I appreciate any info you may have, you can message me too. Thanks!!!