New grad program in CA

Sour Lemon · Nov 7, 2017

Hello,
I graduated on May 2017 and a little disappointed about the job hunt. I went back to school late in life and I am not as young as my other classmates. I wonder if my age is working against me.

It very well could be, but many parts of California are tough for new grads, in general.

NDS RN · Mar 14, 2018

I still don't have a job as a nurse. Anyone else has the same problem or is it just me?

Sour Lemon · Mar 14, 2018

Have you considered moving? Are you applying everywhere, including SNFs? Some community hospitals will hire new grads although they may not advertise it or have new grad programs.

NDS RN · Mar 14, 2018

It is not easy to move when you have a family and a kid in school. I have applied to all the hospital in my area.

Sour Lemon · Mar 14, 2018

It is not easy to move when you have a family and a kid in school. I have applied to all the hospital in my area.

Just hospitals?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 14, 2018

Just hospitals?

This.

Since relocation isn't an option, you may have to cast your net wider and include LTAC, LTC, SNF, community settings, clinics, schools, medical offices, and other non-hospital settings. You may also--if you're not already--be willing to consider any specialty that crosses your path.

Also, since you graduated in May 2017, you still qualify for most new grad programs. Apply to them ASAP before that window closes too.

In your situation, you really don't have the option be too finicky. The longer you're a new grad that isn't working, the worse things will get for you in the job hunt--employers will wonder why you haven't been able to get hired and wonder if the issue is with you. Also, any nursing experience will be better than no experience.

Best of luck.

Joe33 · Apr 23, 2018

It is best to apply to SNFs as a new grad and not hospitals. It can be difficult to get a hospital job in California with even 1-2 years of experience. To get a SNF position, just drive to any SNFs that are in your area that may interest you and walk in and tell them you are interested in applying. You will likely get an interview the same day you turn in your application.