Hello to all!
So I graduated May 2010 with an ADN in Michigan, took my NCLEX, got my MI RN license. I didn't have a job yet. My hubby got transferred to southern Georgia in August. I got my GA RN license by endorsement in October (long process). I applied for: 12 positions at my local hospital, a school nurse job, and at a hospital about 1 1/2 hours away. I even considered applying for a Florida RN license because there seemed to be jobs there and I live 1- 1&1/2 hours away. I called nurse recruiters at each of the hospitals I applied to and at the Florida hospitals I was considering. My local hospital finally called me to say that they weren't hiring new grads, but they will have a new grad program beginning in August. I asked about the process and was told that they openings were to be limited and it might be wise to get my foot in the door if I could.
I then applied for PCT, unit secretary and a monitor tech position. I was called for an interview for the monitor tech job. I was reminded by a fellow nursing student to remember to bring my Nursing School "Portfolio" (If you don't have one, you should surely get one going). The NM asked me what I knew about heart rhythms. As I have had a few years experience in the ER as a tech, I told her I had seen many different types of rhythms. And as I was in the midst of taking my ACLS (to boost my resume and keep me feeling "nurse-ish"), I am currently studying rhythms. Then I said "and I AM an RN...new grad, but I have studied some cardiac stuff in NS."
I was completely honest with her about my intentions regarding getting my foot in the door, about my job searches and my attempts to continue to educate myself. She was so gracious and showed me around the unit and introduced me to some of the people working there. I was sure to point out my (gigantic) portfolio. She looked through it and even looked at the syllabi in it. (I had considered leaving them out). As we were finishing up the interview, I told her that I wouldn't blame her if she didn't hire me, knowing full well that the training I was going to get might have to be repeated on someone else sooner or later.
The very next day, I got a call from the Nurse Recruiter. She said that she had a job offer, not for the Monitor Tech, but for an RN!! I couldn't believe it. The NM had gone to her higher-ups and asked to hire me. I was thrilled as you might imagine. I accepted the position, of course. I start orientation in early February. I don't even know how much my pay rate is...I was too stunned to ask. Frankly, it doesn't matter right at this point, because I'm sure I'll be making more than I was prepared to make as a tech, lol.
So that's my story! I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones to have been at the right place at the right time. I wish all of you new grads luck in your job search.
:lvan:
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