plyRN33

I heard they were just hiring internally too. My friend applied to another new grad program in Boston, and was given an interview, but then told that out of all the positions they had listed, only one was available to external candidates.

I am sure it will be hard, but you can do anything if you set your mind to it! I had a baby last May, and graduated from nursing school in August, all while working a full time and a part time job. It can be done!! Just make sure you know what your benefits are or what the hospital offers for maternity leave (many places won't hold your job or give you the 12 weeks if you haven't been there for one full year...at least in my state). Good luck!!!! And it is ALL worth it! :redpinkhe

Also, I have been seeing many hospitals hiring nursing student interns for the summer. I think you have to have completed a year of school at least. But this may be another option if that hospital doesn't have any aide positions posted.

Thanks for the response! I'm not sure that I would love living in that kind of environment, but it is so hard to get hospital jobs in MA as a new grad that I'll go anywhere for the experience at this point! They were nice enough to offer a phone interview, so I figured I would jump at that opportunity.

Hello! I am an RN now, but started out working in a nursing home in Westwood as a CNA and then at a hospital. I personally think all RN/LPN should start out as aides, b/c it is GREAT experience in terms of patient care. But anyway, I would pick the hospital you would want to work at as an RN and do your best to get in there. That way, when you do get your license, you will have an in. I am not sure where you live, but South Shore Hospital was hiring CNA (as someone else stated they aren't always called that). A friend of mine recently accepted a job at Newton-Wellsley as an aide. Hope this helps!

Hi! Does anyone know anything about Mission Hospital in Asheville?? I was contacted regarding a new grad position, but I have never been to the area. Thanks so much!

Did you check out Sharp Memorial Hosp in CA? I know they did have a new grad program, not sure if the application deadline has passed or not. Versant has a great program, and are mainly in the south and western part of the country. I'm in the same boat as you, passed the NCLEX in Sept, but no job yet. I have started applying out of state at this point.

I agree that you should find a CNA job at a hospital that you want to work for now, that way you already have your foot in the door. I heard that South Shore Hosp was applying for "magnet status", so they will prefer BSN over ADN. Some of the other smaller south shore hospitals do hire new grads, but on an as needed basis. They don't have new grad programs like some of the larger facilities do.

I am in the same boat with a bachelors degree in another field, and just graduated with my ADN. Finding a job with an associates degree is VERY difficult. I am already thinking about doing UMass Boston's online RN to BSN program (which is only 5 classes I think). If you are already enrolled in the associates program, there is nothing you can do. My only suggestion would be to find a hospital you want to work at and try to get a CNA job. It will help you have an in at that hospital once you do graduate.

In my opinion, go for your BSN, not your ADN. There are so many hospitals in/around Boston that are moving away from hiring nurses with just an associates degree (the Brigham actually posted an article about it on their career page). If you still want your ADN, check out Caritas Laboure College, or Quincy. I believe Mass Bay also has a program.