B52-H

chocolate, if you have an RX for them it wont show that you tested positive

Very nice! Did you finish orientation already?

Wow 60 people! Did they say how many they would hire as RNs? And how long is the CPOE job for?

If you can move out of California you will definitely increase your chances, just be prepared because it's still tough in a lot of desirable states. A year of experience is what most open positions listed on so cal hospital websites require. A lot of these are just fillers; positions that they really have no interest in filling. So do not use these postings to gauge what the job market is like. Maybe a recent job hunting nurse in the so cal area can weigh in.

Nah. Whether you're a new grad ADN, BSN or MSN, you still have no experience and are in the same pile with everyone else. "Here, you are all equally worthless." - Gunnery Sergeant Hartman (R. Lee Ermey), "Full Metal Jacket" :rotfl: Sorry couldn't resist, it was the first thing that popped into my head as I was typing this.

Yep they called and left a message this morning.

Yep. Every once in a while you will see the article or post from an experienced nurse who complains new grads are too picky or unwilling to work nights/weekends and that is the reason for the slim job prospects. Those days are long gone. People are desperate and willing to take jobs in any unit or non nursing positions (electronic charting tech support) and sometimes unpaid internships. In fact, it's rare you are even given a choice of what shift and in some cases the specific unit. They know the job market sucks and asking for shift accommodations will most likely get you cut. There are at least 50 other new grads willing to take any shift. Heard from someone else that with the job prospects so bad, when interviewing new grads about which unit they would like to work in, a very common response they get is "Any unit". Don't do this; show that you have a passion for a specific specialty but also indicate you are open to other units.

I think its around $12-14 hour. Work hard, make a good impression and you will get your foot wedged :) Depending on what phase of transition the hospital is at in transferring over to electronic charting, you may also be providing support for other hospital staff (Nurses, RTs etc) Usually it's just the physicians as they seem to have the hardest time switching over, unless you give them a shiny new iPad 2 to enter their orders with

Yep! You are going to be providing tech support for physicians whose hospitals are transferring over to electronic order entry/management. They will call you if they have problems with the software or need help. I know of a hospital that has almost 30+ new grads hired in this role. Hospitals are using this position to offer new grads a break with the bad job market and screen new grads they like and offer the lucky few a job.

Stop by your on base education office. They have tons of info and would be more than willing to help you locate a school.

The school I went to offered a program just like this; small stipends given out each semester in exchange for an employment contract. The payments were taxed though and counted as income. I didn't bite because even a small stipend counted as income would have dramatically cut my other financial aid. They are no longer offering the contract anymore, too many new grads, and cancelled many of the contracts people signed. With the current state of the new grad employment, I would sign even if they didn't offer money. Just cross your fingers they don't cancel on you.

I am the complete opposite; I love phone interviews. Especially if they call while I am at home where I'm comfortable. I have a online document that I quickly open up when they call that has the hospital and unit info, my background and qualifications etc. Like a mini cheat sheet that obviously would never fly in person. In person interviews never bothered me but at this point of my job search I find myself getting nervous because so much is at stake and it may be my last opportunity. Try going into the phone interview with the mindset that it's a conversation rather than a Q&A. Also remember to smile while talking on the phone, I know it sounds weird but it can help with your tone of voice if you're nervous.

South OC and so cal in general is over saturated. The hospitals close by (Saddleback, Hoag, KP, Mission, UCI etc) are either not hiring new grads or have limited slots; maybe fewer than 10. You are going to have to expand your search area and prepare to deal with the hours of traffic to LA, Riverside or San Diego. Wherever you can get an interview/offer is where you have to go.

Wow...

A quick scan of the forums and internet will show you that the job market is tight for new grads. Chances are that it still will be when you graduate. Volunteering can't hurt but it's difficult to evaluate it's employment benefits. It does allow you to maybe shadow a nurse in the NICU, see what the job is like, ask questions etc. If the nurse gets annoyed, you might be asking while they are really busy or they may not want to help. I find it's easier to let them start the conversation so you don't interrupt. It's also a great way to network and getting your face and name out there can help. New grads who have been looking for employment for over year will tell you that they are desperate and volunteering is definitely something they would consider or take up. In my local area, getting a volunteer position as some hospitals is really difficult and/or it's already full of new grads. Work hard, make a good impression and the drive and time spent will pay off.