septemberRN

I went to Samuel Merritt University (their ABSN program). I applied for out of state endorsement after accepting the job. The salary range is considerably lower than $50 (the most that I know any of my fellow students starting out with is $40, but I agree, the discrepancy does not seem fair). However, the cost of living in Toledo is also considerably less than the Bay Area. Places like UCLA typically start at $29 or so, though I think UC Davis was starting at $40. The way I see it, I want a good acute care setting experience, and I think moving to Toledo will be good for me. I have lived in the Bay Area my entire life, and it's time for a change. I start driving over there this upcoming Saturday!

I did phone interviews (with speaker phone with a panel of people). I don't know how competitive it was, but you look up any of those hospitals on this website and you won't find much information on them. So, the competition is not like it is for UCLA, Palo Alto VA, Stanford, etc. The mental health position and McKennan Hospital position were not part of new grad programs, but just places that said "new grads encouraged to apply". I hope that helps! I see you live in Oakland (like me!). I love the Bay Area, but I feel there are few positions available for new grad nurses when you consider the number of nursing schools around and the high pay rate.

I accepted a job at the Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. They have a critical care new graduate program that accepts about 20 students. I was also offered a job at a mental health facility (the night shift) in Fargo, North Dakota, and I got a call back from a hospital that accepted new grads (McKennan Hospital) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (but didn't get that position). Everyday for weeks I applied to at least three jobs (some new grad, some that did not specify experience required) a day. I aimed my cover letter to each hospital, and would mention their vision, mission, etc. There are jobs in places (with snow during winter, usually) in towns people normally don't flock to, and I think this was my key to getting my foot in the door. Good luck everybody!

Yeah, I just got my rejection, too. Congratulations to everyone who got job offers! And for those of us that didn't, I think we're just meant for something else.

I actually completely forget to ask when they would be making their decision! But no, I haven't heard of anyone being contact yet. I know I wasn't! :)

Sorry I meant to write sooner but this week had been crazy. I had an interview this week at Menlo Park. There were three interviewers, all very nice. The confusing part was I thought I was being interviewed for a mental health unit, and instead it was long term care. The interviewers had a piece of paper that they read questions from; really basic stuff like why should we hire you over the other candidates (there were six total, they told me), have you had any leadership experience, what was your favorite rotation...they told me all the other candidates would get the exact same questions (I think we were all interviewed that day, which is why I feel comfortable sharing the questions). I do not know if they use the same format for the Palo Alto Hospital New Grad positions, though. Good luck to everyone!

Thanks Bella2004!

I'm REALLY glad they didn't wait a month to start to contact folks. I have no idea what's after the 1-1 interview (I'll let you know how it goes). For the folks who haven't received calls yet, don't fret! They probably are making a lot more calls next week. @Bella2004--the people you know who got interviews, do you know where they are interviewing? I'm at Menlo Park, and I'm curious if that's because that's what I'm interviewing for, or if all interviews are happening there...

Note: The interview is at Menlo Park--so I'm not sure if they are having all the interviews there (probably not) or just interviews for those considered at that site...? Menlo Park was not my first or second choice for placement, however (not that I mind, I'm still ecstatic about the call) . My first choice was Palo Alto: Geriatrics. My second choice was Palo Alto: Mental Health I have an ABSN. My resume was very straightforward---no frills or neat borders or anything. In one question on the online application I talked about my philosophy regarding geriatric care. I think that might have done it, because my GPA is not that high As for my application status, it has not changed to my awareness. Hope that helps!

I got a call today (I was super thrilled!) and they set up what sounds like a 1-1 interview next week.

Yeah, that does seem like the case. I'm hoping they'll get a move on things earlier. I live in the Bay Area, California, and just got a job offer at a behavioral health center in North Dakota that would begin March 2. I don't know if the move would be worth it, and I REALLY want the VA...

Wow, I don't even remember specifying...but I did mention geriatrics in my cover letter.

Hi all! I just applied to the VA's new graduate program in Palo Alto (The due date was January 26, 2012). I was hoping those that applied could keep in tabs and update others when news is received. Good luck to everyone!

For Thornton Hospital on my application status it says "Others More Competitive 12/06/2011" so I guess they just updated that today. Under Hillcrest it still just says application received

Thank you so much abstractisheroic! That's really good advice! I'm going to to APNA's site right away. And congratulations on being hired! That is such a wonderful accomplishment! It's really cool you came back here to share some knowledge :)