rdu55

Hey, I got your PM but couldn't respond. I know a lot of nurses live at Artisan at Brightleaf but to me that was more than I wanted to spend. I would just encourage you to explore. I personally couldn't find an area of Durham that I thought I would enjoy living in so I ended up finding an apartment in Carrboro (next to Chapel Hill) that I'm really happy in. There are a million apartment complexes so you shouldn't have a problem finding a place. Also, lots of places do free applications or cheaper security deposits if you work at certain places liked Duke or UNC :)

It is tough! I also graduated in May and sent out at least 30 applications to 10+ hospitals before getting an interview. Luckily, I was hired at Duke after that interview :) Just keep applying and don't get discouraged! I would recommend opening your search range though because I know of people who waited a whole year after graduating to make the decision to relocate and that's a lot of time to be missing out on paychecks.

I think having a job (any job) is a great place to start! However, if you want to eventually be in hospital it is probably best to get there sooner rather than later. I probably applied to 30 jobs all over the country before I even got an interview, but luckily I got hired from that first interview. I would recommend expanding your search sooner rather than later. Also, it might be good if you can find out(facebook, email, etc) where other classmates have found jobs because that shows that those hospitals are considering new grads. Also, nurse residency programs might have applications open soon or around now so I would look into those and apply to as many as you can. Good luck! P.S. I got a job at Duke. They have postings for new grads (CNI's) at the end of every month.

My recommendations would be: 1. Shop the sales! I got a a knee length skirt and matching suit jacket at Talbot's for under $50. Good quality and didn't break the bank. 2. Marshall's, TJ Maxx or Ross. At these stores you have a good chance of getting high quality, professional clothing for a good price. 3. I would avoid a store like Forever 21. If the store isn't geared towards making nice, professional, clothing then odds are that what you could buy there won't fit that criteria. You would probably have a better chance at Banana Republic or Ann Taylor. 4. If you have outlets near you then there might be some good options there. 5. Good luck! and good plan to be prepared! Don't forget to make sure you have a good pair of comfortable shoes to go with your outfit. I know after my interview I got a tour of all the peds units and we probably walked at least a mile.

To me your letter is a good start but I would try to personalize it some for each position and hospital. Overall, I think it sounds a little generic. Maybe that's what they want but I personally would be more interested if your personality came out a little bit more. Maybe just read a few more examples online and work in what you like to your cover letter. Also, I saw one typo: and the embrace the challenge of accurately .

P.S. Even if it isn't your dream job, be glad you have an RN position :)

I think if you want a hospital job and aren't getting them in your area then it might be time to expand your search. Some areas are just impossible to get new grad positions in but if you are will to be flexible and look in other cities or states then I am confident you could get a position. And once you get your first 1-2 years of experience you can get a job anywhere!

My orientation is 12 weeks on a pediatric unit and year long participation in a new grad residency program with a class held every month.

Hi everyone! I just started as a CNI at Duke University Hospital and am in the SNIP program. If anyone has any questions about the process or the hospital just let me know! I think I heard back a week or two after applying that my resume had been forwarded to the manager and then was scheduled for an interview soon after that. The time it takes to hear back after the interview depends a lot on the unit. I have heard of people who heard, informally, during the interview or soon after and others who it took a week or more to hear back. Just depends on how many people are being interview and things. Starting salary for CNI's is 20.74/hour with decent differentials of about 4 dollars for nights or weekends, so about 8.50 for weekend nights, plus, great benefits. All CNI's will be part of the nurse residency program and the two main things about the SNIP program are that you get a 26 week orientation and have to sign a two year contract. Good luck! Also, if you do get the job I recommend exploring the cities around Durham some when you are looking for an apartment so you can find a town that is a good fit for you.