Question about job listings - kind of confused

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

I am graduating the first week in August and I am starting to try to look for real job opportunities. I realize many of the listings are outdated, nonexistent or mostly for experienced RN's. (I'm looking mostly on hospital sites - not outsourced job finding sites).

Most positions say experience required, current license required, etc. My question is, how many of you successfully applied to jobs that made these statements before you took the NCLEX? Ideally I want to apply to positions that say "new grad eligible", but I get the feeling these are few and far between. I'm not looking to apply to any positions that are like critical care, 1-2yrs experience required, etc...I don't want to waste my time or the recruiter's.

That's another issue! Did most of you deal with recruiters, or with nurse managers? I just want to get my foot in the door and start officially applying to jobs...almost so I can get used to the process and rejections, etc...as stupid as that may sound.

So if my scattered brain made sense...I'm basically asking if you still applied to jobs that said current license required...because this is the most common statement and I know it depends on the hospital whether or not they will hire you...but did anyone get angry responses if they did go ahead and apply and they weren't officially licensed yet?

I would be so grateful for any input!!! Please help me!!!

[hellosandiego]

That's great that you're applying before you're licensed! In these days and times you will need any edge you can get to find that first job. I am a new grad myself looking for a job but graduated in May 2009 :[

Personally I don't apply when it says "X yrs experience required", but if it says "preferred" then I go ahead and apply. I'm sure you can take your chances and apply to the ones that say "required" but you might also **** off HR or the nurse recruiter (as I'm starting to see more and more job posts say "NO NEW GRADS!"). Then again I've also heard of people stating that they applied to jobs they didn't exactly qualify for and just so happen to get considered and or hired.

Also, if you know (or it states) that the job or new grad program is going to start before August then you might want to not waste your time. But if it doesn't state, then it won't hurt to apply and they might just hold that position for you :] I sincerely hope you find a job soon after you graduate and pass the NCLEX or even secure one before graduation! GOOD LUCK!

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

Thanks so much for your reply! I think my thoughts were along those lines. Good luck on your job search as well!!!

[RN4LOVE]

Yea, your best bet is to apply for positions that are called "Nursing Internship" or "Nursing Residency." These are specifically for New Graduates! The goal for these types of programs/internships/residencies is to slowly mold you from student to independent nurse. Some hospitals do not have these programs for New Grads, and it may be overwhelming for you as you get pushed onto the floor when you only get a few weeks of orientation....

just my two cents! GOOOD LUCK with the job hunt!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Don't limit yourself to positions labeled "internship" or "residency." Not all hospitals use those specific words even though they may offer the same types of orientation for their new grads. You may be ignoring some great opportunities if you limit yourself to only hospitals that use those exact words in their postings/advertisements. My hospital uses the word "internship" only for a couple of specialty positions -- but we have an excellent orientation program for new grads on other units as well: we just don't call them "internships." Don't let the use (or non-use) of a few specific words prevent you from exploring all of your options.

If a position interests you -- and it doesn't explicitly say that experience is definitely required -- then go ahead and apply. You can ask about the details of the orientation program if/when you get an interview.

[UVA Grad Nursing]

If an institution has a clinical ladder, look for something that would indicate that the position is the lowest rung on the ladder. For example, at UVa's Health System, there is one job posting for "Clinician I" (which is the new grad position). There is just one posting on the website, but they are expecting to hire 50-60 new grads this calendar year.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Some of our hospitals in my area of Virginia use the term "RN I" or "RN 1" to indicated new grads, with the potential to promote via a clinical ladder.

[RN4LOVE]

Don't limit yourself to positions labeled "internship" or "residency." Not all hospitals use those specific words even though they may offer the same types of orientation for their new grads. You may be ignoring some great opportunities if you limit yourself to only hospitals that use those exact words in their postings/advertisements. My hospital uses the word "internship" only for a couple of specialty positions -- but we have an excellent orientation program for new grads on other units as well: we just don't call them "internships." Don't let the use (or non-use) of a few specific words prevent you from exploring all of your options.

If a position interests you -- and it doesn't explicitly say that experience is definitely required -- then go ahead and apply. You can ask about the details of the orientation program if/when you get an interview.

I guess the reason why I said what I said was because here in Texas, that's the way a majority (not all) of hospitals hire newbies--through a New Grad Internship/Residency Programs. However, it might be different elsewhere!

So, of course! Don't EVER limit yourself, but be aware of some of the different ways hospitals hire new grads.

[roma4204, BSN, RN]

Thank you for all the advice! I really am trying to seek out positions that hint at eligibility for new grads first, then move on to ones that might not be so explicit but to offer orientation. Does anyone have any input on the actual application submission process? Like through the hospital sites?