Question from a Soon-to-Be Student Nurse

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Hi Everyone,

I am currently in Arizona where I am getting ready to begin my ADN program in Nursing.

I have a prior BA from a good University, and half of a Masters in Education. I taught high school Special Education (ED/BD) for the past five years.

My question is this:

As someone who plans on moving to Portland immediately following my ADN program, will I have problems getting a new grad RN job with my experience. Will my experience even count for anything? I have read a ton of posts stating that finding work is difficult in Portland for New Grads, and others that say if you make yourself known (and I'm good at that) then you won't have a problem. I'm concerned because I have chosen not to get my BSN until I can begin working as an RN (since I already have a BA). Will this give me any leg to stand on?

Any advice would be great. It's a ways off, but I am trying to plan ahead and be ready for the reality of my new life once I am licensed.

Thanks much in advance!:uhoh3:

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Does no one have any advice for me? Did I word my question in a way that makes sense? Anything? Anything at all...I'm open...

Thanks!

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I think finding work is pretty easy, there are a lot of job openings and Providence seems to be looking for new grads, they recruit pretty aggressively from U of P. If not there are always ALFs looking.

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I'm sorry - I don;t live in Oregon.... Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry/PCU, SNF.

It's a mixed bag. I had a hard time getting the right job. Sure, there are a ton of jobs in LTC/SNF, and if that's for you, great, more power to ya! I found though getting a hospital job was tedious and difficult. I got stonewalled at both Providence and OHSU and once at Legacy, who later hired me though.

Coming from out of state makes it all the more difficult in my mind. I wish I had come to do interviews in person, I think that's where I went wrong the first time through. Since I had moved and was here already, the second interview with Legacy went much better. The nurse recruiters can be a great resource, if you find one willing to help.

The reason it seems so hard in Portland, is that there are a lot of programs churning out nurses, on my floor we have students doing clinicals from at least 4 schools, and I know there are at least 2 or 3 that aren't represented.

Good luck though!

By the way, where in AZ are you coming from? I moved up from Flag last year, just curious.

Cheers,

Tom

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That's funny! Flagstaff, it is! The plan is still a couple of years away as I am about to start Nursing School, but Portland is where we've decided we want to be.

Thanks for the comments too. I understand exactly what you mean about the right job. I really don't want to work at an LTC facility. At least I don' t think so, although I'm open to a change of heart during school.

In any case, good suggestions. I will find a way to come do interviews in person when the time comes. Now that you're at Legacy...are you happy there? Is it the right job that you were hoping for, or just a good start?

Nice typing with you,

Katie

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By the way, where in AZ are you coming from? I moved up from Flag last year, just curious.

Oh, and I forgot to ask...did you go through the programs at either NAU or CCC or elsewhere? Any opinions or direction from your Flag days? It's a great town, but I can see that it will begin to feel too small for me, especially with only one hospital to choose from.

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Specializes in CICu, ICU, med-surg.

I moved from Florida as a new grad back in 2005. I had a very difficult time getting anyone to talk to me. There are several nursing programs in Portland that are putting out more and more new grads every year. At Providence where I work, we draw heavily from the University of Portland, but it's certainly not impossible for someone from another school or even out of state to get a job.

My advice: Make personal contact! All the hospitals have online applications. Fill those out, but also make some phone calls and talk with recruiters or nurse managers if possible. Plan a visit to Portland and let people know when you'll be here so you can set up interviews and meetings. I did this and went home with two job offers.

Portland can be a tough market for new grads, but it's not impossible to find a job. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck with school!

Todd

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry/PCU, SNF.

I did the CCC route. It was a good program, they were still trying to work out the kinks though (I was in the second class to finish). I felt prepared though to head into the work force.

My advice: Make personal contact! All the hospitals have online applications. Fill those out, but also make some phone calls and talk with recruiters or nurse managers if possible. Plan a visit to Portland and let people know when you'll be here so you can set up interviews and meetings. I did this and went home with two job offers.

Totally spot on. I know this is where I screwed up the first time around and consequently did much better the second time.

As for the job...it is the right job. Not only has it provided an incredible foundation to build from, but in spite of the ups and downs, I love it. I work with really great people, take care of unique and interesting people and can't be happier.

I do miss Flag somedays. There was something comforting about FMC, it was almost a second home. But I am glad I left. The patients I take care of now I would never have had exposure to in Flag due to it's location/programs. The sick folks get shipped. We're usually the place where shipped folks end up. On those days though when I really miss it, I pull up the weather and see that yes, it's 45 and raining here, but 8 and snowing there. Choice confirmed.

Let me know if you have more questions.

Tom

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