Sacramento New Grad RNs.... Are You Having A Difficult Time Landing A Job?

maximus76 · Dec 30, 2007

does it matter if you have a BS or Associate degree in Nursing when looking for a new grad job, or they dont care about that?

nurseJ88 · Dec 30, 2007

does it matter if you have a BS or Associate degree in Nursing when looking for a new grad job, or they dont care about that?

If the nurse manager of a hospital unit is in real need for staff nurses and does not mind training the new grads, Associate's RN is fine for an entry-level position. A BSN degree comes in handy in managerial, nurse educator, PHN (depending on the state), and other leadership and management positions.

jjjoy, LPN · Jan 1, 2008

In the big picture, having to wait several months from graduation to landing a job as a new grad isn't that bad. Of course there are bills to pay and such but it's not unreasonable for it to take that long to find a new position where they have to train you up for several months. The problem is when you've been hearing for years about a shortage and about how in demand nurses are and the like and then when you're all ready and qualified, there are no bites. You start to wonder what else you might have been told that is wrong. Or you wonder if maybe you are doing something wrong.

The best advice I can offer is to be persistent. Find a way to speak directly to floor nurse managers, not just human resources.

LuvofNursing, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 28, 2008

I spoke with a woman from Mercy San Juan in Carmichael, and she mentioned that volunteering is an easy way to get your foot in the door without having to apply for a job where your committment is greater.

Obviously, this is a huge sacrifice, and it may not even be attainable if you are already done with school, but it is an option if you know where you want to work.

MedicalNerd · Jul 29, 2008

I am just starting Nursing School and I am curious to see what the job market is going to be like in 2 years. Do any of you have some suggestions for me? What can I do to increase my chances of landing a job after I graduate?

LuvofNursing, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 29, 2008

I am just starting Nursing School and I am curious to see what the job market is going to be like in 2 years. Do any of you have some suggestions for me? What can I do to increase my chances of landing a job after I graduate?

I am halfway through nursing school, and it truly helps to get an internship at a hospital. Some hospitals, at least in my area, are not hiring student nurses like they used to, so be persistent but polite! I brought my resume by person into every hospital. I also talked to many people to find out who is the best person to talk to at the hospitals.

The hospital that I am now working, I contacted a number of times, sent my resume via the hospital's website, called, etc to get the position.

Also, get involved! Join your Nursing Student association at a chapter level and at a state and national level. hospitals like to see that you get involved.

participate in volunteer events in your area. i have done blood banks, heart walk, march of dimes, etc. find out when one is in your area, and contact that organization to get involved.

get to know your teachers well. a letter of recommendation can be what separates you from someone else. even if the hospital does not ask for one, bring it to them with your resume. maybe they won't read it, but if they do and it is a good one, that may influence them.

find out who you know in the hospital. the saying, "it's not what you know, it's who you know," is very true at this stage. when someone that works at the hospital speaks highly of you, that goes a long way.

bone up for an interview. if you are a good interviewer you may need to do less, but coming to an interview prepared with how you would like to answer questions can be helpful for someone who is deathly afraid of interviews! The goal is to be honest and sound passionate and confident, NOT contrived. don't memorize what you want to say, but just get your goals and values in order so that you can express them in an organized, professional fashion.

And lastly, to improve your opportunity for employment when you are looking to get into a specific area of the hospital, once you are an RN, become as knowledgeable as you can in that area.

for example, i took an online class for Basic Fetal Heart Monitoring, I am becoming a doula and I plan on getting started becoming a lactation educator so that my resume will show that I have more knowledge than another new grad or if nothing else, it will show that I am dedicated to learning it!

BUT, I am just a student, maybe you will have some RN's write in about what does and does not work when you are trying to get hired.

sorry for the novel and GOOD LUCK!!! :specs:

Nurse K8 · Jul 29, 2008

I am just starting Nursing School and I am curious to see what the job market is going to be like in 2 years. Do any of you have some suggestions for me? What can I do to increase my chances of landing a job after I graduate?

Medical Nerd- If at all possible, pick up and internship/externship while in nursing school. All of my classmates that had one were offered a job upon graduation. I did not have one and am still looking for a job (graduated in May).....

Good luck-

Kate

MedicalNerd · Jul 29, 2008

Medical Nerd- If at all possible, pick up and internship/externship while in nursing school. All of my classmates that had one were offered a job upon graduation. I did not have one and am still looking for a job (graduated in May).....
Good luck-
Kate

What NS did you attend?

I am at ARC and I am just starting my 1st semester. Should I try to get an intern/extern position now? Or is it too early?

LuvofNursing, BSN, MSN, RN · Jul 29, 2008

What NS did you attend?
I am at ARC and I am just starting my 1st semester. Should I try to get an intern/extern position now? Or is it too early?

Generally, hospitals will not accept you as a student nurse until you have completed your first semester. I would definitely start looking into it your first semester, though, because they fill up quick.

Try speaking with someone at your clinical site.

Nurse K8 · Jul 29, 2008

What NS did you attend?
I am at ARC and I am just starting my 1st semester. Should I try to get an intern/extern position now? Or is it too early?

I went to CSUS. They required that you are in your "advanced med/surg" rotation before you can have an internship. You can talk to one of your instructors at school and ask about when/where to apply. If you want to go the extern route, go onto UCD's website and look for jobs under "externs". From talking to students that did an internship/externship it helps with your nursing education tremendously and also helps when it comes time for a job.

Kate

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Aug 2, 2008

I would recommend going to the manager of the department where you want to work with your resume and completed application (for an open position) in hand and turn those in to him/her with along with a few written recommendations from someone who knows your excellent reputation, who also possesses an excellent reputation.

Network.

Find out who knows who. Start with the nursing department at the college where you went to school. Everyone knows someone............

Be confident.

Final Exams are OVER. You just made it through one tough time in your life. You just graduated from nursing school!! Don't lay down and let the waves wash over you now - Stand up and fight the current!

Be courteous.

Always follow up with a thank-you card when you are given a lead. These are the things that make people go "Hmmm".... and smile later on down the road when your name comes up again.

I sincerely wish you all the very best in finding that position that makes you feel like you belong.

smellyacres, BSN, RN · Aug 2, 2008

I have a couple questions about intern/externships during nursing school.

What exactly does one entail?

How much does one usually work? and while in nursing school as well?

Also, do you think it would be easier to get an intern/externship or a job after ns with CNA experience?

Thanks for the imput.

ZAR