Sharp New Grad Program info

From what I remember about applying to Sharp's new grad program last spring, there is a supplemental form that needs to be filled out. It will be available to you once you apply for a new grad position. I'm pretty sure they did not require official transcripts and there was no recommendation form that needed to be filled out - I'm pretty sure they state that letters of recommendation will be requested once you get past the initial application. I believe what is submitted with your application is the supplemental form, transcripts, resume and cover letter specific to the unit to which you're applying. I believe the starting pay is around $30 give or take a $1 or $2 and not including shift differentials. Hope that helps.

Yes, this helps a lot! Thank you!!! Are you working at Sharp now, or another hospital in San Diego?

I currently work for Sharp.

MrsEd, if you don't mind me asking, did you find that those who are offered positions in the new grad program are often internal/worked there previously/did rotations, preceptorships there? Thanks for your input.

Leslie, I know people that work there or have worked there, and internal applicants almost always get hired before external applicants. One of the girls that I graduated with recently got a job there as a unit secretary, so that she can get hired as a nurse once the new grad positions open up.

Well.. that sucks. I wonder what percentage of the openings go to internals:confused: Cuz beyond the fact that the job market is tough in general & you've already gotta have great credentials to be considered, it's just another blow to our chances if the majority of positions are going to go to internals no matter how qualified we are.

MisterSimba, did you go to school in SD?

Yes I did: Azusa Pacific University's regional campus in Mission Valley

MrsEd, if you don't mind me asking, did you find that those who are offered positions in the new grad program are often internal/worked there previously/did rotations, preceptorships there? Thanks for your input.

From what I've observed, it's really a mix. And just b/c one is a Sharp employee doesn't guarantee that an RN position will be waiting for him/her once he/she passes the NCLEX. However, if you're in school, it certainly wouldn't hurt to work as a CNA or unit clerk or even volunteer, so you're at least gaining some invaluable experience that would set you apart from other candidates.

MrsEd,

Thanks for replying! Interesting. Well, I worked as an extern in an ER & before that a tech in Peds.. so that's what I've got to work with.

So when you applied to the program, did you choose the ED as one of the units you were interested in? I'm really curious if it is too far-fetched for me to try & get into the ER. I think that I am qualified as all my training, experience, certifications are in preparation for ER nursing, but I'm wondering if it's just too competitive and I should just shoot for med/surg or some other unit when applying.

MrsEd,

Thanks for replying! Interesting. Well, I worked as an extern in an ER & before that a tech in Peds.. so that's what I've got to work with.

So when you applied to the program, did you choose the ED as one of the units you were interested in? I'm really curious if it is too far-fetched for me to try & get into the ER. I think that I am qualified as all my training, experience, certifications are in preparation for ER nursing, but I'm wondering if it's just too competitive and I should just shoot for med/surg or some other unit when applying.

I don't work in the ED and I wasn't hired by Sharp through a new grad program. I was actually already a Sharp employee when I applied for the last new grad program and I didn't even get an interview - but some of my classmates who were not Sharp employees not only got interviews, but were hired.. However, I was fortunate in that my Manager had always intended to transition me to an RN once I passed the NCLEX (I originally worked for Sharp as an LVN). For anonymity's sake, I'd prefer not to disclose where I work. I will say that I am starting a new grad program in a few weeks, and those of us who were hired, our backgrounds were a mix. A couple of us were already Sharp employees, and others have no previous medical experience and are new to Sharp.

I think you need to take advantage of any opportunity you have to get out there and network. I know it's frustrating and sometimes it feels like you're beating your head against a wall. An RN recently hired at my current job convinced our clinical lead to create a new grad program for him, and fortunately for him our Lead decided to give it a shot. Traditionally we do not have a new grad program for my department, but his networking and persistence paid off. I think sometimes it's a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Have you considered volunteering in an ER? It may be a good way to network. I really do wish you the best of luck.

I really thi

Has anyone heard back yet?

I have heard back. I had an interview this last Thursday morning. However, in one of the departments I applied in, there are 288 applicants for 4 positions. It is very competetive and although I am a current Sharp Employee, there is still not a guarantee that I will be hired as an RN in the current new grad program.