Starting to apply for new grad positions - help!

Jolie, BSN · Jan 7, 2009

At this point, you are not applying for existing positions that are advertised in the paper or on the hospital's website. You are applying for a future job that may or may not ever be published. Don't be put off by hospitals that don't specifically list new gad positions. Many of them never do, but will hire new gads nonetheless. Your resume will make it clear that you are a graduating student. When you fill in the application, you may choose to list areas of your clinical preference (1. OB, 2. Peds 3. Surgical Nursing), or simply state "open" and discuss available positions when you speak with HR or the nurse recruiter.

You are very wise to begin the application process early in your final semester. Good luck to you!

Lunaticus, LPN · Jan 8, 2009

I'm glad I'm not the only person freaking out over the best way to secure employment. I've already registered for three career fairs (January, February, and March), but I'm thinking that it might also be a good idea to just start sending out my resume to area hospitals. Out of curiosity, will I be viewed as a pest if, at this early date, I'm already contacting nurse recruiters?

scadams29 · Jan 8, 2009

Lei7. If you are confused about applying for positions, call or email the nurse recruiters at the hospitals that you are interested. They will give you the best advice about new Grad openings at their facility and what you need to do to apply. Now is the best time to apply-- May Graduates have a lot of competition for a limited number of jobs and with this economy, it is best to be prepared. I've read numerous posts on this site about graduates still looking for positions. I was very fortunate to find a position (December '08 Grad) at the hospital that I wanted to work and in the field that I wanted. With that said, attend job fairs, apply online for all jobs you have an interest. Oh and make sure that you let the nurse manager and HR know at your practicum site that you would love to work for their facility- networking does wonders. I wish you the best as your search for a place to start your new career. :twocents:

Galore · Jan 8, 2009

I don't think it's too early to be thinking about jobs at all! I would contact the nurse recruiter/HR to find out what their process is for new grads. All of the hospitals in my area either attended a job fair hosted by my nursing program or came to our class directly to let us know when recruitment would start. Most of us interviewed around February-March and had our jobs lined up shortly after (we graduated in June). I don't think they really posted these positions online or in newspapers, it's more like they had a relationship with my nursing school. I'm surprised that yours doesn't offer any help, but it's great that you're being proactive and seeking jobs on your own early.

You could also contact the nursing managers of any specific units where you want to work and inquire about new grad positions.

choco901 · Jan 9, 2009

i gradutated a month ago and i'm now trying to find the position for the new grads. it's hard to find a position right now becuase it's already filled up with graduates even before our graduation. I think you should start to do job search time and it's not too early.

Platypus · Jan 10, 2009

I am a recent grad as well. I am planning to take the NCLEX in February. I am also having a difficult time securing employment. I am told many hospitals have a hiring freeze right now and that many hospitals will not hire grad nurses until after they get their RN because (according to my clinical instructor) it costs $300,000 to hire and train a new nurse for a year. They don't want to hire and train you and then have you fail the NCLEX.

I was a little freaked out at first but I still have my old PT job and figure I will do that and study for the NCLEX. If the job does not come by March, I may consider looking out of the area. It may be that this area is over saturated with Nurses, especially with the economy causing many to return to work or be willing to work more hours.

Funny - I thought I was going to have several job opportunities to choose from by now.

Joe NightingMale, MSN, RN · Jan 13, 2009

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one freaking out right now.

I'm graduating in June, and I figure that now is the time to apply.

But I'm having a hard time finding out who to contact at the various hospitals...many do not list who the nurse recruiters are.

I'm hoping to work at the hospital where I work as a PCT, or at the one where I'll be doing my practicum.

Unfortunately I can't afford to wait too long after graduation to start as an RN, just not enough money...

ohwerehalfwaythere · Jan 14, 2009

Hang on May grads...its going to be a bumpy ride!! Started applying this week per the advice of several separate faculty members. Never too early to start and like everyone else said, they will know you are a new grad by resume. Good luck!

Mexarican · Jan 18, 2009

Hello all!
A lot of people I know are starting to apply for positions now for after graduation (May 2009). However, I'm a bit confused as what to do.
I've looked at the job openings at a number of hospitals in the area, but RN positions all ask for 1-2 years of experience. Should I submit my cover letter/resume with the option not for a specific position, and put new grad RN position as my objective on my resume?
I'm getting very stressed out about applying for jobs - our university does not give us any guidance in this area.
I'm doing my senior practicum at a Children's Hospital in the area, which I am so excited about - working there has been my dream since high school, and the reason I went into nursing in the first place. I would love more than anything to be able to get a position there after graduation/NCLEX, but it's quite prestigious and a lot of the hospitals in the area are having or have had hiring freezes recently, so I'm not holding my breath.
Any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

Call!!! call the hospitals you are interested in and ask them how do new grads for MAy apply. Some have the directions on their website under the "Nursing link" in the careers/jobs section. If not ask! it never hurts to ask. Now is the time to start applying so you are not ahead of the curve. Goodluck!

Mex

whykiki0103 · Jan 20, 2009

Have you heard of new grad residency program? I would go to job fairs and ask if they have residency program (sometimes called internship) or if they are hiring new nurses. They will usually give you applications and explain how to apply. It's not too early to look for a job now. I think half of my class had jobs by the time they graduated in May. So don't give up, work on your resume and apply!

lsm332 · Jan 21, 2009

I graduate in June (i hope! hah.) and am starting to apply for jobs right now. I was told by several recruiters/my school's career development center that the best time to apply is from January to March, although it varies from place to place. I really haven't done as much applying as I should have so far--I need to get a move on it! It's just so time consuming..applying for and interviewing for jobs is like a full time job in itself between getting recommendations/references in order, applying online, calling nurse recruitment, interviewing, etc. This forum makes me really nervous about getting a job after graduation after seeing how many people are having such a hard time with it!