Trying to find a job and doing my hospital research but don't know how to approach it

[tytta73]

Hello,

As a new grad, I am researching hospitals but what specifically should I be looking for? How should I approach this? Other than the hospital being public or not for profit etc.? Some say they are #1 in "specialty" or the top 100 in _____ . I like critical care specifically ICU. I will be applying to some hospitals with trauma centers and some others that don't have it. I don't feel I should limit myself though. I may have to expand applying to telemetry and med-surg just in case. How do I research this? SHould I go directly to the floor I'm applying to and talk to the staff? ANy advice would help. Thank You :)

[estrellaCR, BSN, RN]

Do a google search for hospitals in your area and whatever other parts of the country you are interested in. The local health department also has data on each hospital and their units (for example what level Trauma unit it is, how many beds, etc). Apply to all not just they ones that "Are rated number #1" in the country, all hospitals that have the deparment/unit you are interested in have the ability to train you well. I have heard that public/city hospitals are the most interesting in terms of trauma/ER and also all other units because they have to accept all patients so your can learn a lot more as there is more to see than at a private or "elite" hospital may have available.

You can try to go to the floor but i have heard from numerous people that it is not effective. 98% of the time they do not allow outside people on the floor unless A) they have an appointment with a Manager or B) are there to visit a patient. You can try to walk in to Human Resources but they likely would just take your resume and tell you to apply online.

You can research the name of a Nurse Manager and via google you may be able to find her email or the Nurse Recruiters email. There is no guarantee they will reply to you, but you can try.

[Genista, BSN, RN]

Sometimes I research companies at Glassdoor.com. Not all companies are there, and not sure how accurate the anonymous reviews are. But I think it might be helpful to get a general feel for a company/employer. If you know anyone that works as a nurse at the facilities you are interested in, that would be a great person to ask. A lot of times things look different on "paper" than they do in person...meaning the reality doesn't match up with the awards/descriptions/etc. Other than awards & "top rated" etc. I would be interested in the new grad program, retention (is turnover high?), staffing ratios/matrix, and support. It can be really hard to sort it all out from the outside. Good luck! I hope you find a gem.

[the smack]

As a fellow new grad who has been on the job hunt since last May, I will tell you that you will likely have to e pand your search. The chances of you scoring an ICU position right now are slim. Even LTC wants a year of experience. Good luck to you!

[estrellaCR, BSN, RN]

Specialties are difficult to get into, most require 1 year hospital experience (I know, I'm sick of hearing/seeing this as well). A few new grads can get in to ED or ICU but mostly through New Grad Residency programs or if they worked as CNA on that floor. You can try to apply for them but also consider other jobs as RN such as MedSurg or L & D as thess areas are more likely to take in new grads.