Tucson new grads

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Is anyone finding a job in Tucson as a new grad?

I've been working as a CNA/LPN for 3 years. I just finished my RN. No hospital will even listen to you once they hear "new grad". During my preceptorship/clinicals, they most definitely needed more nurses. Patient ratios were creeping up. The RNs seemed overworked and frustrated. It seems the hospital won't hire outside new grads because they think this is the great depression II.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

Where are you working as an LPN?

Did you personally speak to the manager where you did your last semester clinicals at? Not HR, but the manager..

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Specializes in ER, Peds, Informatics.

I am a new grad RN-BSN too...just graduated with a 4.0, am bilingual, worked as a tech, and have cardiac ICU experience and I cannot find a job either. I do not have "real" nursing experience, so they won't talk to me ...just tell me that they are not hiring new grads. I have tried everywhere imaginable. I've even applied to tech jobs, but have been rejected b/c I'm overqualified. Does anyone out there have any suggestions?

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Specializes in Cardiac.
I am a new grad RN-BSN too...just graduated with a 4.0, am bilingual, worked as a tech, and have cardiac ICU experience and I cannot find a job either. I do not have "real" nursing experience, so they won't talk to me ...just tell me that they are not hiring new grads. I have tried everywhere imaginable. I've even applied to tech jobs, but have been rejected b/c I'm overqualified. Does anyone out there have any suggestions?

Did you try the place where you worked as a tech?

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Specializes in ER, Peds, Informatics.

I worked as a tech at a top pediatrics hospital out of state and I was offered an RN job there in the cardiac ICU, but I had to turn it down because my husband relocated to Tucson for work. So, I know no one here and I am having no luck with any type of nurse job. I've applied in Phoenix, Tucson and Sierra Vista to everywhere imaginable (I even started applying in January knowing that applying early might have helped)...I am willing to drive and take whatever I can get (nursing home, hospital, rehab, insurance companies, etc.) Right now, there seems to be nothing for new grads. I'm completely frustrated just like the OP.

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

If I were you, I would try every hospital within a reasonable driving distance from Tucson. Apply for every job electronically, except for jobs that specifically states "unable to take new grads at this time."

Once you register the first time with a hospital system, you can easily apply for more jobs with a few simple clicks. For example, the Banner system in Phoenix has many jobs posted and the job ad will state "no new grads at this time" if they don't want a new grad. Sure, they want you to have experience for other jobs, but apply anyway.

Have you tried the VA or IHS (Indian Health Services?)

Best of luck in the hunt!

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Specializes in Cardiac.
I worked as a tech at a top pediatrics hospital out of state and I was offered an RN job there in the cardiac ICU, but I had to turn it down because my husband relocated to Tucson for work. So, I know no one here and I am having no luck with any type of nurse job. I've applied in Phoenix, Tucson and Sierra Vista to everywhere imaginable (I even started applying in January knowing that applying early might have helped)...I am willing to drive and take whatever I can get (nursing home, hospital, rehab, insurance companies, etc.) Right now, there seems to be nothing for new grads. I'm completely frustrated just like the OP.

Have you tried to call managers personally? Asked about volunteer opportunities? This way you can get your foot in the door.

I know of a few hospitals in town that are hiring new grads. You sound perfect, but what I think you lack is that nobody knows you. You didn't do clinicals here.

I'd pick up the phone and start calling.

I know it's uncomfortable, but you are in a bad spot right now. This economy blows.

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Specializes in ER, Peds, Informatics.

Yes, I have tried the VA and IHS. Haven't heard anything back from them yet. I guess the next step would be to volunteer since I have been rejected for every PCT position I have applied for. Thank you both for the advice...it is just so frustrating that hospitals are willing to use travelers and overtime instead of training a new grad who is willing to sign a contract.

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Specializes in Cardiac.

sssss

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
Yes, I have tried the VA and IHS. Haven't heard anything back from them yet. I guess the next step would be to volunteer since I have been rejected for every PCT position I have applied for. Thank you both for the advice...it is just so frustrating that hospitals are willing to use travelers and overtime instead of training a new grad who is willing to sign a contract.

diosa,

How far are you in the process with IHS? Have you submitted your application and gone through the federal background check process yet? Have you spoken with an IHS recruiter? Applied for specific jobs at specific IHS hospitals?

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