What happens if you don't get a grad year?

Scrubby · Oct 19, 2007

Hey there JoMc congrats for making it through uni! I remember feeling as though i was going to miss out as well, all i can say is hang in there!

Just out of curiosity how many hospitals have you applied to?

This year hundreds of grads in my state missed out simply because there wasn't enough places. I assume that they either work agency or in aged care.

JoMc · Oct 19, 2007

Hi Scrubby

thanks for replying and thanks for your much needed words of encouragement!

We are given 4 preferences and 2 of mine were to the same organisation so in effect, I have 3 chances.

There is no doubt that this year in Victoria hundreds of grads will miss out also as the figures just don't add up, so I was keen to hear from grads who had missed out and perhaps they could provide some good advice as to how to then go about getting your career off the ground - as I mentioned, there does not seem to be ANY jobs advertised for Div 1 Grade 1 nurses...

Thanks again,

Jo

joannep · Oct 20, 2007

Hi,

I don't know if you are melbourne based or country victoria. I can only answer for melbourne, as a senior nurse manager.

In my experience there is a significant number of graduates who do not want a grad year, they are frequently mature age and may have worked as a personal care assistant or Div2. They often have a job lined up. It is generally the younger grads who are looking for grad years, and the good news is that there are more grad places available each year. The Alfred is a good example, they have significantly increased their grad intake each year.

If you do not get a grad year, do not dispair. Whether you are in melbourne or in the country there is shortage of RN's. I recommend you send your resume (include your clinical placements) to units that you are interested in. This can include specialty areas such as theatre, day surgery, renal, etc. Often vacancies cannot be filled by experienced nurses and the unit manager may be happy to take on a novice.

The organisation I work for does not run a grad program. However, I have employed several grad nurses, who were not looking for a grad program, but who were looking for permanent employment, and wanted to join our organisation. I was happy to prepare a program for them, with supernumery time and a mentor. They have settled in very well and they are very happy.

So, with imagination and persistance you can find a job in an area with a supportive manager and staff.

Good luck

amelipet · Oct 20, 2007

Hi, although I graduated about 11 years ago, I decided not to apply for a graduate program place. I felt comfortable with my level of knowledge and experience from uni to go without it ( and being a registered nurse was my first and only job). I had no problem finding a job then or since. Although grad years are designed to help you through your transition from beginner (novice) I believe that facilities support staff whether you are in a program or not. Of course it is always buyer-beware. One positive effect of nursing shortages is that there are jobs to choose from if you aren't offered a place. Goodluck nonetheless.

JoMc · Oct 21, 2007

Thanks to all those of you who took the time to reply. 24 hours to go till grad places are released and I'll take it from there. Thanks JoanneP for the advice re sending resume and clinical placement reports to hospitals - your advice has made me think a bit more rationally today about a course of action if I am unsuccessful.

Fingers crossed for tomorrow!:bowingpur

NickCave · Oct 22, 2007

Hey Jo,

Good luck for today! I used to be in a position where I recruited nursing staff for a large Public Hospital. We took about 100 Grads per intake. For those who didn't get offered a position, but still wanted to work at the facility, I forwarded them to the Casual Pool.

There is enough work in the current climate to basically get a job anywhere. Such is the current shortage of skilled labour that you are in a position to dictate where YOU want to work not vica versa.

If it doesn't work out today and you aren't offered a position, contact the Manager of the Casual Pool of the facility you want to work at. You may need to work Casually for a period of time, but before long one of the wards WILL snap you up and WILL offer you a job.

Good luck, but certainly don't despair.

JoMc · Oct 23, 2007

Just an update for all those kind people who replied to my first message....I DID get a grad year! And I got my first preference to boot. Still in shocked but very relieved and can't wait to start.

Again, thanks for all those who took the time to reply - I'm sure your wise counsel will be of benefit to other soon-to-graduate nurses.

Cheers

Jo

joannep · Oct 23, 2007

Hi Jo,

It's great news that you were successful, your first year out can seem daunting, but take time to relax and have fun.

nyapa, RN · Oct 29, 2007

Just an update for all those kind people who replied to my first message....I DID get a grad year! And I got my first preference to boot. Still in shocked but very relieved and can't wait to start.
Again, thanks for all those who took the time to reply - I'm sure your wise counsel will be of benefit to other soon-to-graduate nurses.
Cheers
Jo

Yayyyy!!!! JoMc! Doesn't it feel great to get the position, but daunting to actually think you will be working as a nurse? I wish you the best of luck, from one new grad to another...