Who's Hiring New Grads?

AZJENC · Dec 30, 2008

My friend's mom is graduating in May and she is looking at maybe going to Las Vegas for work. She wants to stay in Kingman and supposedly they are supposed to open up a new medical facility in Kingman otherwise she's going to just commute to Vegas. Just don't give up and keep on it. Good Luck!

oakbourne · Dec 31, 2008

I would think that Florida would be your best bet. Back in 2001, they were giving cars away for sign-on bonuses. I went to Jacksonville, FL, for surgery, and they were begging me to put off my surgery and begged me to work there. The nurses were either not well trained, or just overworked. Probably the latter, because the treatment I received from the nurses was terrible. Lots of mistakes were made.

mcsanram · Dec 31, 2008

Have you thought about New Mexico? UNM Hospitals in Albuquerque has a great nurse residency program and hires lots of new nurses.

Crystal Blue · Jan 1, 2009

Hi Guys,

I live in Central Florida on the West Coast and there is no jobs available here either, especially for new Graduates.

I was an LPN prior but did not have hospital experience. I am still looking also. Everyone thinks because you completed a nursing program you can get a job tomorrow. The jobs you do see all require 2 years or more experience in certain areas. Good Luck to us all!!!

deepress62 · Jan 1, 2009

The same thing is going on here in Virginia, I had been applying since one month and still no luck !! I graduated in May and was hired immediately at that time, but only for a month because I could not clear my boards at the first attempt...so I had to resign and reapply !! and now when I have cleared my boards and have my license no hospital is ready to hire me (just after 4 months!!) Though I checked about the availability of the positions and applied for those--still no response. My friends say all the hospitals have just stopped hiring because of poor budget and poor economy!! at least this part of the year...they might open in Jan 2009 . So I am waiting for this Jan 2009 to begin ...and test my luck!!!! :cry:

lyinleo · Jan 1, 2009

Banner advertises that they hire new grads. I am 61 yo and I always feel that everyone is hiring new grads and refuse to retrain older nurses. They do not want to pay them either. Carondelet in Tucson recruits new grads, but I would not suggest working there. Most of the university associated medical centers recrui tnew grads. Good luck to you. I am also presently looking for employment and not having a lot of luck. Where is the real nursing shortage???

HDFXDWGRN · Jan 1, 2009

I have worked for Banner Good Samaritan in Phoenix for 3+ years. Right now I wouldn't recommend working for any Banner hospital but especially not Good Sam. We have been overstaffed with too many travelers and the regular staff nurses have had problems getting our full time hours. The higher ups have made some bad financial decisions and are now cutting benefits/perks for everyone but mostly nurses. Myself and others have gone to management with complaints/suggestions and the response we got is "if you don't like it, then quit." It was never like this before these budget issues arose in late October and the cuts are system-wide, not just Good Sam. I am actively seeking employment elsewhere in Phoenix or going to travel nurse again.

salimom · Jan 1, 2009

I think the fact that hospitals are not hiring as much has to do with a number of factors. Firstly, illegal immigrants used to be able to apply for free health insurance from the state (AHCCCS), but prop 202 passing several years ago took that away (not saying it's good or bad, I'm just saying). Also, health insurance is getting more expensive, so people are opting for cheaper insurance plans that have high deductibles and co-insurance. So simply put, in this bad economy, people cannot afford to go to the doctor/hospital. Illegal immigrants have no insurance, other people can't afford their deductible or co-insurance. They are opting to tough it out, or go to a minute clinic instead of the emergency room. Also I think people are moving out of Arizona because it's housing prices are forecast to keep going down and I've read several articles saying that immigrants are choosing to move to states with laws that are less tough, and/or they are moving back to Mexico because there is no work for them here. I'm interested to see how Barack Obama's health insurance reform will affect jobs in healthcare and the nursing market. From how it reads, everyone is supposedly going to have good/affordable healthcare, and that itself would create a need for more healthcare jobs. I think by New Years 2010 we will have a better idea of the future of healthcare jobs. And we thought we were all going to school for jobs that were a sure thing. I guess nothing is certain.

lyinleo · Jan 1, 2009

That's not a good thing to hear. I have been traveling for about five years, but took a permanent position in Harrisburg, PA that I quit because after 8 months they still did not have any policies or procedures. In AZ I thought things were rather disorganized, however after being in PA I am realizing that it seems to be everywhere and Banner was not so bad. Banner has never let SEIU come into their facilities, but it sounds like nursing needs unions now, more than ever. Administration has gotten bigger and bigger while salaries and benifits for the nurse at the bedside has not kept pace with those in administration and the nursing shortage continues and as you know, it is critical in AZ.

hav2nurse · Jan 1, 2009

I am an experienced nurse who has been working as a travel nurse and jobs are becoming harder to come by. I have also started trying to obtain a permanent position, but they are either jobs I really don't want or part-time. I feel bad for all the new grads who are having trouble finding jobs, but don't give up. If you are willing to relocate use the internet to search for any hospital that is hiring. I would also suggest that you prepare a really powerful introduction letter and have instructor write reference letters for you. Send your resume with the reference letter, introduction letters, to nurse recruiters at hospitals in areas where you would be willing to live for awhile. With many nurses trying to find jobs right now, you want to stand out and be persistant. Follow each resume with a phone call to the nursing recruiter. If you have to take a job that isn't the perfect first job, you might want to take it just to get the experience. You may also want to try and find out when hospitals start their new grad programs because many only have them twice a year. Large hospitals like UCLA hire a large group of new grads twice a year so you may want to just try large hospitals to get the experience.

ZINA · Jan 2, 2009

I know the feeling, i have been looking for job in Philadelphia for 2 months now with no luck. Nobody wants new grad's. Yeah where is the SHORTAGE?

Xxentrick · Jan 2, 2009

If you are willing to relocate, have you tried Yuma Regional Medical Center? Last I heard they had a major shortage. It's a small town and the hospital is very busy during the winter season. Some have their opinions on the town, but I grew up there. I'm trying to make my way back there as soon as I'm finished with my pre-reqs. One more semester left and then I will be applying to the nursing program at AWC. I can't wait!!

YRMC is a very good one to apply to. I am in Colorado and they even offered to cover my relocation costs. So def. look into that one. Also, if you are a NSNA member, try to go to the conference in the spring...they always have a very good job fair! Another place that is desperate for Nurses is Alberta, Canada. Beautiful area, dead easy to immigrate to once you have your license and very easy to find information about online. If you like Rehab facilities, then apply to Health South. They even have a sign on bonus, esp. for TX. Just what ever you do...dont give up...the right job is waiting for you out there. Took me 5 months to find mine after graduating.