Who's Hiring New Grads?

oakbourne · Jan 2, 2009

When I graduated in 1993, we knew we were going to have a hard time finding a job in the nursing field. I went out in the boonies and worked for a small hospital, and boy did I learn a lot. Then with my med-surg experience under my belt, I looked really good to employers. I say, stay away from big cities, too much competion, and go the small town route. Whatever it takes, do it.

smallnurse10 · Jan 3, 2009

I live in Las Vegas and hospitals are laying off workers and shutting down units. There are no jobs available for new grads. I have not graduated yet, but if I am unable to get a job (which I suspect) I plan on moving back to Alabama and going to work for my sister. Luckily she is a nurse manager there and will definitely hire me. I agree with the above poster about looking in small towns. My sister's hospital is hiring, but the pay isn't great and it keeps alot of people from wanting to work there.

chocolateskye · Jan 3, 2009

YRMC replied to me and told me that they will be accepting apps for there upcoming June/July new grad program. They are not accepting any new grads for their Jan. new grad program. Flag Staff said the same thing, as well as county hospital here in phoenix. For some reason county hospital has called me four times to offer me a job? But whom ever is in charge of handling incoming apps. Is not reading the objective on the resume, as it clearly states that I am interested in securing a new grad RN position. The first time it happened I showed up at the interview only to be told half way through it that they thought I already had some experience? The second and third time she called I told her what happened to me the first time she called and told her that I was a new grad she said oh I'll have to be more careful? When she called today she said she would forward my resume over to the person that handles the new grads now??? I don't know what they are doing over there at county? I have had several calls from the state of Virginia? As soon as they started talking about flying me out for a tour they all of a sudden received word of budget cuts and now have a hiring freeze? Reno Nevada has called and I am really hoping they are sincere about relocating me? But believe me I have placed my resume just about everywhere including New Mexico, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Nevada, Indiana, Virginia and Georgia? I am still hopeful.

chocolateskye · Jan 9, 2009

I am just returning to vent a little. My job hunt is getting so tiring. The issue now is that I still have not recieved my ATT, and many of the facilities that are calling are from other states. One of the first questions that they ask is are you going to get your license to come back for the state of ....? But without an actual job offer why would I get my license to come back for any other state other than the one I currently reside in? Hopefully once I get my license things will get better and they will take me more seriously?

MsBruiser · Jan 9, 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).

That is completely untrue. AHCCCS was/is only for legal residents.

MsBruiser · Jan 9, 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.

I just can't see nurses in AZ being organized enough to form a union. No unity.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Jan 9, 2009

I'm curious...for the new grads who did find work, did HR ask about grades and reference letters?

I have a feeling that soon, with this new grad crunch we are in right now, that grades will actually have some impact in the decision making process.

I know it made a difference for me when I got hired. I had to submit transcripts and I was the only new grad hired.

But if I were HR right now, and I had tons of new grads for scant positions, then I would use grades to help evaluate and volunteer experience and reference letters.

So, to those who have applied and gotten no response, have you submitted letters of recommendations from your CI/teachers?

chocolateskye · Jan 9, 2009

Maybe only two out of the hundred jobs that I applied for actually asked for transcripts and letters of reference from my clinical instructors. And both of them were positons at VA hospitals.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Jan 9, 2009

Maybe you should just include them with your resume from now on and see if it helps. Maybe other new grads are already doing this and they are the ones getting the jobs?

I mean, some new grads are getting work, so what is it that HR is looking for that the ones who get the jobs have?

MsBruiser · Jan 9, 2009

Maybe only two out of the hundred jobs that I applied for actually asked for transcripts and letters of reference from my clinical instructors. And both of them were positons at VA hospitals.

What is hiring like at the VA right now?

chocolateskye · Jan 9, 2009

Well out of a class of 26 only 6 have jobs and two out of the five are already working as LPNs in the nursing home setting until they take the boards and will be staying on as Rn's. Two got jobs as nurse extern's and were offered jobs as Rn's once they completed the program. One worked as a unit secretary and they offered her a job once she was done and another one worked in the ER as a LPN and got the job after graduation. There were others that had various jobs in the hospital settings but were not offered jobs at the facilities once they finished. Many of my classmates and I are in the same boat. Thanks I try your approach and see what happens? As for me I was researching companies and writing cover letters and thank you letters. Finding out who the nurse recruiters were and emailing them directly as well as applying on the company website. But whatever it takes? Thank you so much I really appreciate it.

chocolateskye · Jan 9, 2009

Stopnik

The VA here in Phoenix never told me how many new grad openings they had, they just let me know that they do hire new grads. I had an interview with a nurse manager in the ambulatory clinic who boldly told me she did not hire new grads but would consider hiring me because I had LPN experience. The interview went well but I knew I wasn't getting the job she just wasnt open minded enough to hire a new grad. I was contacted by one of the nurse recruiters from the VA in Reno and she mentioned that they had about seven positions open to new grads and she was actively excepting applicatioons.