Graduating soon best way to find new grad programs?

2 Hey everyone,

I'm graduating in May with my BSN (whoo!) and am starting to look for new grad programs. I am willing to relocate, as I don't really have an obligation to be anywhere after I graduate, and I was wondering what is the best way to go about searching for new grad programs in the country? Somehow, I don't think googling "new grad RN programs" is really going to do the trick. Tips? Tricks? Know of a program? Let me know. Thanks!
In my area of the country, new grad transition programs are rapidly gobbled up by students who have had clinical rotations in that facility. There is very little chance of acceptance for a "non-local" grad. Hopefully, your experience will be different.
Best option is to find one near where you live. 2nd best option is to look in cities where you have close ties (went to school there, admitted into grad school there, have close relatives there, etc.). Most of the best hospitals have been burned by graduates moving to their towns only because of their new grad orientations. The nurses take the new grad program, consume the hospital's resources, then leave and go "back home" once they get the minimum experienced required for good jobs in towns where they really WANT to live.So ... look at hospitals in places where you can present yourself as someone who has TRUE reasons why you want to settle down in that town for a long time -- long enough for it to be worth it for the hospital to invest in you. Remember, this is not like school where you are paying them to provide you with the education. You are asking a hospital to pay you and also pay for your education for a few months. The best hospitals (and the best new grad programs) will have multiple applications to choose from -- and they want to invest only in those nurses who are going to stay in that town for a long time.
Starting local is easiest. I looked at the health systems with the best reputations first, and went from there. The HR sites have specific information for new grad nurses. They know that you don't know what to do, so it's okay! My school holds a job fair every semester, which was more valuable to me for information than for actual networking. There were more distant health systems there, plus some from out-of-state who were able to shed some light on the licensing process for their state. I hadn't even heard of the one health system that was actively hiring new grads and giving sign-on bonuses, had I been willing to relocate.When I was applying, many new grad programs would list what you need to apply, but not say when they would post the actual listing. Because I was disorganized and they only left the posting up for 6 days, I missed out on applying to one of the big, local health systems. If I had had all of my materials together, I could have made the application deadline, rather than having to wait 6 months for the same opportunity. Make sure you have your recommendation letters from your clinical instructors in your possession, and let them know when you start applying. Some places require you to use their recommendation forms, not the ones from your school. Make sure you can contact your clinical instructors if you need them to write you another letter! If you know the application requires an essay, have it prepared before they post the job. Be prepared, and check for the postings you know you want daily.I should also mention that I got my RN job because I was an extern on the same floor for a year. If you have an opportunity to work at a hospital before graduating, take it, especially if you are in a competitive area. They held jobs for myself and my fellow extern/new grad because they knew us and we worked hard, but they could have easily filled those spots months ago if they wanted to.
Perform a search using term New Graduate Nurse Residency ProgramVersant New Graduate RN Residency lists participating hospitals.
Best option. Use the resources your got. Just ask your nursing school instructors. They often have past students who let them know about programs available. Chances are you'll need a recommendation letter from one of them anyways.In Central Florida there's two programs I know of. Orlando Medical Center and Florida Hospital. Before going out of state just search your local hospital website for Graduate Nurse Residency program or Nurse Residency. You can also try calling up the H.R department and just ask of they have a Graduate Nurse Residency Program or nurse residency program, they might be able to guide you to the link to apply. Some times its hard to find on hospital websites and many people find it by word of mouth. Links to the program might be on their career pages. Graduate Nurse Residency ProgramFlorida Hospital Graduate Nurse Programs - Apply Now
Quote from man-nurse2bBest option. Use the resources your got. Just ask your nursing school instructors. They often have past students who let them know about programs available. Chances are you'll need a recommendation letter from one of them anyways.In Central Florida there's two programs I know of. Orlando Medical Center and Florida Hospital. Before going out of state just search your local hospital website for Graduate Nurse Residency program or Nurse Residency. You can also try calling up the H.R department and just ask of they have a Graduate Nurse Residency Program or nurse residency program, they might be able to guide you to the link to apply. Some times its hard to find on hospital websites and many people find it by word of mouth. Links to the program might be on their career pages.Graduate Nurse Residency ProgramFlorida Hospital Graduate Nurse Programs - Apply Now
FL New Grad RN's: I spoke with Cape Canaveral hospital recruiters at AACN's NTI, they were booth next to allnurses)-- system First Health still has new grad program.
Quote from NRSKarenRNFL New Grad RN's: I spoke with Cape Canaveral hospital recruiters at AACN's NTI, they were booth next to allnurses)-- system First Health still has new grad program.
Saw this compiled list online, seems pretty accurate. RN Residencies « NewNurseGraduate
Quote from CP2013I live in the area and have found the market terrible for new grads unless you have a 4.0 AND/OR have a manager requesting your application. Just thought you should be aware of the situation.
Quote from man-nurse2bThanks for d info..Florida sucks! I've been wondering if I should start working parttime as CNA/PCT or something that will get me ahead of other new grads..I'm by no means a 4.0 student At the same time working, being a dad and school might also hurt my grades.
Quote from man-nurse2bThanks for d info..Florida sucks! I've been wondering if I should start working parttime as CNA/PCT or something that will get me ahead of other new grads..I'm by no means a 4.0 student At the same time working, being a dad and school might also hurt my grades.