Any tips for new grads trying to get a job on a specialty floor?(Besides having connections)

I agree with teaching hospital. They’re usually open to new grads, and you will learn so much. Also, the staff is more willing to teach than at other facilities (at least from my experience).
I hope this helps!!

Traditionally New Grads were instructed to go to med surg or some other generalized area of nursing to hone their skills before applying to specialized areas. Well we ended up with a bunch of burned out nurses who had bidden their time on these units for 2-3 years hoping for their dream jobs. Now, it is common practice to get hired on to a specialized unit as a new grad, if you show dedication and initiative. I would rather train a new grad that has passion and drive for their chosen field of nursing than get a few warm bodies just because. Go to the hiring manager of your chosen department, ask them about a residency program and one of their best mentor nurses to be partnered with.

I would try to go to a teaching hospital or the very least take a few months rotation in a Medical surgical unit. This will build a foundation on what specialty you want to go. You will feel more comfortable if you have a good baseline.

If you know what specialty unit you would like and your school has a practicum course, try to do your practicum on that unit. Show your interest during your shifts there by observing and asking questions. let them know you would like to work there after graduation

Hopefully you had some clinical experiences during your nurses training that included the care of the patients that you'll be caring for on the specialty floor where you wish to work. I'd recommend during your interview that you four on that and share how the care of those patients affected you and led to your choice to select that floor/specialty to commence your nursing career.

Sometimes a new position will open up in a specialty where you never had any experience. That job can actually end up being the best job of your career!! I know that from experience, as I was offered a new job in expanded role of nursing in pediatric oncology. While I'd loved my pediatric rotation, I had no experience in Heme/Onc and had NO IDEA what to expect.I just knew I wanted to work in PEDS and it turned out to be THE BEST job I ever had!!

HOPE THIS HELPS and Best of luck to you.