[geomar428]

I have been reading how some new graduates in PA and NJ are finding it difficult to find positions without any experience. I live in the Philly area and was wondering what new grads have been finding in this area. I've been accepted into Drexel's Ace program for Fall 2008 and would like to get some more employment information before I commit to taking this expensive plunge! Is there still a nursing shortage? Are students graduating school with multiple offers? I would appreciate any input!

[1aquarianRN]

Yes, it's definitely still worth it... and that's coming from someone who finished in May, passed the boards in Aug, and still looking for a job!!! As for the nursing shortage, Ive come to the realization that in PA and surrounding areas the "real shortage" seems to be in experienced nurses and nurse educators. Consequently, the hospitals can only handle so many "new grads" at a time for orientation. I've learned the hard way that allot of the hospitals only hire new grads twice a year... once in April-May and again around Oct-Dec. As for me, I decided to wait until after I passed the boards to search for a job. I went back to school when my son was 15 months old and went straight through the summers. He turned 4 during my last semester and I could tell he was starting to feel the effects of my being in school...while I was @ the desk reading, my son turned to me and asked, "Do you not like me and Daddy anymore?" I replied, "Sure I do. I love you. What made you think that?" He said. "Because you don't talk to us and play with us anymore...you're always reading your schoolbooks or on the computer". With that and the fact that my son hadn't been to the beach since he was about 12 months old, I decided that I needed to some time after grad to reconnect with my son. I feel that I did the right thing and I don't regret it... I'm hopeful that I will find something soon. I'm not sure what your situation is, but begin your job search before you graduate if you can! Hope this helps, LOL

[1aquarianRN]

Sorry, I forgot to mention a few things. If you can't get experience as an aide or tech...I know from a relative who went through the ACE program that they recommend that students not work...then network, research places you would like to work, attend job fairs, get contact names,and network!! This will help you get your foot in the door and your resume on the right desk @ not in some pile somewhere!! And yes, many students that I graduated with multiple offers, but again these were the students that began applying early in their last semester!! LOL

[Brian F]

I worked as a aid or tech before I graduated back in Aug, 07. I started applying before graduation and had 2 offers at places I applied to. the one I accepted before I knew I had the other one and then declined the offer and took the second job. I know there are a lot of students who, like me had numerous offers before graduation and even accepted jobs while still in school. There is still a nursing shortage and it will continue to grow and get worse. The peak (if I remember correctly) will actualy be around the year 2010 or so when most of the "experienced" nurses will retire. The shortage is in the students comming into the foeld and not the experieinced ones alothough like aquarian stated, most facilities dont have the preceptors to train all the new grads. At my current job sometimes there were two new students for one preceptor. thankfully, they stager their hiring and may be the reason why some places only hire a few times a year. It helps them with staffing and having preceptors. I work in Allentown and when I was with another student and a preceptor, it was not bad because the other new RN is almost off orientation and I am just starting so the onther one is almost independent and I reguire assistance to some degree. I did hear from some of my classmates that the Philly area does requires you to either have a BS or a min of a year experience. my only downfall to that is where do you get the experience then... just my thouhts? hope it helps you somewhat???