City of Brotherly Love!

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

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Specializes in Step-Down.

Hello Philidelphia area nurses! I am a few questions and looking for some input. A brief background about me; I've been an LPN for 2 1/2 years and have worked in LTC full time for 2 years as well as 3 summers of camp nursing at a sleepaway camp for ages 7-16. I recently graduated and recieved my RN license ASN. I am currently enrolled and starting classes online towards my BSN. What is the job market like in Philidelphia? My cousin is starting medical school this month in Philly. I would love to be close to her. Is it possible to obtain a hospital job with an ASN? Thanks for the input!!!

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Just FYI, it's "Philadelphia," not "Philidelphia." From what I've heard, the job market is tough for nurses who don't have BSNs. Philly has quite a few BSN programs, so you're going to be competing with homegrown nurses who have bachelor's degrees.

Good luck.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

As a homegrown Philly nurse, OCNRN is correct...the BSN is preferred here, and there are a TON of new grads AND experienced nurses here. That is to say there may be a challenge in finding a position soon...it will take you a while. Apply to clinics, LTC/Skilled nursing facilities, in addition to hospitals. Good Luck!

Specializes in ICU.

I looked for a year and could not find anything with my associates (while I was also working on my BSN.) I had one interview for a nursing home - but didn't get the job. It is pretty hard - even if you have a BSN. I finally decided to look outside the state and found a job on the other side of the country. Since you have some LPN experience, you might have a little easier time obtaining a job - at least in the LTC. Then, once you get the BSN, you might have more opportunity for a hospital position.

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
I looked for a year and could not find anything with my associates (while I was also working on my BSN.) I had one interview for a nursing home - but didn't get the job. It is pretty hard - even if you have a BSN. I finally decided to look outside the state and found a job on the other side of the country. Since you have some LPN experience you might have a little easier time obtaining a job - at least in the LTC. Then, once you get the BSN, you might have more opportunity for a hospital position.[/quote']

I agree. :yes:

In the Philadelphia area, the "BSN preferred" is the "rule"....unfortunately.

There are TONS of experienced nurses and new grads, a few hospitals have hiring freezes, and many are building, but are waiting until 2014 to make the jump to hire. It took me over a year from my last nursing semester to start a job as a new grad, however, the opportunity that I had had a reputation of not having a great transition for new grads...they are still going through growing pains-so I moved on to another (and more better) position; I was a LPN for 7 years, and it still took me a year to gain employment (I have a BSN). It takes about 1-1.5 years to get a job as a BSN...about 2 years for ADN...I have 2 childhood friends who had got their ASN...it took about 2 years for one to be hired into one of the Public Health Clinics in Philly; one left the area, went and got experience in VA, and is at a new hospital in Montgomery county; it took her 18 months. I know another co worker who had 11 years LPN experience take 2 years to get a job (ADN)

Most places hire new grads during a certain time period; usually Feb-March (for Fall Grads) and August-October (for Spring Grads)...That doesn't mean they are not looking for their next candidates either...people retire, leave, etc. It also means you have to stay determined. Most people who cannot afford to relocate for many reasons eventually find a job, and move on from there and do well in their careers.

In the meantime, try to get some experience; perhaps doing flu shot clinics, assisted living facilities; keep looking into nursing homes. Network with recruiters, especially through LinkedIN. Try to see if one will give your resume a look over-I had one do this at one hospital, and I now have two recruiter from the same health network that I network with. I just connected with another one at another hospital network on LinkedIN. Networking is key. Sign up with local hospitals talent network online and keep checking weekly for new grad positions. There are hospitals that do hire ADNs...it just takes longer. Cast your net wide, and keep trying. :yes:

I have my BSN. I worked at a hospital as a tech the whole time while in school thinking they would give me a job. They never did. I got a job after making finding a job my job. It took me 3 months to get the job and 4 months to start date and it was a totally different hospital then I worked at in school. This was in May of 2011. I don't know what's changed since then but it's possible. You just have to work hard at it and call and follow up on every application a week after submission.

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