getting a job for new grad nurse with ADN

[cococh15]

Hi, I'm putting up this post to ask some help in getting a job in PA.

I'm going to be joining the line of new grad nurses this summer 2012, and I'm currently in an ADN program in TX.

Because I'm planning to endorse the license from TX to PA, and start my career there, I was curious about the trends of the job market in PA now.

1. would it be that hard to get a job with ADN in PA?

(since I'd really like to work, while finishing a BSN program at the same time, I'm kind of worrying that the hospitals might not hire new grad nurses with ADN. and also it seems to be hard for new grad nurses to start their career on med-surg floor. is it that hard for new nurses to get a floor or unit job?)

2. if I start working at a different type of setting such as a nursing home or a clinic, would it be a waste in learning skills and knowledge for critical care?

(I'm thinking of acute care or critical care to specialize in later, and many hospitals with med-surg floors require some period of experiences on the med-surg floor! thus, the clinic or nursing experiences will slow me down in getting the job in those types of units (ICU, ER, or the floor that you can practice critical care skills and knowledge)?

this is it. thanks for your time and any responses will be welcomed. thank you. :)

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Where in PA are you looking? 5 county Philly area need to have BSN to even get snowball chance of getting in a Philadelphia hospital. SCANT jobs for new grads in this area --see our previous posts. Pittsburgh area , Central and NE part of start have greater chance of landing a hospital position.

If your looking to move into critical care, consider applying at an LTAC - Long Term Acute Hospital, several have ICU's that you may be able to transition into.

Find LTAC Hospitals - Altha.org

[/url]

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I would second what NRSKaren says about PA and can verify that it is extreme difficult for new grad ADN's in the Phila area. Nearly all postings state "BSN required" and there is fierce competition for those few that say simply "BSN preferred".

From what I see written here on AN, Texas seems to be a much better choice for new grad RN's. I've even seen comments about bonuses for new hires in some of the rural parts of the state. It may be worth staying in TX after graduation to get that all-important year's worth of experience. The job market for experienced nurses, at least in SE PA, is much better than for new grads.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

NE PA, (think allentown/reading areas) are still hiring adns to my knowledge..

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Some hospitals in Philly will consider new grads, but many require BSNs now and with all the nursing schools in the region, it's definitely a tight market for new grads. Once you get farther away from Philly though, things start opening up a bit but it will definitely be a challenge if you're interested in working around Philadelphia.