Advice for GN looking for Philly job

[Citynurse302]

Hi guys! So I am a GN (ADN) living in Philly trying to find a job! I'm originally from DE but moved here a year ago to try and live the city life and start my career. I have applied what feels like a million times to hospitals and can't seem to get a call back!

Due to me worrying about getting a job I recently applied to a level 1 trauma out west on a whim, and was offered a position in their ER Residency program. thing is, it's not Philly! I'm taking the job and moving if I can't get one here because it's what I need to start my career, but I would really like to stay in Philadelphia. can anyone give me advice on where I should be looking? I've gone EVERYWHERE, Jefferson, CHOP, Shriners, Einstein, Penn, St. Chris's, even Kindred. it's really sad that I've applied to a bunch of jobs here and haven't gotten a single call yet I applied to 3 positions out west and was offered them all!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

There are many nursing schools in Philly, including some affiliated with those hospitals you've named. It's quite possible they prefer their own grads, plus it's an area where no BSN = application into the round file.

This was posted by someone familiar with Philadelphia hospitals back in 2012 and updated in 2014:

This is the employment outlook in the 5 county Philadelphia area for RN's: Scant jobs posted online for bedside clinicians. Penn Health has most open positions for experienced RN's on website today.

Following health systems have BSN required for new hires:

Penn Health: HUP, PA Hospital and Penn Presby;

Main Line Health: Lankenau, Bryn Mawr, Paoli, Riddle;

Mercy Health: Mercy Fitzgerald, Mercy Philadelphia, Nazareth, Mercy Suburban;

Einstein Health Network: Einstein and Montgomery hospital

BSN preferred include Jefferson + Methodist, Temple, Childrens, St Christophers

Abington requires BSN degree within 5 years of hiring for new employees; current employees required to have BSN within 10 years.

Aria Health, Hahnemann and Holy Redeemer still hiring those with Diploma and Associates.

So it looks like you'll need a BSN to be a competitive applicant in the Philly area.

[Mmcmillan91]

Hello, most hospitals have moved to a minimum of a BSN. I work at the VA in Philadelphia as a CNA I've been here a little over 2 years and not long after I was hired they ended hiring nurses with only an associates degree. If your willing to get your BSN you'll have better options in the city. The hospital is now encouraging the nurses to get their masters and will help pay for it, I believe this is why the associates isn't being accepted by people looking to get newly hired. I also believe it has something to do with most hospitals turning into "magnet hospitals".