Advice for a new grad new to GR area

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Specializes in Med Surg.

Hello everyone,

I am a new graduate Associates Degree Registered Nurse. I just move to Grand Rapids, MI from Virginia. I have been applying obsessively to job after job for four months with no luck yet. I have a few questions. One, what is your advice for a new grad starting out? What kinds of facilities should I start out at? At this point I am desparate and will take anything since I can't seem to get a job to save my life! My second question is... What is the starting pay for a new grad RN in the Grand Rapids area? I have an interview (my first interview in 4 months of applying) tomorrow at a nursing home which is offering 21 dollars an hour. Is that what I should expect? Should I expect more?

Thanks for advice and opinions...

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

I am not from the GR area, live in SE michigan. If I were u I would just keep applying, many ppl I know that graduated w/ their ADN recently r starting out in nursing homes, the ones that I know of are making around the same as what u were offered. U may consider taking the job until a secure hospital position is offered to u, depending on your situation. I graduated from a BSN program and everyone from my program found a job and many of us began working as GN's immediately after graduation all in hospital settings. Be patient, ur 1st job or even more for that matter may not be what u truly want. Just gain experience and keep applying. U may even want to consider driving the distance, some nurses I work with drive 1 1/2 hrs to work 3 days a week (but they carpool).

Best of Luck :)

Specializes in Med Surg.

Thank you for your quick response. I fully intend to go back to school for my bachelors, but it has to wait until next year for numerous reasons. I do appreciate your advice. It makes me feel a little better about my situation...

Thanks!

Jennifer

Specializes in AGNP.

Unfortunately there is far from a nursing shortage in Western Michigan. It is very hard to get a job. $21-22 is pretty typical starting pay for a RN in the GR area. Spectrum Health's starting wage is $22.65

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