Another Philadelphia thread: RN hiring and degree requirements

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Here we go again, with another Philly thread. This time it is a bit different. i am currently living in a pretty rural area and want out, sometime soon. I am looking at different cities in the country both east and west coast and maybe anywhere in U.S.(posted about chicago jobs before). I have lived in a big city before and would prefer to do so again, although at this time I am not sure where.

I know the philly market has been VERY competitive for nurses for years. I have almost 2 years of experience in med surg. I would want to work in med-surg again in a big teaching hospital. Not interested in small suburban or community hospitals. Is two years of med surg expereince, without philly connections, even worth applying to jobs in that area? What are some of the better hospitals to work at in Philadelphia for nurses?

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Worth a try yes. Do you have a BSN. Many hospitals in Phila are looking for that. To start there are Hosp. Of the University Penn., CHOP, Jefferson, Einstein, Temple, St. Christopher's. Outside of Phila but great places to work... Any Main Line Health Hosp.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

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.

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Specializes in High Acuity / Emergency / Trauma.

Wow, thanks

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Since I moderate Washington DC area, members report plentiful jobs in that area --take a look there.

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Main Line Health does not require BSN for experienced nurses. I was hired there last month, with no BSN. Was told in the interview that it will possibly be a future requirement, so I should be certain to get started on it.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, High-Risk L&D, Antepartum, L.

Reading Hospital is a "city" hospital outside of Philadelphia by about an hour. They are frequently hiring and do not require a BSN. This is a busy hospital that in many departments does more than some Philly hospitals.

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Thanks everyone for your replies! I do have a BSN.

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This is a long shot but I was writing to inquire about RN jobs at Main line health. On the job postings it says, diploma, associate or bsn degrees. Bsn preferred. Does anyon have any info formation about what I should do to get a job here?

I have my associate RN and know a surgeon that works here and has been putting good words into HR for me. I've also called (left a message and emailed mentioning his name both times) Do I have any chance of being hired here? Background: healthcare experience as a CNA in large hospital, LPN for over 3 years, new RN currently working per diem in agency.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!!

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I was just posting to check if anyone has any updates on the Philadelphia job market. I'm graduating with my BSN in December from a second degree program and was wondering if the hiring freezes on hospitals had generally been lifted in the city (or even how hiring is within a forty minute radius). I have experience as a CNA, three years as a medication technician and decent grades, but I'm aware that these things might add up to a big fat zero if the market just isn't there. Any input on who's hiring, what hospitals you all like working for, or general advice for a newby would be appreciated.

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It's pretty bad even for BSN.. I had my LPN for 4 years prior to getting my RN and I thought that would help.. It didn't at ALL in this market.

I would suggest applying everywhere but at nursing homes for sure. You make great money - I make about 35 an hour as a "new grad" I'll start applying again once I'm closer to the one year experience mark. The rejection and no call backs from the hospital was getting to be too much for me. Good luck and don't lose hope!!

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I graduated in May and I know several classmates who have gotten positions in the Philly area. There are still far more without jobs though so persistence, networking, and a solid resume/cover are essential. I would start networking now especially if you have a hospital in mind. Making your resume compatible with the computerized applicant tracking systems will also be helpful in getting it noticed more readily. Just google "applicant tracking system resume" for some tips on that.

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