Atlanta Hospitals Jobs & Level of Degrees

[mwpayne]

Hi,

I was told (or warned, rather) by an Emory FNP the other day to NOT consider going the ASN-BSN bridge route because I wouldn't be able to get a job as a nurse in a lot of Atlanta hospitals. It worried me a lot. Is this the case nowadays? I'm hoping she just didn't know what she was talking about! Haha.

I'm currently in the process of applying for KSU's Traditional and Accelerated programs, GSU Perimeter's ASN program, and GSU's Traditional and Accelerated programs (I have a B.A. in Public Relations from the Univ of Alabama). I would obviously take a spot in a BSN program if accepted, but seeing as how they're so competitive, I feel like I have a better shot of getting into an ASN program. However, I wouldn't want to go that route only to be jobless at the end of it.

[tnel89]

Hi,

I can tell you, that's not the case at all! Go for it and get your BSN. I worked at Emory for three years and I can tell you from experience that they hire mostly BSN nurses due to their Magnet status (a certain percentage of their nurses must hold a BSN). Also, at places like Emory (and many other major healthcare systems), they will help pay for your BSN if you are already employed and working with an associate's degree.

As far as the job market in Atlanta, there are NUMEROUS hospitals in and around the Atlanta area. As a new graduate (with a BSN), I had three job offers within 1 month of passing NCLEX. Also, I was stubborn because I only wanted to work in an ICU setting. If you open yourself up to working anywhere or on any floor, you will have numerous opportunities in and around Atlanta.

Good luck with everything! Don't let the opinion of one person get you down. As I said, there are a ton of hospitals and job opportunities for nurses in that area.

[mwpayne]

I don't know if I was clear haha she was saying that you can't get a job as an ASN nurse, which is what I would be (for just a year) if I pursued the ASN-BSN track.

[tnel89]

Oh ok, I'm sorry I misunderstood what you were saying...

To a certain degree, this is true. In my opinion, it may be more challenging to find a hospital job as an ASN nurse, only because a lot of major hospitals are now striving for the Magnet status. With that said, there is still a nursing shortage in the Atlanta area, are there are a whole lot of hospitals, medical offices, urgent care facilities, etc. that would still consider hiring you with an associate's degree (especially if you told them, or could prove to them that you were going to be getting a bachelor's in the near future). It may narrow your window of opportunities, but it certainly won't close it.

If you get into the BSN program, that's awesome. If not, complete your ASN and start applying for jobs. Take whatever you can get to gain experience while you complete your BSN. From there, the opportunities are endless and you'll pretty much be able to work wherever you want.

[daytoday]

This is definitely not true. As a new grad ASN RN I got a job at Piedmont Atlanta, and was being recruited by Northside within three months. Emory would be more difficult due to Magnet status, as is Kennestone. (Magnet goals I think? Not sure if they got it yet.) Grady, Piedmont, Northside, Wellstar Cobb, Tanner, Wellstar Paulding, and CHOA are all hospitals our graduating class went to work in, some in NICU, ER, ICU, Oncology, L/D. There are more, I just can't remember. We had absolutely no problem. Also I'm still an ASN RN working at a large Magnet University Research hospital, in a specialty that requires BSN, with multiple job offers under my belt and recruiters calling two years after my graduation. I'm completing my BSN, did ASN first because I could get in and get done faster- but do whatever works for you. An RN is an RN, and if you're a good nurse who interviews well, you can work - trust me.

[mwpayne]

That's so encouraging. Thank you! You graduated May of 2015? Do you mind my asking what program you completed your ASN through?