Difficulty finding a job as a new graduate RN in Philadelphia area

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 27, 2014

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thread moved for best response

Nola009 · May 27, 2014

Yes, I have. Try LTC.

They are willing to take new grads more often!

Concerto_in_C, BSN, RN · May 27, 2014

This is the norm now. Employers don't want to train new nurses anymore, because training a newbie entitles considerable risk to the organization (terminations, resignations, etc.).

There is a scarcity of job openings, but also a scarcity of good companies, because even though in absolute terms there are a million nursing openings out there, the good companies, organizations that treat their staff well, are relatively few. So even if you get a phone call tomorrow and somebody offers you a position, be careful, and do some homework about that company, because chances are they are hiring because they have problems (low pay, bad working conditions, etc.) and their cadre is running away.

You are facing an uphill battle, but I think you are in a better position than people who graduated in the years 2009-2013 when the market was truly abysmal. We are seeing some signs of improvement, with nursing job growth projections that look good, at least on paper.

guest07/14/15 · May 27, 2014

Just be patient and look into places that you would probably not look into before. Remember that as a new grad, you can apply to the residency programs in the hospitals. When applying to those programs, keep up with the recruiter to make sure that they know you are still interested in the position. Go back to your school to get recommendations from professors. Also look into nursing homes, prisons and home health agencies. While, these may not have been your first choices, you may be able to get hired easier. As a new grad, you need experience at least one year for the hospitals to look into hiring you as a staff nurse. I hope this helps. Good luck and keep up the positive energy.

NLNM, BSN · Aug 6, 2014

Hello,

Where was this thread moved to so that I could read the comments? I too am a new RN and need help.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Aug 6, 2014

Hello,
Where was this thread moved to so that I could read the comments? I too am a new RN and need help.

The comments are all above your post

StayingHopefulRN · Aug 8, 2014

I am. It's awful! I've applied to 30+ jobs and not even an interview. Ugh this is frustrating.

NLNM, BSN · Sep 5, 2014

StayingHopefulRN, you and me both! I've applied to over 450 on-line applications since May of this year and I still don't have a job. I mostly applied to positions that I believe I qualified for and not the positions that requires years of experience. I tried to do things a bit different by trying to meet recruiters in person in business attire (a tip that was mentioned to me a few months ago) just so they could get a feel for how I am in person instead of just judging me on whats on paper and I was directed back to the on-line process. I've applied to big hospitals, small neighborhood hospitals, nursing homes, and LTC facilities and was told the same thing....either looking for experienced RNs or they weren't hiring at the time. I even tried applying to RN positions in NJ (I currently live in Philly but I also have a NJ RN license) and still no luck. I was contacted for Temple's New RN Graduate program after I applied on-line. I had to meet their requirements to be a part of their program (GPA of 3.2 or higher, provide references, BSN degree) and pass their med-surg and pharmacology on-line assessments within 4 day from the time I was contacted. I met all the the requirements and passed both assessments and still didn't get in. I went on a few interviews but still ended up with mo job. I really thought I was going to be hired at the last place I had an interview at but I ended up not getting it. When I received the email letting me know that I didn't get the position from one of the interviewers, she mentioned that although I didn't get the job, they all thought I presented myself very well to the point where she wanted to refer my name to someone else. Talk about a mind trip! I even googled my name to see if anything negative comes up but nothing damaging came up. I am mentally and physically tired but I refuse to believe that I am unable to find an RN job.

norynne328 · Oct 29, 2014

Any new grads having luck in Philly?

NLNM, BSN · Oct 31, 2014

Norynne328, I'm not sure about everyone else but I still don't have a job. I've been looking since March 2014...two months prior to graduating. I've applied to every possible facility (hospitals both large and small, rehabs, nursing homes, physician offices...when I was able to find postings). Many places as looking for experienced RNs even if you have a BSN. Very few hospitals posts new grad positions or new grad programs. The few interviews I've had so far never resulted into anything even after passing the RN assessment(s) they require you to take so just imagine being called in for an interview after completing over 500 applications, being interviewed by a panel or being interview by two different people in the same day and receiving a passing score on your assessment (yes....after years in nursing school and taking the NCLEX, you still have to prove that you are worthy just to be considered for an RN position) just to be told in the end that you still didn't get the job. It's very frustrating. I'm still hanging in there.

norynne328 · Nov 4, 2014

Thanks for sharing your experience NLNM - I just graduated September and passed NCLEX early October. Like you said, everything I've come across the past several months requires experience. I'm just getting nervous with the lack of income and certainty