Do you work in MA? Some questions from a soon to be new grad.

leslie :-D · Nov 8, 2008

hi michelle,

all i can tell you, is boston is a tough place to obtain a job in a hospital.

highly competitive with many, many new grads (in-state) applying.

maybe you should post this question in the massachusetts forum?

best of everything to you,

leslie

SparkytheRN · Nov 8, 2008

If you're planning to permanently relocate to MA, you should take your NCLEX for the state of MA. Not to say that you can transfer your license but it may be easier in terms of job hunting. And no you can't practice nursing as a graduate RN, you must be license.

I'm a new grad myself, I was licensed about a month ago. I'm having alot of difficulty getting a job. Right now, acute care hospitals all over MA are not hiring new grads. But you should definitely spend a good deal of time now looking up areas that you may want to work in MA, get info. about MA hospitals and check their career websites for postings for new grads. Contact the nursing recruiters by email or phone and send them your resume so they can get aquainted with you and your qualifications. HAPPY JOB HUNTING. Best of luck!!

cheesecake89 · Nov 8, 2008

Oh yeah. I have totally intended on getting my license for MA, not ME.

Thanks for your advice. I also posted on the MA forum, and I didn't realize that it was hard to get an RN job down there right now.

NurseKatie08, MSN · Nov 8, 2008

Hi Michelle,

I'm a MA New Grad RN, so I've recently walked in your shoes. If you have your heart set on a big acute care hospital in Boston, positions are very tight and in some facilities, non-existent. I was planning to stay at Tufts Medical Center, where I had been working as a tech, and they couldn't take ANY of their techs turned RNs this year. A family friend is involved in hiring over there--she could only take a handful of experienced ICU nurses to fill some ICU positions--nothing for new grads. (Additionally, I applied to every hospital in and around Boston with NO luck, even community hospitals.)

My advice, is to apply as early as possible, network, and think outside the box---look into smaller places. I went back to the SNF where I had worked as an aide, and am now working on their rehab unit & love it so far--I'm two months in (three weeks off of orientation) and I know that I would be miserable (and broke!) if I was still waiting around for the acute care hospitals to have a position. Sometimes, smaller facilities have more support for new grads--at least that has been my experience so far upon returning to this facility. Everyone is so nice, and is constantly asking me if I'm ok or need help with anything--and that didn't stop when orientation ended--my supervisors, ADON & DON are constantly checking in to see if there is anything they can do for me.

Ok, happy rant ends here--anyhow, I guess my advice is don't overlook the small facilities--there are some gems out there.

Good luck in your search!

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Nov 8, 2008

I think many of your questions have been answered and good advice give, I would also add if you don't have a BSN I would start working on one especially if you want to work in a hospital.

And no relocation money. Do they give that in Maine?

NewWayofLife · Nov 8, 2008

** can i get hired before i take my nclex? and just not work until i do pass? i just want to know when i can start applying for jobs.
** how are hospitals about hiring nurses from out-of-state? would they provide any "moving" money? -- would be great since i have hardly any money to move with.

i'm from more central ma, myself. it's true, the boston hospitals are very competitive right now. i don't know if you'd be willing to look outside the immediate area, but there are many hospitals in the central ma area that are hiring.

as far as being hired before you pass nclex, that varies by hospital. some will hire you on a conditional basis, and allow you to work as an aide before passing boards. you cannot (obviously) hold the title of rn or work within an rn's scope of practice, but it's a foot in the door. you certainly can begin to apply now as long as you make it clear that you have not yet passed boards.

as for your second question, the likelihood of being reimbursed for moving expenses is, unfortunately, poor. though as of about a year ago, i did know of some places still offering a sign-on bonus (not immediately in boston) i'd be leary of such an offer. remember there's usually a reason a hospital needs to offer such things to keep nurses on board!

good luck on your boards and welcome to ma!

cheesecake89 · Nov 8, 2008

I think many of your questions have been answered and good advice give, I would also add if you don't have a BSN I would start working on one especially if you want to work in a hospital.
And no relocation money. Do they give that in Maine?

I will have my BSN in December. Very soon! I'm just finishing up school and will be taking my NCLEX shortly after graduation in December.

I have no idea if they offer relocation money for nurses that move to Maine. It was only something I was curious about because as a student I don't have a whole lot of money and the move and getting an apartment is gonna be expensive. I know that expenses for traveling nurses obviously get paid for. And at least at the hospital I am at right now (for my partnership) hires traveling nurses.

But I'm not a traveling nurse. They are obviously special exceptions and they would have to expect that their expenses for moving would be paid for.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I definitely need it.

HappyPediRN · Nov 9, 2008

Hi. The job market is very VERY tough right now. I graduated in May and still do not have a full-time nursing job, just per diem and I worked at three hospitals and graduated among the top of my class. You can start applying before you take your NCLEX, and you will need to because it's going to take awhile to find a job if you want to work in a Boston hospital. Most hospitals are NOT going to provide you with relocation assistance around here because they don't need to. We don't have much of a nursing shortage, and the one that exists is one that is created due to budget. Several Boston and area hospitals are on a hiring freeze right now. I think you're going to be very disappointed. I hounded nurse managers, recruitment offices knew me by name, I even had one hospital that tried to create a position for me but were not able to due to budget. If you can move ANYWHERE else right now, I'd strong suggest doing so. Otherwise, you're really going to have to know someone to get into a hospital because politics are huge in the Boston hospitals. I know it's not the news you wanted. It's not the news any of us wanted. Good luck.

cheesecake89 · Nov 9, 2008

ahhh! This is so discouraging. But thanks everyone for letting me know how the job market is down there. What areas in Massachusetts DO need nurses?

NewWayofLife · Nov 11, 2008

ahhh! This is so discouraging. But thanks everyone for letting me know how the job market is down there. What areas in Massachusetts DO need nurses?

Worcester has several hospitals, usually some positions open.

Milford Regional is currently hiring

I don't know whether or not Lahey clinic is hiring, but I've heard great things from people who've worked there.