getting hired in a hospital with an associates degree?

[chrisRN180, ADN, RN]

Just curious to know what hospital job opportunities are available for nurses with only associates degrees. im from NYC and its not possible the get hired in a hospital with an associates degree and no experience. just wondering what major cities would it be possible to get hired in a hospital while doing an RN to bsn program, looking to relocate to another major city in the country so just curious to know what the best options would be if any? thanks

[guest769224]

What population size do you consider a "major city"? There are many areas in the nation that still take ADN nurses in hospitals. I'm in Las Vegas and ADN nurses are hired all the time.

[chrisRN180, ADN, RN]

i lived in nyc my whole life, so just looking for a place thats similar, like i can walk everywhere i need to go like stores, food, shopping, bars/restaurants. being able to take public transportation to work or anywhere i cant walk. im just never lived the kind of lifestyle where your neighbors are a mile away and you need to drive to get everywhere you need to go. theres nothing wrong with any of that, i just grew up in a city! i guess places like LA? or Chicago would be good examples

[Everline]

I'm in Florida. I have an ASN and have not had any problem getting hired, despite everyone telling me I would. I interviewed in different parts of the state. That being said, YMMV and a BSN will be useful to advance in your career, which I'm sure you already know. Some of the hospitals have a requirement that you have your BSN within a certain time period. One hospital, where I interviewed, asked that nurses have a BSN within 5 years of being hired. Another hospital encouraged employees to continue their education, but had no requirement or time limit. But again they will, most likely, look for a nurse with a BSN to promote to management or other administrative positions. Since you are already intending on having that degree, you'd be fine. Now, this doesn't mean I advise you to come to a "major city" in Florida, necessarily. The pay will most likely be shockingly low to you. They say the sunshine makes up for it. That would be for you to decide. Best wishes.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

You're handcuffing yourself with your qualifiers. Smaller cities tend to be more welcoming of ADN nurses. If you limit yourself like this- you'll have much less to choose from.

[Jules A, MSN]

I wonder if the no experience part is as much of a hinderance as the ADN? Maybe get whatever job you can to gain some valuable experience before you go moving across the country somewhere.

[Sour Lemon]

i lived in nyc my whole life, so just looking for a place thats similar, like i can walk everywhere i need to go like stores, food, shopping, bars/restaurants. being able to take public transportation to work or anywhere i cant walk. im just never lived the kind of lifestyle where your neighbors are a mile away and you need to drive to get everywhere you need to go. theres nothing wrong with any of that, i just grew up in a city! i guess places like LA? or Chicago would be good examples

The largest hospitals in LA require or strongly prefer a BSN. Many of the smaller hospitals are easy to get into, though ...after a year or two of experience. I definitely wouldn't come here as a new graduate, probably not even a new graduate with a BSN.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Location, location, location. A number of counties in Pennsylvania hire new grads (associate and diploma) in the hospital setting.

[Cat365]

Fort Wayne will hire ASN, but many hospitals require a BSN within 5 years. You do need a car there though. Public transportation is a bit lackluster.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

The largest hospitals in LA require or strongly prefer a BSN. Many of the smaller hospitals are easy to get into, though ...after a year or two of experience. I definitely wouldn't come here as a new graduate, probably not even a new graduate with a BSN.

Is LA really all that pedestrian friendly, or do you really need a car? I wondered about that when the OP tossed LA out as a possibility.

[Sour Lemon]

Is LA really all that pedestrian friendly, or do you really need a car? I wondered about that when the OP tossed LA out as a possibility.

There are neighborhoods that you can live and work in without car. You wouldn't be easily able to access the entire city, though ...not without a combination of public transportation, a few driving friends, and maybe the occasional uber.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

Well since you don't want that small town atmosphere don't move to where I live because you can't walk anywhere & there is no public transportation. However you can easily get a job in a hospital with your associate's.