Mass Job Market...

[WCSU1987]

Hi, was wondering how the market is in Mass for nurses with ASNs? I am entering into an associate program mainly due to cost. I do have the option to take BSN classes during the program, but mainly want to focus on being an RN. I have 8 year's experience in healthcare and a bachelors degree.

Work for a hospital now in CT that will achieve Magnet status when I complete the program. It's 50/50 on if I can stay if I enroll in a BSN program after completion of my Associates degree. So I have been searching the job market in CT to see what jobs are out there and it's not that great.

Knew hospitals would only take BSNs, but many nursing homes taking only internal candiates or nurses with 1 to 2 year experiences.

I don't mind working nursing homes and love working nights. Was curious how is the market in Mass for nurses outside of the Hospital?

Appreciate the feedback.

[Spinmass, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

The western part of Massachusetts with the exception of BayState in Springfield seem to be more apt to except ASN. As you move east it gets harder but there are still plenty of jobs available. My understanding is that mass pays better than ct as well.

[SailorVee93, ASN, RN]

I live in the eastern part of Mass and I can say that you can get jobs in nursing homes over here. You just need to make sure it contains a rehab floor/unit since that's the experience you'll need above all else. My suggestion: don't call them or apply online. Instead go to them directly because they are always looking and will take you as long as you meet the criteria. Pounding the pavement and seeking employers out directly impresses them and sometimes they give you an interview and a job offer on the spot. In terms of hospitals, there are a select few that are open to hiring ADNs. One in particular hired my friend within a couple of days.

My sources: personal experience with helping friends get jobs. One of them got multiple offers and went with the best one for her needs and schedule since she's starting her BSN classes in the Fall.

I hope this helps!

[AlwaysLearning247, BSN]

I graduated with my associates last year and everyone in my class was able to find a job. Many hospitals do not consider new grads, even with a BSN. All of my classmates who worked for Steward as nursing assistants got hired right after they graduated. I worked at a nursing home and a long term acute care facility and got hired into the hospital I work at now on a med surge/tele floor. I am currently enrolled in a BSN program (4 classes left). I wouldn't say that its hard to get hired as a new grad in Massachusetts, as long as its not in a hospital. After some experience you get a bunch of interviews. I went from not getting anyone to consider me to getting hired on my floor and having an interview at another hospital for an ER position.