do you need a BSN to work at Penn. Hosp? Salary Ques

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

I was wondering if I could have a little help..

I am currently going into my last year of nursing school working towards my ADN. I already have a bachelors in economics. I have completed a nurse extern program in labor and delivery in an inner city hospital and am currently working in a busy suburban L+D unit while in school. I heard that U of Penn hospital only hires RNs if they have their BSN, and since I knew Penn Hopsital was part of UPenn I was wondering if the policy was the same at Penn Hosp? And if so, will they take into account that I do already have a bachelors in another subject area? Also if I'm enrolled into a BSN program will they hire me?

I absolutely love L+D and am happy at the two hospitals I have worked at thus far but I want to keep all my options available! Does anyone know of any other hospitals w/good L+D units that pay well?

As far as salary goes, I find it to be a toss up- I'm going to have to decide if the commute and paying for parking is worth the higher salary from working in an inner city hospital. Does anyone know the starting salary for hospitals in the Phila are (i.e. Abington, Frankford, Temple, Penn Hosp.) Thanks so much for your help!!

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Specializes in ED, trauma, flight.

I work for HUP and they do require a BSN. I am not sure about Pennsylvania Hospital. Considering they are both part of the Univ. of PA Health System, it may be a problem. Jefferson, Temple, Hahnemann, and Einstein do not require a BSN. Starting salaries in the city are hovering around $30+ per hour. Don't forget though, there is a 4% city wage tax if you live outside of the Philly limits, and the parking is exorbitant! Abington pays considerably less because it is in Montgomery County; no wage tax and free parking. However, Abington has one of, if not the busiest L&D unit in the SE PA area. They also have a great NICU. It's a nice hospital with tertiary services.

Not sure where you live or if public trans is available to you, but there is a lot to weigh out besides hourly rate. HUP is a world class research facility with deep pockets and has almost every service known to man, plus they are next to CHOP. If you love peds and get into CHOP, you can go anywhere. Also consider what you like about L&D. Do you like high risk? If not, Doylestown Hospital and Grand View Hospital are well financed suburban institutions. They do, however ship out most high risk pregnancies. I know Grand View will even ship out placenta previa's; not sure about Doylestown. St. Mary's in Langhorne is also nice, but they have lost a few services in the past few years.

It's a lot to consider, and your first decision may not be the right one, but I'm sure you'll find your way. Best of luck!

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I work at Pennsylvania Hospital. A BSN is not required right now. From what I hear (I am not in that field), it is the busiest L&D hospital in the city so it would be good experience.

The money stuff you have to weigh out. I live in NJ but commute to Philly for the quality.

I think starting is around 26. I'd have to ask a coworker to be sure. i've worked there for 10 years.

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

Nursegrrl- Thanks for responding! Are you happy there? Do they treat their nurses well? Do you think Penn Hospital is no longer hiring new nurses who have their ASN and nurses w/their ASN who currently work there are just strongly encouraged to get their BSN? My cousin used to work at Presby and she swears to me that all of the hospitals under HUP health system require nurses to have their BSN. I may have to call nurse recruitment to get to the bottom of this. Thanks!:nuke:

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Glamgal-

I graduated from CCP in May, and applied to Pennsylvania Hospital in June. They do accept ASN grads! I did have a couple of contacts there, which may have helped a little bit- I was able to reach the nurse recruiter there directly.

I did get hired, and am pretty pleased- I only started three weeks ago. One of the terrific benefits is that they will prepay tuition if you want to continue your education (which they do encourage).

I also have another degree, but that's not really a factor that is considered when hiring. (From what I understand) On my resume, I put my other degree under "Other experience/education".

Ask Elaine T. at CCP for the person to contact at PA. Hosp. in charge of the new nurse transition program. She can give you an intro to her- it might be helpful when it comes time to apply!

Good luck!

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Nursegrrl- Thanks for responding! Are you happy there? Do they treat their nurses well? Do you think Penn Hospital is no longer hiring new nurses who have their ASN and nurses w/their ASN who currently work there are just strongly encouraged to get their BSN? My cousin used to work at Presby and she swears to me that all of the hospitals under HUP health system require nurses to have their BSN. I may have to call nurse recruitment to get to the bottom of this. Thanks!:nuke:

HUP does require a BSN but you definitely don't need your BSN to work at pennsy. For now...

I think they treat their nurses very well. We are currently going for Magnet status so we are getting better staffing as well!

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i am an l/d nurse at pennsey... no BSN required... ask for christine swain, nurse recruiter, l. kinkler is nurse manager. be prepared for 100+births per week.. and a wild ride.. pay depends on what level you are, starting around 28./29 +shift. good luck, and trust your gut if you go for an interview...

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Actually- Christine Swain is no longer the nurse recruiter at PAH- she left and they've recently hired a new one! (FYI)

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Oops.. My Mistake... Too Bad.. She Was Nice.. Guess All The Good Ones Are Leaving....

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Can you still work at Pennsylvania Hospital with an ADN?

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I did a quick check on their jobs website and all but 1 said "BSN required." The one that didn't, said "BSN preferred" and it was in an outpatient setting.

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I know a few ppl who work there and I am told you do need a BSN to work there. It may be different for current employees of HUP, but outsiders need a BSN.

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