new grad looking for work!

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Specializes in Nursing Student - LAST YEAR!.

Hey there!

I'm going to be graduating from an RN program in May and I haven't decided where to move. I am looking at Tampa, FL, Ft. Myers, FL and Chicago, IL. Can anyone tell me how much new grads make in these areas??

I do have hospital experience as a PCA/CNA (2yrs) and I don't know if it matters but I'm a member of a honor society.

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I've heard that job prospects are awful in Florida... I don't live there, but it has come up many times when people complain about how tight the job market is right now.

Good luck :)

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Chicago is pretty competitive, too, especially for new grads. I'm not sure how good the starting pay is here since I can't find a job (I graduated in May, 2010). From what I've heard, it can vary from $21/hr to $27/hr. I would not move here without an offer in hand. Your PCA/CNA experience should help. Good luck!

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in a reply to a posting entitled "please advise", mentalhealthrn wrote "where are you looking? what area of the country? curious as there are hospital positions where i live for lpns and rns and ltc positions as well--lots of them."

you may do well to pm her and ask which part of the country she is refering to.

i can tell you that you can safely rule out the following: az, ca, ct, ny, nj, pa. all of these states have an "oversupply" of qualified nurses making for very poor job prospects for new grads and less experienced rns.

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Don't look in the Cleveland/Akron area of Ohio.

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Specializes in medical surgical.

It is not that we cannot use you, we definately could! However, staffing has been cut to the bone. Tech positions which pay 8.00/hour have even been cut. Sometimes we have 1 tech for 4 nurses with 40 patients. It is very out of control and a disaster waiting to happen. Thus my screen name. I will not be in this position long and you will be welcome to have my job!!!!!

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However, everywhere I look thousands upon thousands of Per Diem nursing job opportunities (which requires experience). It's so depressing.

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im an RN from MA

im on my 2nd month of job hunting now, most hospitals require a minimum of 1yr exp.

but who gives up right? not me, the show must go on, will never quit looking for a job!

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Specializes in Oncology.

Hey I live in Iowa about 3 hours from chi town I know he starting pay is bout 20 an hour for new grads but defiantly get a job lined up and your licensed in the state IL is a hard place to transferred your incense.

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im thinking of getting a CNA job first even if i am already an RN, in order for me to have a work experience, then after earning say 1yr of exp, i can apply as an RN.

any thoughts? would appreciate your say on this.

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Honestly I would recommend putting in several applications at alot of different places. Its very hard to land a job as a new nurse right now( at least it was for me). I know many nurses say that it is important to get with a company that wants you as well as one that fits well with you.....but coming from a new grad its better to land a job somewhere than no where at all! You have to crawl sometimes before you walk!! Florida & Chicago are def. hard competition!!! Dont narrow your search to small...as a new nurse you have to be willing to be flexible!!

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