new grad looking for work!

Nurses General Nursing

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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.

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 :)

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!

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.

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

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!!!!!

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

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!

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.

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.

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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