New Grad positions in Philadelphia

[RowRN5]

I graduated from Drexel University's ABSN back in September, and took NCLEX just before thanksgiving (passed--woohoo!). During that lag time between graduating the first week of September and sitting for NCLEX i was applying to jobs like a mad-woman. All came back as rejections. I assumed that once I sat for my exam, THEN i would have better luck because they would see that I'm an RN now. The difficulty I am having is that (with inside knowledge from friends that already have jobs at some of the philly hospitals) Penn hardly hires from their online listings... most openings are known about through word of mouth, and referrals. Jefferson doesn't seem to have ANY new grad positions available (all require at least 1 year of experience) and it's been said that they hire their own grads first then Drexel grads. However, the only Drexel people that i've known to get jobs there did their clinicals there during the last few months of school and so had connections from that. I feel as though I'm pretty out of the loop with no experience, no inside connections that could be truly viable, and apparently no hope from online listings... Any suggestions on how to find new grad positions / get my foot in the door for at least an interview?

[sal97, BSN, RN]

Graduated in May 2019, passed my NCLEX in July. It took me well over 7 months to even get an interview, but I thankfully got the job on my dream unit at CHOP. I had zero experience and didn’t have anyone to refer me. I’m not sure if you’re interested in working with children, but they have a January cohort coming up for their nurse residency program, the application may still be up!

It’s hard not the be discouraged, but patience is key! You’ll land the job you always wanted!

[The_Salty_Cat]

On 12/4/2019 at 9:56 AM, RowRN5 said:

I graduated from Drexel University's ABSN back in September, and took NCLEX just before thanksgiving (passed--woohoo!). During that lag time between graduating the first week of September and sitting for NCLEX i was applying to jobs like a mad-woman. All came back as rejections. I assumed that once I sat for my exam, THEN i would have better luck because they would see that I'm an RN now. The difficulty I am having is that (with inside knowledge from friends that already have jobs at some of the philly hospitals) Penn hardly hires from their online listings... most openings are known about through word of mouth, and referrals. Jefferson doesn't seem to have ANY new grad positions available (all require at least 1 year of experience) and it's been said that they hire their own grads first then Drexel grads. However, the only Drexel people that i've known to get jobs there did their clinicals there during the last few months of school and so had connections from that. I feel as though I'm pretty out of the loop with no experience, no inside connections that could be truly viable, and apparently no hope from online listings... Any suggestions on how to find new grad positions / get my foot in the door for at least an interview?

The job market in Philadelphia is not great right now. Hahnemann closed earlier this year and a lot of the experienced nurses are still trying to get jobs. I would ask your clinical preceptors for recommendations or if they could refer you to an unit. Penn State has a big nurse residency program too, as well as UPMC. UPMC recruiters are responsive and it's a good place to work too. Good luck!