New Grad Salaries in Phoenix area

mrsboots87 · Nov 4, 2014

This may all be different when you graduate if things change by then, but currently it is very tough for new grads to get hospital jobs if they dont already work in a hospital before they get their license. Not impossible, but very hard. The majority of new grads work in LTC, home health, or corrections to get their first year to a couple years of experience in order to apply for the non new grad hospital jobs. Once you have a few years experience it is a little easier to get a job in most places. Could be better but not terrible. Your job market will depend heavily on the retirement of the older nurses or the economy getting a bit better so people can afford health care. I will be graduating next December and the job outlook for myself is not great. Do what you can now to maximize your employability. If you are able, try getting your CNA and start working. Some healthcare experience will help. Especially if you can get a hospital CNA job. GL

guest464345 · Nov 6, 2014

I just started a new grad job at SHC-Osborn. New grad jobs at Scottsdale Health currently pay $26.60 base, plus $3ish for time after 3PM, $2ish for weekends, and I'm not sure what for nights (I work days). Regular RN base salary after one year of experience is $28.80.

There have been a few new-grad postings recently; the market seems not quite as bad as it was a couple years ago. However I think it's pretty competitive. I already had eight months of hospital experience (in another state), plus ACLS/PALS and fluency in Spanish. The other new grads in my orientation group similarly had a few months of previous hospital experience and some certifications, or at a minimum had worked a year in LTC....none of us were really "new." So I'm guessing that the hospitals can still pick and choose from many candidates.

Jmlr · Nov 7, 2014

Thanks that info was really helpful :) I'm nervous because I have no healthcare experience. Do you start taking certification once you get your license or can you do it while in nursing school?

guest464345 · Nov 7, 2014

I personally don't think it would be useful to get advanced certs in nursing school, even if it's possible. I got mine at work, and even then my employer had us work a few months before the classes. You might pass the test on your own, but the point is to connect the concepts with experience. Other people may have different opinions though.

Jmlr · Nov 8, 2014

If you don't mind me asking what unit do you work in or have you worked in? What are the pros and cons of nursing for you? Science and medical really interests me but I have never had a patient care or any kind of healthcare job. I currently work in accounting and it bores the heck out of me. I'm 34 so I just want to be sure I'm making the right decision.

CJMR · Nov 21, 2014

Scottsdale Healthcare will hire new grads into med-surg or float pool (only floating to med-surg for the first year). There are a ton of applicants but do they hire throughout the year. There is quite a bit of turnover in med-surg and experienced nurses rarely apply for those positions. New grad supply and demand changes year to year so the picture could change by the time you graduate.

Also, the starting pay info posted above seems accurate. Shift differentials as of Fall 2014 are $1.70 for weekends, $4.25 for evenings (working 4+ hours past 3pm), and $6.75 for nights.

Comparing hospitals in the Phoenix area to Scottsdale Healthcare you will find Banner hospitals pay less and don't give raises, Phoenix Children's pays less but their nurses are really happy, Dignity pays more, and Mayo pays the most. If you work nights Scottsdale has the highest night shift diff and best night nurse/patient ratio.

CJMR · Nov 21, 2014

I've found the area hospitals to have really open HR departments. If you call with questions they will typically give you exact figures.

Jmlr · Nov 27, 2014

Thanks for the info. It was very helpful :)