New Nurse Moving to Atlanta

[nurse_ash2020]

Hi! A little background: I'm graduating from an ASN program in late July and am relocating from FL with my boyfriend (also a soon-to-be new nurse). We've been looking at Piedmont and Northside hospitals since those are the closest hospitals to where we will be living, but our hearts aren't super set on those either. Does anyone have any advice on applying to the RN Residency programs with just your ASN degree? I'm worried that since I don't have my BSN (yet!) I won't have a competitive application.

Also, does anyone have any insight on what its like to work at Piedmont, Northside, Grady, WellStar? I'm hoping to find a job in the OR or a cardiac floor and my boyfriend is looking for one in the ER! TIA!

[catfriend45, BSN, RN]

Some hospitals here are more picky about hiring BSNs vs ASNs. Among the pickier ones are Children's and Emory because they are going for the Magnet status. From my understanding, all graduates of nursing programs whether it be ASN or BSN can apply for residency programs here. But you'll see in job applications that BSN is preferred. All the hospitals you listed above are reputable here. Piedmont is the cardiac centered one. In fact, they just finished construction on an entire building dedicated to cardiac patients. I may be mistaken but I think they opened it earlier than expected to care for patients with COVID. Northside is the "baby factory". Huge postpartum center, L&D, and large NICU. Piedmont and Northside are also great hospitals all around for other departments. I hear good things from current employees there. Wellstar Kennestone recently opened one of the largest EDs in the country. Grady is the trauma center. I'm sure you will see everything in their ED as well. Even if BSN is preferred, submit your application, have good references, WOW! the interviewers with your soft skills. And practice interview questions! When I started going to interviews for residency programs, I was amazed how much of the hiring decision really depends on whether or not you are approachable/likable as a person. Also CONGRATS to you and your boyfriend!!

[gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN]

I worked as a RN at Piedmont in Fayette county. I enjoyed my time there however, it started getting crazy busy as so many of the baby boomers are retiring to Peachtree City.

However, over all good experience (at that time).