Philadelphia area job market?

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

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Hi -- I'm new to this board. I've read a lot of contradictory things about the nursing job market in Philly. For example, I gather that it's terrible and new grads can't find jobs (see recent article in Philadelphia Weekly: http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/cover-story/Recession-Diaries.html?page=2&comments=1&showAll=), that it's hard to find jobs and really depends on who you know, and that hospital jobs may be hard for new grads, but that you can always find a position with a nursing home.

I also hear contradictory things about the necessity of having a BSN. I hear that most positions at magnet hospitals now require a BSN, but I've also heard that most hospitals care more about the bachelor's degree than about whether it is a bachelor's in nursing.

I'm taking steps to switch from a fundraising career to nursing. I've been taking prerequisites and hope to start the 2-year associates program at CCP in Fall 2010. I already have a BA and an MA, both in History. I'm hoping to do the nursing program at CCP, get my RN license, and start working as a nurse. Is that just hopelessly naive?

Rather than post this on the PA Nursing Programs board, I'm approaching you PA nurses who are already out there, working or looking for work. For new nurses with previous bachelor's degrees, how important is it to start out with the BSN? What's the scoop on the job prospects in the Philly area, now and two years out?

My next big step (the irreversible one) will be to leave my current job this summer. In this climate, that's scary. But I can't juggle this job and nursing clinicals at the same time.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm all ears...

Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

People are starting to hire, but it is still tough to get a hospital job. That article is correct...when the shortage begins, hospitals are going to be pumping money out to do refresher courses for the thousands that were not able to land acute-care experience.

The best advice is to network. I got to know a few nursing recruiters from area hospitals, and I kept refreshing the résumé. I landed a job based on this person's tips, interviewed well, and got the job.

Go out to nursing career fairs; talk to recruiters, most are willing to give great career advice. I'm glad I took the advice!

Specializes in Emergency/Trauma.

My casual search has shown that in general hospitals are posting more RN positions. Unfortunately most of these are still wanting experience. About 40%-50% are looking for someone with a BSN. However, when you compare this to the raw number of nursing jobs of any stripe that were being posted 2-3 years ago, the rising numbers are encouraging. As the number of empty positions grows, job-seeking nurses may be able to compensate for lack of BSN or acute care experience by playing up other talents, skills and experiences. Selling yourself effectively (but truthfully!) remains your best tactic for landing a job in a difficult market. But from my completely not-scientific research the market here seems to be loosening up just a little bit.

Good luck out there!

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