Philadelphia area ADN

[apatheticJAP]

Hi everyone. Longtime lurker, first time poster.

I've applied to many (think 50+) jobs as a new graduate/newly licensed RN in the Philadelphia metro area. Graduated from an ADN program in May, tested and passed NCLEX in 75 earlier this month. I've applied to almost every hospital in a 2 hour radius and I've even had an interview for a residency program, but I don't think it went so well because I was nervous. I also believe I was too honest about my 5 year plan (it doesn't involve working in the unit I was interviewing for). I won't hear back from them for probably a week or so, but like I said, I don't think it went very well.

Anyway, I became a nurse because I wanted to work with children. I realize tons of nurses want to be a peds or NICU nurse, and almost zero new grads end up there, but I've been applying to every opening I see anyway, since it's my goal. As someone who graduated an ADN I'm likely going to have to initially work in a med/surg unit, or even SNF/LTC/TCU to start, but I'm trying to be optimistic, despite anticipating responses saying as much :).

Anyhow, despite the fact that I'm an ADN, and a new grad, and haven't worked in a hospital other than as a clinical student, I want to reach out to recruiters/HR at the places I've applied for specialty positions (specifically Hahnemann and St. Christopher's), but I am not sure what to say. I'm nervous enough in person and I think I sound stupid on the phone, so I get more nervous, and the cycle perpetuates itself. "Hi, hire me please?" really doesn't sound very professional. My crippling anxiety doesn't help, since I just assume I'll be annoying them on top of sounding stupid. I really, really want to end up in one of these places, but I don't want to annoy the recruiters into hating my guts.

I guess what I'm looking for in responses is people who have applied to one of these positions as an ADN and been hired - what worked for you? Did you call HR or let your application linger in computer hell until they called you? Did you apply for more than one position at the same hospital (like I did)? Do we have any ADN students who were attending/planning to attend an RN-BSN program who have gotten an offer?

[apatheticJAP]

Wanted to add - I have two children, one who is in school. My husband can't leave his job, so we are pretty much stuck here. Moving isn't possible for the foreseeable future, though I would love to move to an area that is less saturated.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Most hospitals in Philadelphia require BSN or be actively pursuing.

From St Chris job description "BSN preferred/ADN must receive BSN within 2 yrs of start date."

so starting on the next degree ladder is in your best interest. Enrolling in just 1 course will show future employers desire to enhance skills.

Look for positions outside hospital but within a health system to get your foot in the door. I've hired for intake department home health positions that allowed RN's to transition into hospital position after that golden year of experience. Philly is a tight job market.

Reading and Allentown area has more positions for new grads in past year.

Best wishes in your journey.

[apatheticJAP]

Thank you for your response! I'm currently enrolled in the Drexel RN to BSN program, so I have that aspect covered. I have an interview for a pediatric primary care RN position next week, but I'm a little worried that it I won't be able to find a hospital job if I "pigeonhole" myself in a doctors office. Is my fear rational? They aren't affiliated with a hospital network, so I won't have an "in" at a hospital should I choose to switch gears.

I've applied for positions at LVHN, Reading Hospital, St. Luke's, and Sacred Heart in Allentown (and Hahnemann and St. Christopher's). It sounds like I'm doing everything right, and I'll keep plugging away at applications.

Thanks again for responding!