Philly new grads- where are you finding jobs?

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I'm starting Drexel's ACE program in the fall. I've looked around on a few hospital websites and the job postings are so sporifice I hear crickets chirping. I know a lot of hospitals are on a hiring freeze. I know I won't be job hunting for a while, but I'm curious about how and what new graduates are doing now.

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We aren't finding them at all as far as I can tell...:crying2:

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Specializes in I/DD.
We aren't finding them at all as far as I can tell...:crying2:

Yeah, basically... I finished ACE in Sept, was licensed by the end of Sept, and have a job but have not been able to get into a hospital. Start applying to hospitals during 4th quarter. Good luck with ACE- it's REALLY intense.

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Yeah, basically... I finished ACE in Sept, was licensed by the end of Sept, and have a job but have not been able to get into a hospital. Start applying to hospitals during 4th quarter. Good luck with ACE- it's REALLY intense.

So what kind of place are you working? Do you feel like you're gaining experience that will help you get a hospital job eventually?

I'm more worried about a job than about school at this point. *Breathes in to paper bag even though you're not supposed to do that anymore*

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

From what I've heard new grads are having a tough time in the Philly/South NJ area. Most hospitals are offering very few jobs and tend to hire experienced nurses or from within. I've heard other states are still having shortages though.

In this economy, look at all nursing jobs- not just in hospitals. You can't be picky about nursing jobs anymore, unfortunately. So look at nursing homes, offices, psych facilities, etc. Any experience is better than no experience.

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if you're starting ACE in the fall, apply NOW to be a CNA/tech/NA at any of the surrounding hospitals and get your foot in the door early. there are still postings for techs up, and usually they only require you to have finished adult 1 (second quarter in ACE) and no other licensure needed.

I just finished ACE in april....been applying to jobs within an hour radius of the city with nothing. hopefully things have picked up in a year when you get out.

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Specializes in Pediatric Psychiatric Residenbtial.

I agree with skiptoomylulu, I graduated in May and am now licensed; I can't even seem to get an interview and I'm applying everywhere. I wish I had realized how benificial it would have been to begin working as a nursing assistant prior to graduation. Also, some hospitals offer programs for graduates, but you need to apply about 6 months before you graduate, also something I hadn't realized before. Good luck!

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Graduated in May with honors, excellent references, passed the boards, ACLS, BLS . . . . . can't even get a call back in Philly or Jersey. Depressing.

Be a NURSE EXTERN . . . .they got jobs first. I know that's hard with an accelerated program (I did FACT at Jefferson) but even if your grades suffer a bit, it's worth it because you'll have a job.

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You nurse extern while you're in school?

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Specializes in ED, Hyperbarics, EMS.

The job market in Philadelphia sucks. One suburban hospital just laid off all the new grads they had hired. Most hospitals in the city and surrounding communities are on total hiring freezes. So to answer your question, where are Philly grads getting jobs? Texas.

One of the other lovely things that you should consider is that if you don't get a job within the next 6 months or so, you may become unemployable. Recruiters wonder what's "wrong" with you if you weren't able to find a position, and would rather choose a more recent graduate then try to determine if you'd be a good candidate or not. The one recruiter who told me this said she didn't know if the recent economic problems (and lack of jobs for new grads) may change that perception, but stated she doubted it because new nurses are continually graduating.

So the best advice is: If you can, move. If you can't, go back to school, get your masters or something. Especially if you want to work in a hospital or other acute-care setting. Failing either of those, I guess you should jump at any opportunity you can, and hope to transition to the hospital when/if the economy fixes itself.

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Wow Astn, I can't believe all taht.. What hospital laid off all their new grads???

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Specializes in BSc, ASN- RN, MBA.

I was offered a position doing flu shot clinics this fall. Training starts next month. It is temporary and if I am offered a ft job between now and then, I will take it. But, it is better than doing nothing IMO.

:nurse:

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