willmakeit

Hi Krystal, it's difficult to say if the job market is easier/harder for new grads. It all depends on the location. Some places are willing to hire new grads and mold them. I think what these companies do for new grads are awesome. Everyone has to start somewhere. On the other hand, there are those that will not even look at your resume if you are a new grad. I did my nursing at a local community college. I am now enrolled in a online BSN program.

Congrats bsn2b09RN, so glad to know you are also starting on June 1st.

Hi marycarney & meanmaryjean, I must thank you guys as well as all the other members who have been sharing a lot of information and giving valuable inputs regarding WGU. I'm now enrolled in WGU and will be starting my RN-BSN in June '14. If everything goes well with my BSN, I'm planning to continue with the MSN leadership track. maryjean, which track did you complete? Could you share your experience?

Thank you publishing this article. It was very helpful for my readiness assessment preparation. I just wanted to share that, while waiting to take the assessment; I proceeded with the rest of the requirement for the enrollment. I submitted my transcript and all other documents. I completed my assessment last Sunday and on Monday I received an email that I have been accepted at WGU :) I will be starting my RN-BSN on June 1st. I am very excited and nervous at the same time.

Thank you all for taking the time to reply. My heart aches when I see the salaries offered in other places for my similar position. The problem at my current place is that we are paid for 7 hrs even though we work for 8hrs and hardly get to take our break. Also during winter months I'm only scheduled 2 to 3 days per week. The new offer is a guaranteed 5 days work p.w. I've asked for FT and day shift positions at my current place but hv been turned down. They would rather hire a FT LPN instead of FT RN. Another things is that my local hospitals and other big name HHC agencies arent interested in hiring me due to my background in LTC/sub acute. They are more interested in hiring someone with hospital background. I dont want to be stuck in LTC/subacute. I'm interested in Case Management certification and believe this new job at HHC agency will lead me towards this. I hope to make the right decision. Time is running out.

Its been 2 years since my original post. Just wanted to update that I was offered a part time position at a LTC/sub-acute rehab close to my home sometime Aug'11. I kept calling and calling the same place after I filled out an application at their premises. The nurse manager had actually called another candidate to offer this position but since that person didnt return her call and I happened to call the manager at the right time and right moment, she offered me the position. I jumped at it right away even though it was part time and a night shift position. I've been there ever since and hv learned a lot. It was a blessing because it is much quieter at night compared to day/evening shifts and I was able to develop and learn many skills. Now I've been offered a RN Field position with a HHC agency.

Hello everyone, i'm writting to get some opinion about a new job offer that I received. I've been working at LTC/sub-acute unit for the last 2 years. It is my first job. I was offered a field nurse position at a home healthcare agency paying 50k with 1 week vacation, 6 days sick leave and 3 days personal leave. Possibe salary increase to 53k after 6 months review. This is f/t mon-fri 9am to 5pm. I will be opening cases, making annual & quarterly assesments, supervising nurses aides and lpns and all the paperwork at this new job. Is it a good offer by the homecare agency? Currently im working 4 to 5 days per week at $32 p.hour including night differential. Fewer days in winter when ppl arent on vacation. I get more paid sick leave, annual leave and paid holidays at my current place compared to the new offer. Inputs from all are much appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you all for the comments. I'll certainly start looking more into PT & PD positions. My only question about going PT/PD is would the hospital/facility pair you up with a preceptor like they do for FT positions. I am a little nervous about getting thrown onto the floor without a preceptor since it will be my first job on the floor. What other downsides are there when you take up part time positions...besides losing health insurance and other benefitss?

Congrats!! You are very lucky!! Some are not as lucky including myself... but i'm not giving up hope. Best of luck to you.

Hi everyone, I'm a newly licensed RN and eager to start my career. Unfortunately no one wants to hire a new grad with Associates Degree and no prior experience...especially in NY. I'm applying everywhere within 50-60 miles from my zip but nothing is fruitful. It's difficult to get experience if no one wants to give you a chance. Everyone started somewhere and I too need a chance to start somewhere. Would it be advisable for me to apply for a part time or per diem position if full time jobs are not offered to new grads? All I want is to start working as an RN in any specialty.

Thanks for such an excellent advice.

This is awesome. Thanks a lot for sharing. It's really tough out there for new grads like me with no prior experience and having only an Associates degree. I live close to NYC and no one is hiring here. Please please please let me know if there are any opportunities out there. I'm searching far and wide and no luck so far. I'll even relocate if needed.