mah09

Yes, there can be 2 nurses at a clinic, or you may end up by yourself. I'm a little nervous about that, but the online training explains everything really well, and I'm going to print it out and take it with me. They are supposed to start posting schedules 8/26.

I'm doing the flu shots for Mollen Immunizations (http://www.flushotusa.com). They are nationwide and do the flu shot clinics at Walmart, other retail locations, and some corporate locations. You can apply on their web site. They will accept a temporary practice permit, but I don't know if GA allows that. Here, PA allows it but NJ doesn't.

I don't think a review course is necessary unless you are struggling. If you scored well on HESI, you don't need it. I passed 75 questions, used NCLEX 4000 to study. Most importantly, remember your basics/foundation questions - infection control, standard precautions, safety, prioritization. I did a couple thousand questions over several weeks just to get used to the way they ask the questions and what type of answers they want. You will do great! You are ready for this! During the test remember to breath, your brain needs 02 to think, and you are allowed to take a stretch break (you don't have to wait for the computer to ask you if you want a break!)

hello! I graduated in May 09 in Philly and it's very hard to find a job here. First, as mentioned above, I got a seasonal job giving flu shots (Sep-Dec). You can work 0-40 hrs per week and select your own shifts, so I figured at least it is something, and if I got a full time job, I could still do the flu shots on the side for extra cash. I accepted a home care position that I got by making a good impression during my student clinicals there, and also by networking - the owners are alums from my nursing school, so we all know the same people. I want to do community health, so this is a great position for me. I was also offered a 3rd shift telemetry position at one of the medium sized hospitals. I got that by first applying for the position online, then writing, calling, and emailing every HR contact I could find (there was no contact listed). I emphasized how much I wanted THAT position at THAT hospital, and I researched what made THAT hospital unique. I sold myself on wanting to work for them, not just looking for any job. Now, there are people in my class who probably wouldn't take either of these jobs . . . they are waiting for a day shift job at one of the big name university hospitals. If you have that luxury great. They are not hiring "graduate nurses," at this time, and you will need an excellent connection and a bit of luck to get in there. Overall, the job market for new graduates in Philly/S. Jersey is horrible. I'm very grateful to have a full time job plus a part time seasonal job in the midst of this. You CAN do it but don't wait for the job to come to you. And rather than wait for your dream job, get any job you can, you can always pursue your dream job in 1-2 years.

Hello just an update I found a homecare RN position! And later that day, a hospital called . . .(first no jobs, now I have to choose!) I think the Philly market is opening up a little tiny bit, by no means a good job market, but you may find a job here and there - thanks for all your replies!

you are right about some of the rural areas - that's my back up plan if nothing surfaces here by september. I'm originally from a rural area, so I could definitely adapt to that way of living (actually prefer it, but my boyfriend has a daughter so he has to be here in Philly) thanks for the encouragement

I hear encouragement from most nurses. It's true a lot of nurses will be retiring within the next 5 years, and the baby boomers will need health care, so there really is a nursing shortage, even though some of us are not seeing it in our job markets right now. That doesn't help us get a job RIGHT NOW, but it does reinforce our decision to go into nursing . . . Our national economy hasn't been this bad in over 20 years - we are not the only ones hurting right now. I've heard from a lot of nurses here in Philly who say it took them 4-8 months to get their first job . . . . that the hiring goes in cycles . . . . that of course the hospitals are nervous right now. Like I said, that doesn't help those of us who have to have a job right now (and I will need to relocate if I don't get one soon) but overall nursing was an excellent choice, and we will all be okay

thank you for your replies :nuke:

I'm thinking about military nursing. While it would be all good for me, my concern is what do your spouses do? Would my husband follow me, or would we be apart? If I am moved around a lot, it seems like it would be difficult for him to keep a good job because he would have to keep starting over in each new location. It seems I should have done this when I was younger and didn't have other committments. (I'm only 32, not exactly old.)

yes, I've been trying to volunteer. I haven't even heard back from the American Heart Association. And I guess the hospitals have all the volunteers they need. I haven't exhausted potential volunteer opportunities yet though. I'm sure some place would appreciate the help! I just have to be more creative I guess. I have a part time job starting in September (flu shots), which is better than nothing. I'm staying pretty optimistic, hopefully I'm not being foolish . . . per the grapevine, these hospitals have open positions but no approval to fill them. They will have to hire eventually . . . . and all these job postings that insist on at least one year of experience . . . where are they finding these candidates - who is job hopping at a time like this? I don't know . . . I think the economy will improve and all will be well again . . . how gullible is that?

Hello, Yes I would recommend the FACT program. It's excellent! Some students continued full time to get their Masters. Most students go to work full time and complete the Masters part time - then you have the added benefit of tuition assistance from your employer. It is an excellent education, and we were very well prepared for the NCLEX (most people I know passed with 75 questions - the best you can do!). There are ALOT of different clinical sites in PA and NJ (even DE). For example, Jefferson, Einstein, Temple, PAH, CHOP, Christiana, Cooper, Virtua, Friends, schools, even home care . . . . The job market is tough for new grads in Philly right now, and I wish I had worked as a Nurse Extern because they are hired first. The FACT program discouraged us from working at all (a few people did), but I would try to do it for first dibs on the jobs! Although, there are states that are desperate for RNs if you can relocate, and everybody says the Philly market has ups and downs and should recover soon.Sharon Burke is one of the key instructors, and I think she's pretty amazing, along with a lot of the other instructors. And I LOVE nursing! I wish you all the best!

congratulations on your job in DC ! and thank you for your reply

Thank you for your reply . . . . but yikes! If I can't wait it out (I agree that's not a good idea), will have difficulty relocating, and you are right, I don't really want to join the military, what on earth can I do? I lived in Georgia for 4 years, and I do remember the culture shock! I grew up in an Italian neighborhood, and in Georgia, I couldn't find pizza by the slice! Most of the places that are heavily recruiting are not desirable places to live (like Fresno). But what's a new grad in the northeast to do?

May 09 BSN grad, honors, passed the boards, excellent references, ACLS, BLS, etc . . . It is nearly impossible for a new grad to get a job in Philly or Jersey or anywhere within 1.5 hours from here (unless you are an internal candidate or a nurse extern). This market is saturated. I have tried hospitals, non-hospitals, part time, even volunteering - it's saturated. DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO WAIT IT OUT? OR RELOCATE? Relocation means leaving my sig other and his kids - very difficult. But I think I could get a job in Philly as soon as I have "at least one year experience" (so it would mean moving away for about a year). OR JOIN THE MILITARY? Serriously, there are a lot of us hoping things will change in this job market, hoping we will get a job eventually. But I don't want to wait around 6 more months only to discover I will have to relocate anyway. And I don't want to waste my education and skills sitting here. But relocation would be difficult and a big personal life sacrifice. Is it worth it? Is it necessary? PLEASE HELP!

Graduated FACT May '09 . . . the scholarships were discontinued the previous year . . . no work contracts were offered. I think the program is great, but like most new grads, I don't have a job yet.