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I'm a new grad ADN-RN grad. Dec. '12. I have been working as a travel ER Tech/PCT/CNA per diem, working the required shifts for each month for 3 years while in nursing school in one of the biggest healthcare hospital systems in the Chicago area. I followed up with my application by just dropping in the specific hospital dept. unit I wanted to work for and introduced myself to the unit manager. I also talked to the bed coordinator of that hospital whom I've known because she gives me the assignment of which dept. I'll be working that shift. Anyways, I talked to my current manager who is pretty influential with the company she's been with the system for many years and she even put a good word for me. My evaluations have been nothing but exceptional throughout the various hospitals and departments that I've worked for. I interviewed for a telemetry unit. I had an interview with HR, Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, and another fellow RN. I understand that they're still interviewing other candidates, but this was an internal position and I thought I would have an advantage over other candidates. They seemed to dismiss my PCT/ER experience, I would think its a positive thing since I came with healthcare experience. I also was put off with one of the nurses who asked me my age which i'm in my mid 20s, which I think is totally irrelevant to any job position. It seemed i was defending myself throughout the interview whether it was being a tech or even pursuing a BSN online while working full time was so negative, even though the program is one of the bigger prestigious older universities in Chicago. I've worked as a tech while going through nursing school, so I know its definitely possible for me to pursue a BSN. I the have prerequisite requirements completed already just need the nursing courses from already trying to get into the same university 4 years ago. All in all it seems I'm doing everything I can on my part to make myself the best person for this position. Maybe they'd rather hire a BSN with no experience. I even waited over half an hour past my interview time, but was still patient and eager. I may just leave this company if I don't get this position, and perhaps just do the home health full time in the mean time.

Thanks for the info. The private home health care agency includes insurance, but its not great, so I declined it. There's no travel reimbursement and I'm paid hourly when I'm in the home. I'm asked to go visit a case for a few minutes and if it works out, then I'm scheduled for whatever days works for me and the patient. Is it normal to not have shift differentials when working for a private home health care agency? Is pay per visit or being paid hourly better? Am i allowed to negotiate the hourly compensation for a new grad position if a hospital made an offer? or would that look bad upon me? Thanks again!

Im a new grad ADN-RN just graduated in December '12, I applied to an RN home health position and starting orientation in a few days, was wondering is $28/hour for an extended care visit the average starting salary in Chicago or are they low-balling me? Any info would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!!