surg tech to philly OR RN

[scrubtoRN]

Hi all! I am currently a certified surgical tech with 3 years experience at a level 3 trauma hospital and graduating with an associates in Dec. I am VERY interested in moving down to Philadelphia and pursuing my career in one of the level 1 trauma hospital ORs. I'm just very concerned since I will not have a bachelors...but wondering if my OR experience will give me any advantage?? I definitely plan on starting my bachelor's program within 6-12 months of graduating my associate's program.

I read on here that UPenn only accepts BSNs which is disappointing (don't they know how many other great, skilled nurses they're missing out on?!) but was wondering about Jefferson, Temple, etc. Also, my grades aren't the best! (Nursing school was a big shot to my ego after being a straight A student my entire life) but I know I can get awesome letters of recc from my current employer as well as my professors. Anyone know if I would have any chance of getting a job at one of these hospitals??

Thanks in Advance!

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Philly is a "BSN preferred" market, especially when you have several hospitals that have Magnet Status and more than one hospital in their health system.

I may be mistaken, but I believe I read that Jefferson hires BSNs only...and they do give preference to their graduates.

Most of the community hospitals are currently hiring experienced nurses at this time.

Temple does hire new grads in their new to practice program; Main Line Health has a new to practice program as well.

My suggestion to you is to research and look up their "preferences". Don't leave no stone unturned. In the meantime, keep your position at your current job, and see if you can work as a RN there. Once you get that magical 2 years, it will be a little easier getting an interview, even a position.

[LandD_RN_chica]

Try hahnemann. I worked in the OR there. Was hired because I was a surgical tech too prior to my nursing degree. I was a new grad. I am a BSN, but I work with other nurses who are diploma and associates. Rachael Wasserman is the nurse recruiter there. Make sure u call and sell yourself after putting in your online application. Good luck.