Tired of job hunting & getting no where!!!!!

[RN-Que]

Hello fellow nurses. I'm writing because I am becoming frustrated with searching for a job as a new RN (ASN). I was formerly an LPN with a concentration in psych. I have now been an RN for the past few months and have applied for numerous positions in both Jersey and Pennsylvania. I have had some offers but they were so low (25/hr), I found them to be insulting. Prior to becoming an RN, I made $31/hr. I could not continue work for my agency because they are accredited by JCO and require all employees have at least 1 year experience in their respective titles. I would like to get into a subacute rehab but most of them are looking for BSN's. This is also the case with most hospitals. I'm also currently enrolled in a BSN program but that doesn't help me with gaining employment now. Does anyone know of any place in New Jersey or the Philadelphia area who will hire RN,ASN?

[42pines]

I just took a peek at salary range for NJ at glassdoor. I see plenty of $23-27 (lower end of salary range) so that appears in keeping with your offers. If you're good, take the job and at the end of one year demand significantly more--you won't get it, so find another (now that you are experienced) and quit. If you liked the place you were at, wait 6 months and re-apply and you just may jump up to what you want.

[justanurseguy]

Have you tried looking for new grad programs?

[Tneo8385, BSN, RN]

Geisinger MEdical Center is always looking for nurses they have hospitals all over central PA, their pay is not the best but you will gain some good experience, I worked in their unit fresh out of nursing school and loved every minute of it.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

OP, I think you are too rich for your market. If you want relevant RN experience, take what you can get; that BTW, other new grads would kill for.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Prior post have given you excellent advise

[Tneo8385, BSN, RN]

And at Geisinger right now you have your pick of the litter at the moment. their main campus is Danville is at least one need in every unit, their smaller facilities are mainly looking for either med surg/tele or ICU I think. Hershey Medical center also has a new grad program give them a look as well. If you are on LinkedIn, sorry if I'm not allowed to state the name of the website, looks for Mary Lou Berg I think is how you spell it, she's always posting positions on there.

[Swellz]

Regarding what the others have said about more central PA, Lehigh Valley Health System actively recruited in Philadelphia for new grad nurses when I graduated a couple years ago. Maybe worth a shot to look there as well.