What are job prospects for new ADN grad in Phoenix?

U.S.A. Arizona

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Do most Arizona jobs require BSN degree? Or, might I have decent job prospects as entry-level RN with only ADN degree? Due to night shift availability, I am most interested in hospital employment...I am a mother of 2 young kids.

(I am currently a lawyer and am looking at nursing as a second career. I will quit my job once I begin accelerated (18 month) nursing program. Due to the end to my income stream while in school, I need to begin work as soon as possible as an RN...and then will get BSN online while working as RN....that is unless I hear that I will be unemployable as an entry level RN with only ADN degree.)

Insights are greatly appreciated!:o Thanks in advance!

Specializes in Med/Surg - Pain Management.

You might want to go to the universities and find what credits would transfer for a BSN. It may not take you as long as you think. There are still ADN employment opportunities. As a new grad you may not get into the exact area you want but you can usually get on board with some facility...put in a 6mo or a year and then try for a transfer (if you still want another area) after that time.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

AlbinoToad, you sound like my twin. I graduated in December, too. I have my license. I've applied to every job that doesn't say "experience required" and I've yet to get a nibble. I got one from out of state, but ultimately, didn't get the job. Now, I'm applying to every new grad program in every state I can find.

There are no new grad jobs in Phoenix, right now. There may be a few in May. This is what I am being told over and over again. It doesn't matter what degree you have. They want experience. Period.

I keep thinking they've got to run out of experienced nurses soon, don't you think? Or are they just shuffling them around from hospital to hospital? :uhoh3:

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Probably a number of unemployed nurses (travel, laid-off, etc) as well as under-employed nurses looking for work. It would be interesting to know the statistics.

I bet hospital's keep employment tight r/t expected medicare/AHCCCS budget tightening and fewer Arizonan's with healthcare insurance.

Best of luck to everyone looking for work.

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Specializes in VA-BC, CRNI.
AlbinoToad, you sound like my twin. I graduated in December, too. I have my license. I've applied to every job that doesn't say "experience required" and I've yet to get a nibble. I got one from out of state, but ultimately, didn't get the job. Now, I'm applying to every new grad program in every state I can find.

There are no new grad jobs in Phoenix, right now. There may be a few in May. This is what I am being told over and over again. It doesn't matter what degree you have. They want experience. Period.

I keep thinking they've got to run out of experienced nurses soon, don't you think? Or are they just shuffling them around from hospital to hospital? :uhoh3:

If you need a job I posted a current opening in the East Valley, LTC/SNF. Mesa Good Shepherd Villa.

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
If you need a job I posted a current opening in the East Valley, LTC/SNF. Mesa Good Shepherd Villa.

Thanks, Bug Out! How far east? I'm in Peoria.

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Specializes in VA-BC, CRNI.
Thanks, Bug Out! How far east? I'm in Peoria.

How far East?

How bad do you need a job lol?

Recker & University

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Specializes in Med-Surg.
How far East?

How bad do you need a job lol?

Recker & University

48 miles... one way... Maybe, I should look in Sun City? :D

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Trillium specialty hospital of sun city was hiring for 12 hour days

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Specializes in WOUND CARE, MEMORY CARE, GERIATRICS.

Hello McMaster,

I was accepted into the Banner Bilingual Nursing Program on 1/2009 Traditional semesters (which I love since it gave me the opportunity to develop my excellent bedside manner). I received my Associate of Applied Science in Nursing on 12/2009.

I obtained my RN Licensed on early 2/2010 (this was the earliest I could find a testing date). I was given the greatest job offer on late 2/2010 as a RN with Banner Health (It did not hurt that I was a Banner Fellow for more info here are some links that may help you: http://www.gatewaycc.edu/Programs/RegisteredNursing/

http://www.bannerhealth.com/Careers/Education+and+Students/_Nurse+Fellows.htm)

I went to Community College Week and found that GateWay C.C. (the community college I graduated from) in Phoenix, AZ. was ranked 37 nation wide in successfully graduating AAS RNs ... here is the link

http://www.ccweek.com/news/templates/template.aspx?articleid=1153&zoneid=5

The pay rate is the SAME for a BSN or for an AASRN when you are FIRST hired.

I will continue with my BSN at ASU on the Fall of 2010 (because I will need the Spring 2010 semester to learn my practice and go to RN new graduate training)

I did work while I was going to nursing school, but I did it as POOL PCA/HUC/Monitor Tech all of these positions I crossed trained since I first started working as a NA on 5/2007 for Banner Health. The POOL Department was the best option for me because I only scheduled myself to work when I knew I could work, leaving me plenty of time to study and care for my family; As well as receiving a paycheck every other week too.

I have a few friends that took the 16-18 months accelerated Banner Fellows Program and they are doing well too (They have been working for about 8 months already).

The Very Best of luck to you and my only words of advise are, if you find a hospital willing to recruit you and pay for your education it is the best way to reach your goals and have a somewhat of a guarantee that you will employed when you finally graduate.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

In my experience, the most important qualification for getting a new grad position is current employment in healthcare. John C. Lincoln may have BSN required on all of their positions, but ALL of their new grad positions were filled by internal applicants. I don't see that changing anytime soon. Get started at a hospital now, even if it's a part time position. It's a tough job market for new grads.

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Do you already have an BS or higher in something else? If so skip the BSN and get your Associates and then your Masters. I am also in the Banner program for students with an BA or BS so when I graduate I will be a B.S. R.N. I then plan to take the GRE exam and move on to my Masters and maybe further...

It doesn't seem to matter which degree you get the options are endless it is just getting that first job and figuring out where to go from there. I have heard from BSN students at local hospitals that they would love to get the education I am getting at a community college however I have also dealth with BSN bedside with my son and found some to be REALLY REALLY good. Honestly it is the person behind the piece of paper that can make the difference. Good luck.

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I have since 'revamped' my resume because I heard that some of the programs that you submit your application and resume through screen for keywords on the resume and if they aren't there you are automatically disqualified.

Still no bites.

No calls even. Not one glimmer of hope. I don't know anyone from my class that has a job that wasn't already working in a hospital as a tech or LPN, CNA etc. :eek:

I couldn't be more sick of hearing people say "oh you will get a job easy they always need nurses"

AND I am pretty sick of the automated rejection notices too.

Denied Denied Denied.

*sheesh*

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