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Best States for Entry-Level Nursing Jobs
Jon Wirt and CareerVoyages.gov
With so many nursing job openings, it begs the question: Where should you work? NursingLink is committed to providing its members with the most most pertinent career research available. Below is the 10 best places for an entry level nursing job based on salary and job openings.
10 Top Paying States for Personal and Home Care Aides
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NCLEX Math Review
The median salary for Personal and Home Care Aides in the U.S. is $8.39
| State | Hourly Wage |
| Alaska | $12.91 |
| Massachusetts | $11.24 |
| Minnesota | $10.95 |
| New Jersey | $10.89 |
| Delaware | $10.83 |
| Rhode Island | $10.68 |
| Washington | $10.61 |
| New York | $10.39 |
| New Hampshire | $10.36 |
| Maryland | $10.28 |
Vermont not reporting
Top 10 States with the Most Average Annual Job Openings for Personal and Home Care Aides
There are, on average, 51,860 annual job openings for Personal and Home Care Aides in the U.S.
2011 RN Salary Projections
In 2010 RNs can expect to see their salaries, and other benefits, grow. More employers are offering sweet incentives such as sign-on bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and more flexible hours in order to entice nurses to work in their facilities.
| State | Average Annual Job Openings |
| New York | 3,790 |
| California | 2,400 |
| Minnesota | 1,420 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,420 |
| North Carolina | 1,230 |
| Wisconsin | 1,160 |
| Illinois | 850 |
| Washington | 830 |
| Ohio | 800 |
| Missouri | 760 |
Delaware, District of Colombia, Hawaii, Kansas, Texas, Virginia not reporting
Tasks
• Perform health care related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses and physiotherapists.
• Administer bedside and personal care, such as ambulation and personal hygiene assistance.
• Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
• Perform housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes and dishes, and running errands.
Get Hired as a Nurse
Learn more about nursing dream jobs.
• Care for individuals and families during periods of incapacitation, family disruption or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care and help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
• Instruct and advise clients on issues such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene, nutrition and infant care.
• Plan, shop for, and prepare nutritious meals, or assist families in planning, shopping for, and preparing nutritious meals.
Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
yelenakh
over 3 years ago
2 comments
I graduated in May, 2010, and passed my NCLEX on July 6, 2010. I'm working at oncology/hematology doctors' office. I distributed my resume to all hospitals in NYC., but still did NOT get any calls from nurse recruiters.
deniselovesjazz
almost 4 years ago
8 comments
I will be starting my BSN accelerated program at the Goldfarb School of Nursing in Jan of 2011. I feel encouraged and excited about beginning a new career for myself. I will not allow negativity to enter the picture as I do believe that you have to think and act positive to get anywhere in life. I do hope the new grads find work very soon. Flexibility is the key and you have to crawl before you walk.
kaufer01
about 4 years ago
2 comments
I graduated in May 09, passed my NCLEX in July 09, and I have yet to find a nursing job. Now I've got my EMT-B cert. and am working as an emt, but still looking for nursing jobs. I'm having a hard time even getting an interview.
bariql
over 4 years ago
8 comments
I graduated in Dec09 & passed the NCLEX on Feb10. I live in the Philadelphia area and I am having a very difficult time finding a new grad BSN-RN position. I am hoping that I find something soon because I can't relocate any where right now... I am praying that something comes up; this is my dream job to be and practice nursing.
freshcholo
over 4 years ago
6 comments
here in south Florida theres plenty of jobs for new grads, I have been a nurse for two years and i didnt have any problems finding a job or anybody from my class that i talked to. we have a huge shortage here, when i worked in the hospital we always had too many pts, now i work in a drug rehab and i make more money then the hospital and the job is so relaxing compared to the hospital.
freshcholo
over 4 years ago
6 comments
here in south Florida theres plenty of jobs for new grads, I have been a nurse for two years and i didnt have any problems finding a job or anybody from my class that i talked to. we have a huge shortage here, when i worked in the hospital we always had too many pts, now i work in a drug rehab and i make more money then the hospital and the job is so relaxing compared to the hospital.
Elsah5
over 4 years ago
2 comments
After reading all the comments on this board I am very concerned for my future. I am a middle-aged woman with four children who was layed off from factory work in July 2009, and started taking my pre-reqs in order to get into the nursing program which begins in 2011. I chose the nursing profession because I like to take care of people, the wide range of specialities, the benefits, the monetary compensation, and the job security. If not nursing-what would be another suggestion? Please comment with your input.
tiffannij
over 4 years ago
194 comments
yeah i know what y'all mean. A patient care worker told me it's who you know that is how he got the job. You have to know somebody in the hospital that will recommend you. It's so unfair.
Courtikate26
over 4 years ago
2 comments
I've been finding that it's insulting that the thought out there is that there's this huge nursing shortage but there are so many nursing grads who can't find a job. I graduated with my BSN in May of 09, and have been EXTREMELY flexible, applying to any and every job, even jobs I really don't want. It's a hard time right now! I've been looking not only in my surrounding area, but all over the country. I'm pulling for all you! Good luck!
angela0915
over 4 years ago
2 comments
Thankyou for your comments. I too am having a hard time finding a job. There just aren't any jobs for new grads. The jobs that are posted all say that you have to have at least 1 year experience. How am I supposed to get experience when every hospital only will hire me if I had experience. I have thought about relocating, but those hospitals also only want experienced RNs. It is very discouraging, but I will not give up! Good Luck to my fellow new grads.
gr8hopenaz
over 4 years ago
2 comments
frustrating is not quite the word for it, I don't speak that way though. it took me almost a year just to find a RN job and it was not even close to what I expected. I worked 7 years for a hospital as an aide and they won't even consider hiring me until I have 1 year of experience. I feel the health care field has been hijacked by the new healthcare bill and the facilities are running on the least amount of staff to operate and the patients are paying the price with low care ratios and stressed nurses. I think they would be smart to hire the new grads because we are cheaper and we will get trained their way. But what do i know I'm just a new grad thats what I keep hearing. Oh well I figure it will turn soon hopefully this year. I live in the Twin City's in Minnesota and the newest hospital had 8,800 applications for 130 jobs.
LaceyLehn
almost 5 years ago
8 comments
It is hard, but not that hard if you are flexible as a new grad. There is always a position open, just maybe not in the field you want to be in. Take it from me... I am currently working in the field of nursing that I vowed never to work in, however, it has been a great experience so far. I have learned a lot and it has opened my eyes to a field I knew so little about. Now that I have 4 months experience as an RN, there are more people willing to look at me. I have 2 job interviews in the near future. They are not quite in the field I am aiming towards but it is definitely a step closer. And each area gives me completely different experiences.For those who plan to move... I would say that if you have a chance to get into an acute care setting fairly easy in your local town, DO IT. Get 6 months at the very minimum and then move. I moved as soon as I graduated and I moved away from 3 positions that could have gotten me anywhere if I had just stayed for 6 months. It is very true that if you know people, you are more likely to get hired. And local hospitals are more inclined to take their local new grads. Fair but upsetting to people who move. That is why I suggest to be flexible and stay put for 6 mos. Then you'll get where you want to be much easier. Also ACE the interview!! Use these tips on this website. They are good ones. :)
BluJae
almost 5 years ago
2 comments
Wow. I have just begun my clinicals and I don't think I have ever been more discouraged than I have been in the past few moments reading these posts. I would venture out to say that achievement comes from versatility, agility, and creativity. There may not be a shortage of nurses out there. That much may be true. Then again, maybe it's not. The fact is, none of us can know all the details of every geographical area. To those of you who are having such trouble finding a job, have you considered going civil service and lending your nursing skills to the state and/or federal government? I ask because I know for a fact that there are positions available. If the doors are slamming that hard, there are bound to be at least unlocked windows somewhere near by. I am going to continue to obtain my RN and then I will go to work in a hospital in my local area to start. Although, now, my heart is a little heavier and unfortunately, I have this forum to thank for that. I truly hope things get better for you guys much sooner than later.
Account Removed
almost 5 years ago
For Karen M. Obviously, you are not very experienced nor a analytical thinker. You made incorrect assumptions: that there was no research, that I was speaking only from my experience, that nursing is the only profession where people can follow their dreams and give back and take care of others (note - they can't do that if they are unable to find a job in nursing), Your know-it-all, self-righteousness shows immaturity. Perhaps you should take your own advice - "Get ALL the facts..." I sincerely hope you do not approach your patients with the same presumptuousness.
Laurieanne
almost 5 years ago
4 comments
There currently is not a shortage of nurses in the USA. In fact, when surveyed it is noted that there is an excess of licensed , experienced nurses. Many left the field to work in other professions/employment. If all the nurses that left decided to return to nursing there would be massive layoffs and great competition to retain employment. Currently there is a shortage of master prepared nursing instructors. This will impact health care and nurses in the future. Wake up, nurses are vital to this country's health. Repeatedly surveys have shown that working conditions are ranked higher than salaries as a reason for leaving. In 25 yrs. I have seen some changes but not enough to suck me back into the cesspool.