Newswise — Despite reports of hiring obstacles facing recent nursing graduates, the majority of Johns Hopkins students completing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree in 2013 report they quickly found the jobs they wanted, where they wanted them—and with only moderate or no difficulty.
Seventy-eight percent of respondents to the annual survey conducted by the School of Nursing reported they had received and accepted an offer of nursing employment within three months of implementing their job searches, with most indicating they had secured employment prior to graduation. The nationwide employment rate for 2013 BSN graduates, determined through an American Academy of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) survey of all nursing schools, was 59% at graduation—compared to a 29.3% national average for all professions.
At four months and beyond, the Johns Hopkins employment rate grew to 84%, despite an ongoing trend among BSN graduates to continue their nursing studies full time (6% of respondents). Within the Northeastern region, the AACN reported a nursing employment rate of 50% at graduation and 82% at the six-month mark.
A majority of the Johns Hopkins nursing job seekers found employment in their first choice of position (71%) and 77% reported that position was in their preferred geographic location. Nearly one-third (32%) received two or more job offers—with 3% receiving four or more offers. Forty-five percent reported very little or no difficulty in finding a job, while 25% encountered only moderate difficulty. Although the classes of 2013 report employment in a variety of settings and locales, many are now working in the Washington, DC/Baltimore, MD metropolitan area, and more than half found positions within the top-ranked Johns Hopkins hospitals.
When asked to advise 2014 graduates on what helps in landing that preferred position in the location of their choice, 2013 respondents’ number one response was “the Johns Hopkins reputation.” They also urged those graduating to network, start early, ask questions, “don't get overwhelmed and give every opportunity a chance.”
Patricia Davidson, PhD, MEd, RN, FAAN, dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, noted, “These results are positive and reassuring, but not surprising. They confirm that a nursing education opens many doors and offers countless career opportunities; they also remind us that our Hopkins graduates are among the most sought after and recruited here in Maryland, throughout the nation, and around the world. These new nurses are exemplary products of their education and carry the unique Hopkins ‘brand’ wherever they go.”
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The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing is a global leader in nursing research, education, and scholarship. The School and its baccalaureate, master’s, PhD, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are recognized for excellence in educating nurses who set the highest standards for patient care and become innovative national and international leaders. Among U.S. nursing schools, the Hopkins Nursing graduate programs are ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report. More information: nursing.jhu.edu.
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