Advice for New Grad moving to Phoenix area

[breanne6887]

I am currently a nursing student in CO and will be graduating in October. My hubby and I are looking to move to the Phoenix area but I am having a hard time finding hospitals that hire new grads. They all have "programs" but do not know when they will have openings. Any advice on the best way to find a job? I am really interested in what the job market looks like right now. Also, I am curious as to what the starting pay for a new grad in the Phoenix area. Thanks in advance!

[Jami RN, BSN, RN]

This is not a good time for a new grad to try to find a job in the Phoenix market. If you are looking to move here, I would focus on finding a job in a SNF or ECF. The market is really tough and hospitals are not hiring many nurses right now -- even experienced nurses are having a hard time.

If you can find a job where you are at to get a year of experience, that is what I'd recommend. Otherwise, concentrate on non-hospital jobs. Definitely do not move here without having a job lined up!

[tempest]

absolutely. I was a new grad a few months ago and could not find work in phoenix. I had to move out of state to do so.

[asnursing]

Now is very hard to find a job as a new grad!!! I graduated last December and got very lucky to find one. Everywhere i called they were not hiring. I had to move to phoenix from nevada to work. lots of my friends had problems getting a job. And like the previous thread, your considered a new grad till at least a year. i believe starting pay is around $25. But if you are having to work then i would make sure you have something lined up before getting here.