I'll be starting my 4th semester of nursing school this fall in New Mexico, but I'm really interested/determined to work in Minnesota after I graduate in May and pass my NCLEX. I've already researched the paperwork I need to make my NM license work in MN, but I just wanted to know how hard it is for a newly graduated student to get a job there. One of my aunts is a physician and she told me that I would probably have to work in LTC for a year before I could get my "in" into a hospital.

I work as a CNA in LTC right now, I started in November, and I'm studying before I apply to take the NCLEX-PN to become an LPN. If I'm able to pass and I continue to work in my current setting as an LPN, would that give me adequate experience to apply to most RN jobs in MN hospitals? I don't really know how all of this application stuff works so any advice or thoughts would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Google "new grad RN programs in Minnesota" -- several hospitals have them.

Are you looking to move to the metro, or any area in particular?

What is an RN program? I'm looking to be anywhere in MN, but if I had a preference I'd like to be near the twin cities or St. Cloud areas since I have family there.

**New grad** RN program, sometimes called nurse residency program. It's designed to help new RNs transition from school to professional practice. :)

I'm a little confused. You're in school to prepare for the NCLEX for an RN license, or you're in a program preparing you for the NCLEX-PN to be an LPN? Few BoNs allow students in an RN program to take the LPN boards halfway through.

Either way, LPN work is not usually considered when you apply for RN work. A new grad RN is a new grad RN in terms of functioning in the RN role. LPN role won't help you there.

Find a place that will offer you a nurse residency/extended preceptorship process.