[checkers]

First off, I'm planning on relocating, so I'm wondering if that is a turn-off? I'm nervous about moving (from Maryland) with nothing lined up! And I haven't even taken my NCLEX yet.

I'm applying all over Vegas, and getting no response or the "not at this time" answer. I put in apps online a week ago, maybe i'm impatient. But some places reply immediately, and others, i just get vague confirmation emails, saying we'll keep your info in our database.

I'm learning fast that this "nursing shortage" applies to experienced nurses! I see all these relocation deals, and retention bonuses. I've run into the same thing over here. I know that for a new grad, i'm kind of late applying also. I wasn't sure where i wanted to live at that point.
Sorry for all my rambling, but I'm gonna loose it if I hear one more thing about the "shortage".

[Junebug1]

Have you considered Rural Nevada? Some great opportunities out here

[checkers]

I 'm a single gal who can't imagine life without living in the city, and I'd know nobody..that's too scary for me at this point in my life. I've lived in DC/Baltimore my whole life, and I'm ready to try someplace new. I know a few people in Vegas at least. Thanks though, I bet it's beautiful!! I would have expected the rural areas to be harder to get into for some reason.

[hope3456]

I read somewhere that Nevada doubled the number of admissions to their nursing programs in recent years,so you are probably competing against alot of other new grads.

[jjewels49]

hi I live in las vegas and we have the worst nursing shortage they cannot find instructors to teach the program because the rate of pay for that postion is to low. They need 1000 teachers for the school system because they only pay them 26000.a year.las vegas wants to interview in person because they do fingerprints and urines you will get a job.hope I have helped jjewels49

[checkers]

Thanks for all the insight! I'm planning on moving out there after i take my NCLEX in a few weeks. I guess I'll find something if not a nursing job right away, and maybe it'll be easier once I'm out there.

[Reno1978]

Originally Posted by hope3456

I read somewhere that Nevada doubled the number of admissions to their nursing programs in recent years,so you are probably competing against alot of other new grads.

I don't know about southern Nevada, but in Reno this is true. University of Nevada Reno admits 48 in the spring and 48 in the fall for their BSN program. For an ADN, our community college in Reno admits each fall for their traditional program, and each summer for their accelerated program for individuals who already have a degree. Although I'm not sure how many the CC admits for their programs, I know the accelerated program pretty much doubled their admissions also. The community college in Carson City also accepts 48 students each fall. So around these parts, we have lots of new grads each May, August, and December.

[BSN_DEC_2006]

Hey Checkers,
I'm actually in the same boat as u, except i finish school in Dec '06 and i also plan on relocating to Vegas upon graduation. How long did your license application take to process? I'm trying to plan things out now in order to make my transition easier, but i know from experience that moving to a new area is never easy, no matter how much u plan. Do u know if anyone offers any kind of financial relocation assistance for new grads?

Well, good luck, and i hope everything works out for u...

[checkers]

BSN-Dec2006,
I'm still trying to figure out the process of becoming licensed in NV. I went ahead and applied to be registered in Maryland, and will take my NCLEX here. My school said they'd only help with in-state applications, so I figured it would be easy to then endorse to Nevada..?? I just got my endorsement packet, and the finger-printing process that NV requires can take 3-4 months! You just go to a local police station for that and send the prints off to the FBI, so you can do that from where you currently are. But go ahead and request that from them so you can get started when you're ready.

Good luck to you in school!!! I'll let you know if i find any relocation deals, but i haven't seen any for new grads.

[rebeccainlv]

I graduated from a BSN program in May in Las Vegas. I sent in my board application in March and it was ready by the time I graduated. Took boards already and passed. Also interviewed and got a job the same day.

The deal right now is that the hospitals (Valley Health System Hospitals anyway) already opened up new grad positions for the May grads but are filled and those new grads are completing orientation now. The next new grad positions will open up this month (Aug) to start in Sept. Those slots are to capture the summer grads for the fast track programs. What I was told to do was to apply for every nurse I position online. Then when the new grad postions are posted to call the nurse recruiter and they can transfer your application to the new grad position.
What I ended up doing is getting 'in' through a Dr. that recommended me. He called and got right through to the recruiter. I told her I had NAP experience and I was hired the same day. So, I was accepted 'off cycle' due to nurse apprentice experience.
It's frustrating but it helps if you know someone who can get you the name and number of the recruiter, then you sell yourself. Don't worry. There are plenty of jobs for everyone.