new grad, new area

I currently live in Hawaii and will be graduating with a BSN in 2010. Am planning on relocating to the Chicago or Rockford area. My husband is from the area. I am a older student and have 20 years experience as a CNA in med-surge and long term care. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to how I should approach finding a job once I do my NCLEX (which I intend to do right away)..new grad programs ect.. I have only visited briefly the area before and so this is a big change for me.