How is Bismarck for an new grad looking for RN work?

[sunspotmia]

I currently live in Miami and the job market is so saturated that it is almost impossible to find an RN job here without HR jerking you around and then telling you later that you need experience to get a job, which is the classic catch 22 when the job market is tight or nonexistant in an area.

Anyway, My grandmother and aunt both live in (Near) Bismarck, ND and they've offered to put me up if I can actually get a job as an RN in a hospital or clinic. I've been out of school for about 9 months, but I do have my BSN degree and BLS, ACLS, PALS certifications and I have taken a Phlebotomy course to keep up my skills.

Is there anyone who has knowledge of whether a move would be a good idea for me? I've looked at the web sites for Med Center One and St. Alexis but I really can't get a feel if I'd have a good shot at being hired.

Any insight would be really welcomed.

Thank so much in advance.

[josalynrn]

Hey!

Maybe I can help. I got my BSN in Bismarck at the University of Mary, and actually did all of my clinicals at St. Alexius. I have lots friends that got jobs at both St. A's and Medcenter One. With your extra certifications, I think you'd definitely have a good chance at being hired.

I will warn you though, winters in North Dakota are definitely not as nice as Miami! :)

Hope this helps!

Josalyn

[josalynrn]

On second thought, I don't think you just have a good chance, I could almost say with absolute certainty you'd get a job there. Job market in North Dakota is pretty good compared to the rest of the country.

[Moogie]

Excellent. Many places in ND are still offering hiring bonuses.

[EmTheNewRN]

Josalynrn & Moogie, do you know if there are currently places that are open to new grad ASNs? I'm familiar with Trinity's offers, but with the housing what it is in Minot, I'd definitely consider other ND regions that need RNs.

[blarn]

You could be picky and get just about any specialty you wanted in Bismarck

[studentnurse1985]

Does anyone know if St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismark North dakota is a teaching hospital?

[studentnurse1985]

I don't think St. Alexius Medical Center in Bismark ND is a teaching hospital but correct me if i'm wrong.

[tmbeede]

St. Alexius hires both BSN and ASN nurses into thier new grad positions, as a new grad you basically get to pick the department you want to work in with the execption of ER! I have worked at St. Alexius for over 2 years and they are definietly a teaching hospital! Working on mom/baby we had over 5 schools coming in to do clinicals and that was just nursing. There are RT, Pharm, MD and various others programs who use are facilitys for teaching purposes!

[wayemika]

i have a phone interview with them next thursday. im so excited

[Juntra]

Oh, I just saw this post after replying to your other one. I also want to say, I think you have an excellent chance at being hired in ND! I don't have much experience working in a healthcare setting, other than caring for an Alzheimer's client at her home and the RN-BSN, BLS, ACLS, PALS, NRP stuff. I got hired for a couple of positions after some phone interviews!

You're really lucky you have relatives in that state though!