Trying to move out of small town

Nurses Career Support

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I graduate this December in a local nursing school. Any tips on how to get a nursing job from out of this small suburb town? I planned all along once I get done with nursing school, I am getting out of town and find a job and start a new life. I am currently employed as a tech in a hospital. And yes, there are 4 main hospitals in this area I live in but I just don't wanna get stuck in this place. I intend to be a some sort of an "itinerant". I pretty much have no connection in this town whatsoever. My plan was to apply to main hospitals in ALL 50 US States. I am just not sure if that is even realistic.

Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

You never know ...

However, you might have the best chances of getting a job somewhere else if you first got some experience as an RN there before you hit the job market. Good hospitals (where people want to work) can be very picky when it comes to hiring these days. They have plenty of people applying for their jobs -- and a new grad with no RN experience who has not family ties to their region is not an attractive candidate. Such people are quick to leave as soon as something is not to their liking and orienting such a new grad is a big waste of money for the hospital.

If you had a year or two of relevant experience, you would probably have a better chance of getting hired in a city where you have no "roots." Get 2 years of experience, build some solid credentials, get certified in your specialty ... and then you'll be a more attractive applicant.

"Taking whatever you can get" may sound like a good option for you now ... but once you are actually working in a job you don't like, for an employer that was desperate enough to take a chance on you ... not living near anyone you know ... in a town you don't even like ... that option won't seem so good. And it could get your career off to a bad start.

If investing in a job for a year or two in your home town is totally out of the question for you ... then I would recommend you choose a place where you know people, have some reason to live there, etc. That way, you will at least appear to be interested in putting down roots there and that may help your chances of being hired. It would also give you some sources of support during that tough year of transition from student to professional. Do you have any friends or family that live anywhere else? -- or who would be interested in moving with you? Is there a city not too far away from friends/family where you could work?

I live alone. My friends that I got are the one from nursing school (I know, it's kinda sad). I don't have any extended family that I am aware of. Both my parents passed away many many years ago. I am pretty much willing to apply to any Nurse Residency Programs around the nation. No matter how far it is to my place. I chose this small suburb to go to nursing school since it is much more affordable compared to other school.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I admire your realistic attitude and flexibility!

Keep in mind that you will probably need to have a license in in the state in which you are applying. These days, there is a definite surplus of new grads, so prospective employers are not willing to deal with anyone who is not good-to-go, even for the residency programs. Applying for those licenses can get pretty expensive. You may want to check out New Mexico. I have recent info which indicates that their schools have had a drastic decline in the number of applicants; so their new grad supply has/is dwindling also.

Best of luck to you!

Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

I heard North Dakota has openings for new nurses and also that the housing is very expensive..only what I heard... Best wishes..

Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

Would it be possible to get a job in a local hospital, got 2-3 years of experience, then become a travel nurse? You could leave your small town and try out a lot of places before settling down.

And, by the way, I have no kids and I'm not married. Besides, what will a young guy like me do in such a small town? I try not to have a family on my own yet since I want to take full advantage of what Nursing career has to offer.

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