New grad (ADN) moving to Dallas, Texas

Nurses Job Hunt

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So I just worked really hard on this really long post and accidentally deleted it. Awesome. :crying2: Basically I am graduating from an associates registered nursing program in December 2014. I 100000000000% truly understand that I need my BSN and believe me that is next on the priority list. My education just didn't work out that way and I still need to find a job with an ADN. Next week (September 3) I begin my 6th and final semester in Reno, Nevada. Woo! I'm nervous enough about my NCLEX and am really starting to panic and feel the anxiety but I also have to pack up and be ready to move to Dallas, Texas (for reasons I won't bore you with but it's not an option for me to go anywhere but Dallas, TX is all I will say just to avoid any relocation suggestions. I'm already relocating to Dallas and that will be it and this is where my fiance has also found his ultimate career job :) ) basically immediately after graduating in Reno, NV on December 19, 2014. I will be taking my NCLEX in Texas to be licensed in Texas. I am just really looking for any advice whatsoever as to where to even start job-wise. I will be back and forth for a few short visits between here and there during my last semester before graduation and am not sure if I should actually show up at hospitals or any prospective health care facility or if I should call them? Do I apply before graduating? Where I am going to school, everyone basically graduates with a job offer because of the size of our class, school, town, need for nurses, etc. This is the one disadvantage to me relocating. I realize that without a BSN and any experience I can't expect anything crazy and I don't have crazy expectations (I have about 6 years of ER clerk experience and some central supply experience but that's about it for my medical experience before nursing school). I will take any and I mean ANY job I can get for the experience and just to get my foot in the door so pickiness definitely won't be an issue for myself. But anyway, if anyone out there takes the time to actually read this painfully long post first let me apologize and second let me thank you for any possible advice. I am just looking at when to start and where. What are my possibilities before taking and passing my NCLEX and how far can I go as far as applying for an out of state job before graduating and moving in December? Is there any way for me to find grad programs in the hospitals in Dallas such as the ones offered in my current hometown and how would i go about that? Again I really appreciate if anyone has any words of kindness and/or advice or anything really.

Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You didn't indicate what area you will actually be living in... when people refer to "Dallas", it could actually mean a lot of different places because the city of Dallas is actually rather small - but the city is completely enveloped in other cities that make up the Metroplex.

Without a BSN, trying to land a hospital job could be a real challenge. I would encourage you to look at smaller/independent facilities and those in the more distance since the major systems are pretty much BSN-only for new grads. There is also a general reluctance to deal with any 'distance' hires due to the hordes of local applicants. I possible, you may want to use a local address on your resume/application when you start this process.

BTW, remember that you will also need to complete a "Jurisprudence" course to become licensed TX - info is on the BON site.

Best of luck to you.

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Thank you! Yeah I don't know a ton about Dallas. I know that we are in the area of North Dallas. University/Highland Park area. My fiance is already here and I will be moving in with him so the major help is that I really already have a home and an address I can use here. I did print off all of the info from the BON and saw the course I need and the study links that they give as well. I wanted to make sure I had all of my fingerprints and every single thing I can have done ASAP. Anything I can do before moving I would like to do. And like I said, I will really take anything I can get. I have no room to be picky. Until I get my BSN, I really just will take what I can get for experience and for a job. My fiance landed the job of his dreams here which is why I am relocating so it's kind of a hassle but all worth it in the end. I am excited for a larger city and was planning on Reno anyway once I graduated. Thank you very much for your advice and help. I really appreciate it!

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Thank you! Yeah I don't know a ton about Dallas. I know that we are in the area of North Dallas. University/Highland Park area. My fiance is already here and I will be moving in with him so the major help is that I really already have a home and an address I can use here. I did print off all of the info from the BON and saw the course I need and the study links that they give as well. I wanted to make sure I had all of my fingerprints and every single thing I can have done ASAP. Anything I can do before moving I would like to do. And like I said, I will really take anything I can get. I have no room to be picky. Until I get my BSN, I really just will take what I can get for experience and for a job. My fiance landed the job of his dreams here which is why I am relocating so it's kind of a hassle but all worth it in the end. I am excited for a larger city and was planning on Reno anyway once I graduated. Thank you very much for your advice and help. I really appreciate it!

I dont think parkland is magnet status, however google it for yourself.

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