New Grad landed in Houston, TX, no jobs, but have agency offer?

U.S.A. Texas

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Should a new grad take up an agency job in Houston, TX?

I crashed in Houston for at least 3 weeks now, no job offering from any hospitals, but a bunch of denies from major sites like St. Lukes, MHermann, etc... But there are plenty of agencies who called me, 3-4 in counting.

I'm tempted, but at the same time I'm little worry and don't know what to decide because I heard there are lack of training & orientations to the floor and work environment.

And I've to put my license on the line, so 50/50 will be good or bad all depend. Anyone with experience dealing with an agency as a new grad? Greatly appreciate

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Specializes in CVICU.

Hnt1987,

Hi there! Wow, sounds like you are in the SAME position as I am! If you read my current post, I am legit in the same boat as you except I haven't moved there ye (moving early June). I have applied to 98 jobs to be exact, and so far have absolutely nothing but rejections.

If you don't mind me asking, what agencies are you in talks with? I was looking for agencies but was having a hard time ... I have no choice BUT to move to Houston by early June (longgg story), so I am willing to get down there with anything. And I have to admit, living expense stipends and stuff that comes with traveling nursing are pretty enticing (especially with having a lot of school debt). Do you mind telling me a little more about the agencies and/or offers you've been receiving? I would really appreciate it. You could always PM if you'd rather.... and good luck, of course. :)

I, too, am curious what all of you experienced nurses think of this??

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3 King Staffings & Maxim Healthcare Staffing, these are the two that I talked to recently. One of them I forgot offer me a Hospice LTAC care position as a LVN position, keep in mind it's not RN position (and I've a RN license), pay is rrrrrr kinda on low side. My friend also said it's kinda low

This is after I spend hours writing a superb resume & cover letters, with 3 references from former instructor...

I forgot the other ones! But they give me time to think about it before making any decision.

I just want a f""""""" hospital position.

It's bad here, if it does not work out I'm going back to PA to look a hospital job (much easier), and then later moved out here again, getting the necessary experience.

Just looking at it as a 1st time trial and error or a little vacation sort of, more question feel free to ask!!!

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Specializes in CVICU.

I actually messaged Maxim this past week and haven't heard a thing from them. Am I better off to call instead of sending contact info?

How can you work as an LVN with an RN license? Isn't it out of your scope of practice? As much as I want to be in Houston, I'm not sure I could make that type of sacrifice..

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Yeah, I've the same issue with that one problem, but the thing they told me was: since u are a RN, u expected to know what a LVN do, so that's why they offer me such job and low pay, due to my new RN license with no experience...

I did not call any agency, they usually contact me after I posted my resume via Monster. It's depressing down here because Texas's employee considered everyone from out of state as an outsider...

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Specializes in cardiac/PCU.

Hopefully you have both found a job ... but I would suggest to stay away from any agency as a new grad. I have a little more than 3 years as a RN and have worked for agency/registry and as a traveler. It is inticing to think about being a traveler and getting your housing paid for. I remember as a new grad I wanted to do that immediately, but experience is essential before doing traveling or agency/registry/per diem. I have worked with Maxim (different state, but same company) and several other agencies. With agency work you are called at 5 am and told to go to XX hospital on XX floor. It may be a floor you have never worked at, it may be a hospital you have never worked at. You get there and get a quick 5 min orientation ... this is the code for this door, this is the clean linen, dirty utility, med room, etc (you get the jist) and then you get report and start your shift. It is up to you to not only organize you day, but figure out where MD #'s are at, who you MD's are for your pts, hospital policy and procedures ... you get it? It's not like a hospital new grad position where you get 3-6 months of help with someone holding you hand at the beginning and showing you the ropes. Ultimately these companies (travel/agency) are getting paid for the hours you work. It is a business and their bottom line is the money. You have to be responsible for you and your license and your hard work getting to where you are. I know bills pile up, but don't jeopardize everything for a pay check.

Also, I would question any agency or travel company that hires you without any experience. I have found per diem/agencies that will hire with 1 year acute care exp, but almost every travel agency wants at least 2 years ...

Good luck to you guys. Just protect yourself and your patients! :)

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I too moved to Houston and is having a difficulty with finding a job in the hospital. The bad thing about me is that I've been a RN since 2007 so I am not qualified as a new grad nor experienced nurse since I dont have acute care experience. I am working PRN at a nursing home while looking for a full time job at the hospial. At least I have some income while searching for a full time job and I had an interveiw few days ago and hopefully they are going to consider me. But you are still a new grad so apply to new grad program. I've found that most hospitals wont hire unless they have at least 1 year of acute care experience but they will hire new grads into their new grad programs. Most hospitals want BSN with 3.0 gpa and couple of references. Try volunteering at a hospital you are interested in. But I would not work for the agency companies as a new grad. They wont give you enough orientation and you want to protect yourself. I hope this helps a little bit

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