Advice on what I should do?

[Vanillanut, DNP, RN, APRN]

I live in Vancouver, BC Canada. I am currently in my last year of a BSN, and graduate in May. I have been employed as a nurse in a level 1 emergency trauma center and I have a guarenteed job at that hospital once I graduate (in Canada, you only earn your RN once you have your BSN). My expected hourly wage once I graduate is minimum $30/hour (this is a minimum, and is regulated through union contract with the government).

My husband is an American, and will be relocating to Whidbey Island, WA with the Navy. We are most likely going to purchase a home in Mt. Vernon, WA. I would really like to relocate with him instead of commute all the time (1.5 hr drive each way). How is WA for hiring new grads, especially those with a Canadian education- if that matters? Would I be able to get a job in an ED, or is a long-term care facility more what's available?

Lastly, does anyone have any creative ideas how I can market/network myself to the area? Should I approach recruiters or HR departments directly?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks. :)

[rainydaydream]

I would bet you might have better luck in Bellingham, as there are no BSN programs based up there. St. Joseph's is the big hospital up there. I don't think a Canadian BSN would be a problem so long as you pass the NCLEX. (don't quote me on this; it's not from nursing experience, just experience living in the area)

[Vanillanut, DNP, RN, APRN]

Just to clarify, I will have already graduated by the time I move down..... just not sure about the new hire situation with BSNs there. Thanks

[TristanT]

Even if you have the BSN, you'll still have to take the NCLEX for an RN license. But if you've been working in a hospital and have a BSN--you should have no problem passing!

My classmates (May and August grads) and I have found that no hospitals are hiring new grads from Bellingham to Portland. The only exceptions have been new grads who are very connected with a hospital (i.e. worked as a nurse tech during school) or new grads who were lucky enough to do their senior practicum on a floor that is hiring. You have a leg up to have had the ER experience. (And I think you get some kind of preference for being married to a Navy guy...) However, starting wages are from $21-$26/hour. After a year of working as an RN in the ER you can probably write your ticket anywhere. So maybe do the commute for a year?