Anyone else heard of flooded market in Austin?

[Nurse Nini]

Hey, I was just wondering if anyone else has heard of this.... We have two new hospitals opening in the next few months in the area (which are already mostly staffed), but I've been told that there is no longer any kind of shortage here.

I was told a few days ago that the hospital system that I work for will no longer be offering any sign-on bonuses after January.

They are also going to be able to be more picky when it comes to new grads. There is no longer a waiting list at the local colleges, when a year and a half ago there were 400 people waiting (even though it wasn't technically a waiting list - but a ranking list). They are cranking out the new grads.

I've spoke with some of the nurses I work with and they seem to agree.

Has anyone else heard this, or thought this?

[texas2007, BSN, RN]

Well I've heard from one hospital system that they will need nurses in the future since the population is expected to grow rapidly and so the key is to retain the nurses they have. Also heard from same hopsital system that they were able to be picky for the new grads who will start in Dec. so takethat as you will. However, I must say I was surprised to find that new grad pay is almost now competitive with Houston in that Houston seemed lower than many of my classmates and myself were expecting and Austin was higher than expected. I am wondering if Houston is getting saturated as well.