Applying for new grad internships from out-of-state

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 28, 2010

I have applied to many out of state hospitals and have yet to get a call back (and I've followed up, made calls etc.) I don't want to pay to be licensed in many different states, since I only need one job, but on most applications there's a pre-screen, and if you don't have current state licensure they're not interested. Maybe some areas of the country (not sure where) they're so desperate for new grads they'll import them from elsewhere, but most states seem to prefer hiring their own residents first. Maybe, if you can arrange it, it would be a good idea to take a trip out to Texas and make a round of hospitals, applying in person. I think showing up in person would show them your commitment to moving to Texas.

allnurses Guide · Dec 28, 2010

At this time there are more new nursing grads in the area than there are new grad internships available, making an out of state applicant less attractive. By the time you graduate in two years, who knows though. It may be a completely different picture by then.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2010

I live in the midwest and very much want to relocate to TX after I graduate.

Everyone and their mama has been relocating to Texas over the past couple of years, and many of these new Texans are nurses. As a result, the major metro areas of Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston) are very saturated with too many nurses and not enough jobs for everyone who wants employment.

Things might change in a few years, but this may be wishful thinking.

Nuages · Dec 29, 2010

I have applied to many out of state hospitals and have yet to get a call back (and I've followed up, made calls etc.) I don't want to pay to be licensed in many different states, since I only need one job, but on most applications there's a pre-screen, and if you don't have current state licensure they're not interested. Maybe some areas of the country (not sure where) they're so desperate for new grads they'll import them from elsewhere, but most states seem to prefer hiring their own residents first. Maybe, if you can arrange it, it would be a good idea to take a trip out to Texas and make a round of hospitals, applying in person. I think showing up in person would show them your commitment to moving to Texas.

These are some great suggestions, thanks a lot. I'll definitely try to get my TX license ASAP.

Best of luck to your job search.

Everyone and their mama has been relocating to Texas over the past couple of years, and many of these new Texans are nurses. As a result, the major metro areas of Texas (Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston) are very saturated with too many nurses and not enough jobs for everyone who wants employment.
Things might change in a few years, but this may be wishful thinking.

Agreed that such thinking is wishful with the current economic climate, healthcare overhaul, and rising debt. But that's for another thread, right? I'm especially interested in the current outlook as I do fear it will be *at least* this bad when I graduate.

Thanks for all of your replies! If anyone has some other tips please feel free to share.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jan 2, 2011

How likely is it for new grads to get internship/orientation spots from out-of-state? I know they're difficult to get even for in-state applicants, but is it impossible for those outside of Texas? I live in the midwest and very much want to relocate to TX after I graduate. I still have two years left before I graduate with my BSN, but just want to get an idea of what the current climate is like for out-of-state graduates.
I was considering transferring to another BSN program in TX, but apparently this is next to impossible to do. Thanks for any input!

One of my classmates who had a job at graduation was accepted to a Versant program in Texas as an out of state applicant. That was this fall, so it's definitely possible.

If Texas is where you want to go, I would definitely consider getting your initial licensure there.

caseysmom · Jan 12, 2011

Unfortunately the Texas BON wont let you apply for your Texas RN lic until you actually reside in Texas... and then make sure you have everything , transcripts, fees paid, etc take care of, and check back frequently .. they may tell you one day everything is fine then the next day there is a major issue... good luck

StudentRNAmy · Jan 12, 2011

Ok, so I am very scared after reading all of this. I will graduate in June of this year with my BSN from a program in CO. I desperately want out of here and was hoping to make the move to Houston. Does anyone have any good news about the job market for new grads down there. I plan on obtaining my licensure here in CO first, but then applying for a TX license very soon after. I am very open to working in just about any area. I'd probably prefer a med/surg unit, just so I can get comfortable there and then move towards a speciality. Any ideas anyone has for where to seek jobs/internships would be much appreciated!!!

MissPamela19 · Jan 20, 2011

I am also applying to Texas jobs, and I am from Massachusetts ... I just looked at the Board of Nursing application for Texas, and from what I gather you are eligible to apply for a license out of state, as long as you have another state license. They will grant you a 120 day temporary license, and within that time you need to obtain proof of residency. Someone please tell me if that is inaccurate ...?

rockabye · Jan 21, 2011

No, it is not impossible to find a new-grad position in Texas while being out of state. You will need to be licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing in order to practice as a registered nurse. The TX BON website explains what you need to be endorsed. Click here for more info: http://www.bon.state.tx.us/olv/endorsement.html

You do need to take NCLEX first before applying since that is one of the eligibility requirements. However, it doesn't mention that you have to be a current resident first.

Yes, Texas does seem to be hiring more new grads than other states, however it is still very competitive and I do believe Texas nursing students have an edge on the applications because hospitals are more familiar with their nursing schools. I would still suggest searching the big city large teaching hospitals for new grad programs like Dallas/ Fort Worth and Houston. Also, be prepared to tell recruiters/managers in the hiring process why you are moving to Texas, especially if you don't have family down here.

meggo · Jan 31, 2011

I graduated with my BSN and moved to TX last month. While I was still living in the midwest I applied for and interviewed for several internships. Everyone was very nice but they all told me to contact them once I actually lived in the state:/ All the advise I can give you is to actually have a TX address when you interview so you aren't telling the person that you think you want to live there. Also make yourself as competitive as possible by applying right when the jobs open up and having excellent letters of recommendation from your instructors. Most of the programs around here also prefer a cumulative GPA of 3.0. Some are even higher. Take advantage of any special programs your school may offer that could make you different from a TX grad. Good luck with school!

hockeynpolo · Feb 10, 2011

I grew up in California, went to college in Oregon, and applied to two ICU residencies (one in Texas and one in Tennessee). I got into both. Also there are 22 residents in my class, 10 of them came from out of state. So it is possible. If you're enthusiastic and willing to move to Texas, there shouldn't be any reservations about hiring an out-of-state new grad