Austin job market

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I am originally from Austin, but have been living in Seattle for the past 18 years. I have been a nurse for a little over a year (RN, BSN), and have been working for just under a year in addiction nursing.

I am looking to move back home sometime in the next couple of years to be closer to my family (long overdue). I have no idea what the state of the market is down there. I'm not a new grad anymore, and I do have some experience as an RN, but I'm not sure if my experience will help or not, as it is a bit specialized. I work with detoxing patients, as well as treating patients, and as such, some of my patients experience pretty serious withdrawals, and have co-existing conditions which involves a bit of med/surg knowledge, and I have experience that is similar to PACU nursing (caring for patients coming out of sedation), and of course psych nursing...

With this is mind, would I have difficulty finding work? When I graduated, I really wanted to be an ER nurse, and I precepted in the ER for my final clinical rotation. I would be willing to start just about anywhere, though... med/surg, PACU, whatever.

I would like to move sooner than 2 years, but I'm trying to be realistic in terms of getting my license endorsed, money saved, etc. Any thoughts, advice?

Thanks in advance....

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Welcome back!

Austin is still in a rapid growth mode. It is a good market for experienced BSNs. If you want to increase your marketability, get an ANCC specialty certification. Make sure you have your Tx license prior to applying, because potential employers are unlikely to take you seriously unless you are 'good to go' and Wa is not a compact state.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med/Surg, hospice.

One area that may be a good option for you is at Brackenridge. They are opening a Psych ED soon which could be a good way to use your existing skills and also get your foot in the door for the regular ED. New Seton Psychiatric Emergency Department To be Opened in Spring

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Thank you! :)

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