what is the best state for a new RN grad to find employment

[noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP]

Some of the places that keep coming up over and over again in my job feed are Minnesota and the Dakotas. If you are willing to relocate and don't mind icicles forming on your eyelashes, you should check it out. A hospital in North Dakota was actually offering a signing bonus for a new graduate position, which is unheard of these days.

I, too, heard North Dakota was hiring.

If you relocate there, don't forget to add some chains to your car tires!

[im_melba]

do u suggest that I already have the state RN license before I apply for the position? would that make me more hireable? For example, if I am looking to apply to a texas hospital, should i already have my texas RN license, or do you think it would be okay and hospitals would not mind me applying with my OR license and promising them that if i got the job, i would apply for endorsement?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

Amen to what was said about Texas. For whatever reason there is this myth floating around that Texas is the new grad Mecca. SO not true! Lots of nursing schools here and competition for jobs is fierce. Yes, many major hospitals are still hiring but the number of applicants for each job is huge. The only place it is easy to get a new grad job in Texas is along the Texas/Mexico border, and there is a reason for that.

Best of luck in your search!

[im_melba]

i appreciate everyone giving me some helpful hints. i am trying to locate the hospitals you have all said that are hiring new grads, but am having difficulties pinpointing them with just a basic location, can i have names to the hospitals please? thanks!

[Blackcat99]

do u suggest that I already have the state RN license before I apply for the position? would that make me more hireable? For example, if I am looking to apply to a texas hospital, should i already have my texas RN license, or do you think it would be okay and hospitals would not mind me applying with my OR license and promising them that if i got the job, i would apply for endorsement?

Yes, make sure you have your Texas nursing license first before you apply for the position. Yes, it will make you more hireable.

[UserG]

In southern Florida, the HCA's have a great program for new grads and nurses wanting to go into a new critical care area they aren't trained for. Two months in the classroom and two with a preceptor in your new area (ER, ICU, Peds, OB, etc.) Try JFK, Kendall, Lawnwood, Port St Lucie, Palms West, Columbia, etc. They will have something, if you are serious and committed (2 year contract).

[gigglymo]

A lot of hospitals in the Kansas City, MO area are hiring new grads.

[LPN2RN2013]

*bump*

[netglow, ASN, RN]

If a poster is going to post that a hospital is hiring a lot of new grads, they should post the name of the particular hospital. The reason I say this is often people post on hearsay not real situations.

The Dakota thing is very old - you can search "Minot" here and find threads ...remember lots of this is just talk - years later of something happening quite some time in the past now. Kinda similar to "should I go to Cali - I hear there is gold in them thar hills" -kind of stuff. Best to post if you have real current info.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

do u suggest that I already have the state RN license before I apply for the position? would that make me more hireable? For example, if I am looking to apply to a texas hospital, should i already have my texas RN license, or do you think it would be okay and hospitals would not mind me applying with my OR license and promising them that if i got the job, i would apply for endorsement?

Won't make a bit of difference. Start the licensure procedure the day you start your applications for work unless you're sure you will be getting a job and you know how long it takes. FWIW, two years ago it took me less than 2 weeks to get a Nebraska license and over 8 weeks to get a California one, and all stops in between for some others. They all have different requirements, too, so investigate and see how long it will take and how much it's gonna cost you.

Tell the hospital you are licensed in the state where you live now and your application for your new state license by endorsement is pending. They will check to see if you're telling the truth about the present license anyway.

[KittyLovinRN]

Pittsburgh hires new grads without blinking an eye! UPMC :)

[hakunamatata, BSN, RN]

Missouri isn't awful. I have been a nurse for 9 months and working two separate jobs, a full-time and PRN position. Not in my ideal location, but made a crapload of money, and now my experience has me relocating to where I want to be.