Best state to work as as a new grad RN?

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I finished nursing school in Germany about 10 years ago and now I finally got my RN in California. I've been looking for jobs ever since I got the "good pop up". There is nothing out there and I'm definitely not picky! Didn't even got a respond from long term facilities, hospices, home health care, agencys... I'm in San Diego and if you don't speak Spanish, then your chances are even slimmer in finding a job. My husband is in the military and we most likely move again next year. Even though he doesn't get to say where he wants to go, we can always try and push it in the right direction. My question is, which State would be best for me to find work in? I do not have any work experience in the US, but I have 2 years of medical ICU under my belt. The problem is, that was 7 years ago. Any advice on where to go or what else I can do with an RN license?

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Come to Texas! Quite a few jobs here.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Actually Texas is saturated for the new graduate population in all the major metro areas. Most new grads are finding it very difficult in Texas to find work.

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Actually Texas is saturated for the new graduate population in all the major metro areas. Most new grads are finding it very difficult in Texas to find work.

Yes, same here in Cali. It's so frustrating. Hoping someone has some input from other states. Anyone knows about WA, FL, NC?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

NC has a tough market right now as well as FL, not sure about WA but from what I've seen on here it is tough also.. As a new grad with a ADN, I never had issues landing a hospital job. I am now in trauma ICU and love every minute of it.. I'm in SC. A refresher course might be a good thing for you since it has been soo long since your last job. Because your hubby is in the military are you will likely move around, try to get in with a national company. That way you can transfer when its time to move again.

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NC has a tough market right now as well as FL, not sure about WA but from what I've seen on here it is tough also.. As a new grad with a ADN, I never had issues landing a hospital job. I am now in trauma ICU and love every minute of it.. I'm in SC. A refresher course might be a good thing for you since it has been soo long since your last job. Because your hubby is in the military are you will likely move around, try to get in with a national company. That way you can transfer when its time to move again.

Thanks Sun0408! Will companies take you with no experience? Do you have any recommendations?

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Specializes in Trauma Surgical ICU.

Divita(sp) and similar dialysis companies are willing to train,many of them have locations across the US; also healthsouth is a large rehab company.

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Thank you! I'll look into those!

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Louisiana loves nurses. I just graduated and I lived in Houston and unless you have a BSN good luck finding a job. I applied for a job in Louisiana the week before graduation, got called the next day and interviewed the Tuesday after(graduated 05/12/12) and got hired the next day, and started 6/11/12. Quick easy process. All I have left to do is take NCLEX on July 5th.

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Wow, congrats on getting a job! And good luck on your NCLEX, I know you'll do great!

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Specializes in Psych & Gero psych.
NC has a tough market right now as well as FL, not sure about WA but from what I've seen on here it is tough also.. As a new grad with a ADN, I never had issues landing a hospital job. I am now in trauma ICU and love every minute of it.. I'm in SC. A refresher course might be a good thing for you since it has been soo long since your last job. Because your hubby is in the military are you will likely move around, try to get in with a national company. That way you can transfer when its time to move again.

Actually I'm in NC and there are plenty of jobs. I have an ADN, no tech or CNA experience. I got my license on Feb 1 started applying got my first interview on Feb 9th my job on the 13th and spent the rest of the month turning down jobs and interviews. My whole class has jobs and everyone has been working for awhile. There were a few who took long since they had an area they really wanted to go into. I'm still getting random calls about jobs. My advice try the small hospitals (sometimes part of a much bigger company). I do have a drive, but it's a good job with good coworkers and good pay.

Sent from my iPad using allnurses.com

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Oh that's great! Wish it would be that easy here! Will keep NC in mind, thanks for your input!

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