Current hiring condition of new grad nurses in Texas

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 17, 2010

Texas is too big and too varied to be considered in by any one blanket statement. Parts of the state are still new grad friendly while larger metro areas may be pretty much saturated. Here in Houston, new grads are still being hired by most hospitals outside the Medical Center. Smaller urban areas around the state are still actively hiring. However, I don't think anyone is paying relocation these days - maybe you could negotiate a loan that would be 'forgiven' in exchange for a specific work commitment.

Good luck!!

Mrs.RN85 · Dec 18, 2010

I graduated in May but was pregnant I just started looking in nov. I have had four interviews and two offers just accepted one in a rural area from the dallas metroplex. The internships are around here are VERY competitive.

PinkPickle · Dec 31, 2010

I looked for a year in CA and finally decided to relocate to TX to get a job. I had 3 months RN working experience and about 10months volunteering RN work. I am still considered a new grad. I got a job immediately once I looked in TX and I'm now in week 3 of orientation. I am in Abilene and Hendrick Medical Center. I've heard that bigger, more well know cities are hard to get jobs, but not impossible. But smaller cities are in need. I've also heard that the hospitals in Midland are in great need. If you don't mind moving to a smaller town that is away from the bigger towns then I'd recommend it. It's actually nice being in a small town and doesn't feel too small. It's more strange that nothing big is around for hours. But I'm loving no traffic and side-streets to work. :) Please feel free to PM me with more questions.

escapebigd · Jan 24, 2011

I graduated in May but was pregnant I just started looking in nov. I have had four interviews and two offers just accepted one in a rural area from the dallas metroplex. .

If you don't mind me asking what rural area was that?

Susy Q · Apr 11, 2011

PinkPickle I am very interested in hearing how your experience is going at Hendrick. I am moving to Abilene shortly and want to work at Hendrick. Thanks.

PinkPickle · Apr 12, 2011

Actually my employment at Hendrick did not work out. I had a pretty miserable experience working with the fellow employees on my unit. I don't think everyone's experience is like mine, so I wouldn't discourage you from applying. Unfortunately, this hospital wasn't a good fit for me. Sorry I can't give more details.

Susy Q · Apr 12, 2011

PinkPickle So sorry that things did not work out well for you. I know that has to be very disappointing. Hope you have something in the works for you that will be so much better. If you don't mind, could you tell me a little about the interviewing process there? I haven't interviewed in years. What kind of questions did they ask? Thanks.

PinkPickle · Apr 12, 2011

My interview was more unusual. I lived in CA and interviewed on the phone. First with a recruiter. Then she forwarded my info to a few managers. Then I interviewed on the phone with 4 or 5 managers at the same time. I told them I was willing to move immediately and would be fine being hired over the phone if they were ok with it. So I didn't have a normal in person interview.

It's hard for me to remember what they asked me. But I did alot of prep based off of interview questions from other forums on here. I say have good answers to:

-why you want to do nursing

-why you want to work in the type of unit you are applying to

-your strengths (positive attitude, organized, etc.)

-your weaknesses (not enough experience delegating, slow at charting)... something that is expected for your level of nursing and something that you can see easy to improve on

-example of when you've dealt with conflict in nursing (make it positive outcome)

-example of teamwork

-example of critical thinking (in an assessment or problem with a patient)

-example of a mistake you made and what you did about it

Good luck to you!

Susy Q · Apr 12, 2011

PinkPickle thanks so much. That is helpful.

editor2rn · Apr 13, 2011

New grad positions in larger metro areas aren't impossible to get, but there's a lot of competition. In Austin, hiring managers are saying they get 150 applications for every new grad position, and the two major hospitals will hire about 75-100 new grads for their entire system, according to HR reps.

It makes sense that Abilene and some of those other "out there" cities would be willing to take more new grads. They probably have a tougher time attracting nurses anyway, simply because of geography.

Good luck!

PortlandOR, RN · Jun 6, 2011

New grad positions in larger metro areas aren't impossible to get, but there's a lot of competition. In Austin, hiring managers are saying they get 150 applications for every new grad position, and the two major hospitals will hire about 75-100 new grads for their entire system, according to HR reps.
It makes sense that Abilene and some of those other "out there" cities would be willing to take more new grads. They probably have a tougher time attracting nurses anyway, simply because of geography.
Good luck!

Thank you for that info. At least they are willing to HIRE new grads! I realize the market is being flooded w/new graduates. Do you have any idea what HR looks for on a new grads resume to make ME stand out? I am really hoping to accepted to an internship program but I am concerned that my age will definitely be a factor. :)