Help! Relocating to Austin!

[JillS91]

Hello Everyone!

I recently passed my NCLEX and graduated with my ADN from a school in Michigan. My fiance and I are looking to relocate to the Austin area and are looking for any advice. I have no previous healthcare experience and have been having a hard time finding jobs in the Detroit area. I have been working with children for the last four years (non healthcare) so I would love to work in pediatrics, however, I am a realist in knowing that that may not happen right away, so any advice on where to start for experience will be appreciated! I am open to start out working in LTC/rehab, although since I don't know the area very well I would like it to be in a semi safe area, so suggestions are much appreciated!

We would really love to stay within a 30 minute drive to Austin.

Since I do have my nursing license in the state of Michigan, is it necessary to have a license in Texas before I apply, or is it assumed that I will obtain that pending a job offer?

Any suggestions/guidance/advice is greatly appreciated, thank you!

[JillS91]

I also forgot to mention that I do plan on earning my BSN from somewhere in the area, and he is currently working on finishing his bachelors in Human Resource Management, with goals to get his masters. So any school/university within 20-30 minute drive is also very important to us. Again, this is a whole new environment for us so ANY recommendations are valued! Thank you!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I am assuming that your SO already has a job in the area? If not, it may be wiser to wait until one of you has a job offer. You will need a Tx license in order to be taken seriously with all the new grads produced by local schools. Competition is fierce, and chances are very slim for getting an acute care job as an ADN new grad. You'll be in good company - Austin is the least "Texan" city in the state due to the ongoing influx of newcomers from all over the US along with too many wanna-be hipsters & politicians.