hoping it's not a wrong move

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I hope what I'm about to do isn't a suicide mission.

I earned my BSN in 2007, was in greater Los Angeles Area from late '07 to early '08. Back then, there were still plenty of opportunities, at least that's what I was led to believe in. Then, the economy got worse and because I am not a us citizen, I had to leave the country before my visa expires.

Originally from SEAsia, had an opportunity to work in the Middle East, almost good paying non-nursing job, at least enough for to save money to finance my return to the us and work in a nursing field.

April 2010: took a vacation and went to New York. Same employment atmosphere, if not worse.

Septemeber 2010: 14-day holiday in the Middle East. I flew to Boston. Why? Research: Lots of Hospitals. Also, Lots of Nursing Schools. Nursing Shortage? All the DON and Recruitment Managers I spoke to said the shortage isn't there anymore. Well, at least I'm being entertained in ways I didn't expect. Most of whom were very accommodating.

October-November 2010: Eager to try my luck, took my official annual leave and extended one month more (November). went back to Boston. Fix documents for licensure in MA which consumed most of my time. Had only short period to go from one hospital/nursing home door to another and make phone calls daily. Even considering, moving to Vermont, Maine and NH or any nearby state. One HR director even advised me to check out Texas and Florida. But I haven't really done an in-depth research. Of course, I'd focus first in MA where I'm actually licensed and familiar with the places.

December 2010: back to the middle east and quit my job, dec 31st flying back to MA. talk about being uneconomical, i go to places where i don't know anyone, rent rooms from people I don not know. but I'm desperate to put my acts altogether. It's been 3 years since I graduated and still no real nursing experience. So is my move a good and sound decision with limited savings? maybe not. I have almost zero nursing experience and I will still need an employer willing to sponsor me for a work visa. If it's tough for american nurses, it will be alot tougher for me. But I will take the risk.

It was morning of November 30 when I tried to meet an HR director without an appoinment. I was desperate. That same day I'm flying back to the Middle East. Yet, I was still accommodated enthusiastically. I was honest and so was she. Conclusion: No promises but she will try to do something.

Plans upon return? Lahey Clinic, a teaching hospital just outside Boston, has this reentry program and specialty training programs for new rns and rns who have been away from the work force. I have been communicating with the Program Director and HR manager via email. I plan to attend these programs while continuing my search.

Hope is always there.

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If your looking for your first nursing job, I'd avoid Boston the market there is terrible for new grads and those with little or no experience. If you are determined to do Mass, try South of Boston near the RI border, like New Bedford etc. The cost of living is very high. Try upstate NY, the market there for new grads is a little better but they get a lot of snow. Fl has terrible patient ratios, not sure about Texas but they do hire new grads. Down on the border of Texas /Mexico there are hire on bonuses for new grads, but you cant get because the conditions are bad and lawsuits are very common. If I were you I would look for a re entry program in an afforable area of the country and see if they offer job placement.

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thanks for the advice. i've started inquiring in hospitals in texas -dallas, houston areas. i'll also look in other areas of MA. :)

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is new york city area dry as a bone for nursing jobs?? i know of a few nurses who siad there werew many visa sponsor type programs because new york is such a diverse city thre are many non usa born rn's working in the city

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