Houston area new grad from Alaska

rn.brii, ADN, RN · Aug 15, 2020

The best way to get onboard with the major hospital systems out here will be through a new grad residency. Harris Health, Memorial Hermann, Houston Methodist, HCA, Texas Children’s, St. Luke’s are a few of the main systems here in Houston. However the job market for new grads is super competitive because there are a lot of nursing schools in the area and tons of applicants for just a few positions. Also, COVID has made things a bit more difficult too. Some of the hospitals had to cancel or postpone their residencies. Another thing worth mentioning is that almost every major hospital prefers BSNs. That’s not to say that you can’t get hired with and ADN but it does narrow down your options a lot. I have my ADN and I start my residency at a magnet hospital in October but that’s because I already worked for that system and was an internal candidate. However, I’m also starting my RN to BSN program this fall.You can also consider getting some experience at rehab or LTACH. I know the Spring and Cypress areas both have an Encompass Health Rehab and there’s a Kindred Hospital LTACH in Cypress. Once you get at least that first year of experience it’s much easier to apply directly to the bigger hospitals (in case you don’t get a residency with them).

Please don’t think I’m trying to discourage you. I just want you to have a game plan because that’s a huge move from Alaska down to Texas.

Best of luck. If you have any questions I’d be more than happy to help. ☺️