Houston Job Market

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2012

The job market nation wide is poor. There are many nurses vying for few positions

Google Search Results for no nursing shortage

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jul 23, 2012

It's difficult to predict what will be going on at TMC Houston in 4 years - but you'll need a BSN to work there. That's already the requirement for new grads. The best way to make it happen is to attend a school that has clinical rotations in a TMC facility.

However, there is life outside TMC in Houston - LOL. We have an enormous number of great community hospitals - many of those are satellite facilities of TMC 'biggies'.

Melissa0181 · Jul 25, 2012

I just graduated from an ADN program and landed a job in the medical center but many of my classmates have not been so lucky. There is a STRONG push for BSN-only students and I think I had an advantage since I have an acceptance letter for a RN-BSN program that will begin in January so maybe that is why I was hired. It seems like the well known myth of a nursing shortage isn't quite accurate and I imagine the market will continue to be flooded with new grads. Don't let that stop you from pursuing a nursing degree if that is what you want, but know that it may be difficult to get that first job and you may need to go wherever you can to get a job, which may not be your 'dream job' to get your initial experience.

Stephalump · Jul 28, 2012

I just graduated from an ADN program and landed a job in the medical center but many of my classmates have not been so lucky. There is a STRONG push for BSN-only students and I think I had an advantage since I have an acceptance letter for a RN-BSN program that will begin in January so maybe that is why I was hired. It seems like the well known myth of a nursing shortage isn't quite accurate and I imagine the market will continue to be flooded with new grads. Don't let that stop you from pursuing a nursing degree if that is what you want, but know that it may be difficult to get that first job and you may need to go wherever you can to get a job, which may not be your 'dream job' to get your initial experience.

My class thinks I'm crazy for planning and positioning to be accepted into UT-H's early acceptance RN-BSN program when they are more along the lines of "we'll worry about it later." However, I'll hopefully be accepted by April before graduation and starting BSN classes a month after graduation and I'm hoping it really will give me some sort of an advantage. It's rough out there for the nurse grads, and even more rough for ADNs.

earthcrosser · Jul 28, 2012

if you have a super strong background and are enrolled in a RN-BSN program, you stand a bit of a chance of getting into somewhere in TMC (We hired 3 new ADNs recently...but most had prior LVN experience or did a capstone in the hospital).

The market is super saturated and there are tons of nursing schools pumping out new grads, along with new grads moving here BECAUSE of TMC. It's pretty hard to land a job here, but it can be done.

nursetaminator · Jul 28, 2012

Maybe in TMC downtown they're looking mostly for an RN-BSN due to a vast majority of them being Magnet hospitals. But I've applied for several jobs in the Cypress Fairbanks area and Conroe, which are outside Houston, and they're not requiring or preferring a BSN. Most do want experience, but it's not required.

It's a tough market though. I'm looking for jobs an hours drive from my home. Sigh.

Okapi · Jul 28, 2012

Thanks everyone!

I like the atmosphere of TMC, but actually it's a good 45mins+ from where my home in Houston is. But I can certainly see how it can be difficult for new grads out there.

I don't see myself going for a BSN... at least not immediatly. I think I would start as an ADN then go back to school later...

Stephalump · Jul 28, 2012

if you have a super strong background and are enrolled in a RN-BSN program, you stand a bit of a chance of getting into somewhere in TMC (We hired 3 new ADNs recently...but most had prior LVN experience or did a capstone in the hospital).
The market is super saturated and there are tons of nursing schools pumping out new grads, along with new grads moving here BECAUSE of TMC. It's pretty hard to land a job here, but it can be done.

Thanks, that's good to know! I live in Magnolia, so I'm not incredibly attached to the idea of driving to the med center, but I think it would be a good career move if I did. I'm hoping to convince someone to give me a CNA position sometime in the near future so I can have the benefit of being an internal candidate, but I've had zero luck with that so far. We shall see.

Stephalump · Jul 28, 2012

Maybe in TMC downtown they're looking mostly for an RN-BSN due to a vast majority of them being Magnet hospitals. But I've applied for several jobs in the Cypress Fairbanks area and Conroe, which are outside Houston, and they're not requiring or preferring a BSN. Most do want experience, but it's not required.
It's a tough market though. I'm looking for jobs an hours drive from my home. Sigh.

I actually spoke to someone at Conroe who told me they are, indeed, trying to go magnet and trying to hire 80% BSN, 20% ADN. I believe a lot of outlying hospitals are doing the same thing, just not posting "preferred or required" on their websites to keep the applications flowing in.

That's not saying you won't get an interview, and I sincerely hope you do! Just wanted to pass on the info I received.

nursetaminator · Jul 28, 2012

That's not saying you won't get an interview, and I sincerely hope you do! Just wanted to pass on the info I received.

Greatly appreciate the info!!