How's the job market for RN's in and around Portland?

[Stonez]

Hey there. I'm looking at moving north with my wife and kids from Atlanta, and Portland looks like it may be an ideal area. I'm originally from the Scotland and graduated there, I have 10 years experience, the last 8 in med/surg/tele (mainly neurology) in the US. I know the economy stinks right now and the unemployment rate is high as well and the nursing market is being swamped with new grads from all the schools. So just how bad is it up there? The market is pretty bad down here from all accounts, not that I'm looking in Georgia...

I look forward to hearing from you guys.

[jennannwarren]

I'm a current nursing student but have been looking at the job market to see what is available in this area. Maine Med has quite a few RN jobs open for experienced nurses. I would also check Mercy Hospital and Southern Maine Medical Center (30 minutes south of Portland). We have very few nursing programs here in Maine and they take a very limited amount of students every year, so I don't think the market is too swamped with new grads. Good luck finding a job! Maine is a great place to live and a great place to raise a family.

[jessdixie81]

You can search state specific and specialty specific jobs online. It's a federal website. http://www.bls.gov ,bureau of labor statistics Be careful though of clinical hours you need to be a nurse in Maine, they are higher here than a lot if other places. I have seen RN degree from another country have to work as CNA and go back to school once moving here. Portland is a nice place for the most parts, but can have it's bad as much as any other place. You should visit before moving.

[Liddle Noodnik]

I wish I knew what the job market is like. I think if you do some job searching from Atlanta you might find out a little more. Hope all goes well for you! I've lived in Maine most of my life and I love it, except every once in a while when I have to dig my car out of the snow, lol...