Interested in moving to colorado

FancypantsRN · Mar 7, 2011

I just moved here myself about 1.5 months ago. So far, I love it! I am from central FL.

There are many different places to live here that are nice - I guess it just depends on what type of community you prefer. If you want the sticks - plenty of that here. If you want the city with night life and restaurants, same is true.

A lot of people say that there are not many job openings here in Colorado. That is relative. There are many more than where I came from. For new grads, it may be more challenging.

All the hospitals here have recruiters that you have to go through to even speak to the manager (much different than I was used to). It seems to help if you know someone here, as well. It can be done cold though. If you still plan on moving here when you graduate - apply before you move here for your license. As soon as you get your license, apply for jobs and prepare to wait...... a long time. I started applying the first of last Dec. and did not have my first interview until Feb.

I am not a new grad, I did come with about 4 years of experience - but I noticed quite a few job openings on indeed.com for new grads. As for the salary, someone else will have to comment on that. I know it's more than FL pays but I have no idea how much they pay new grads.

Good luck to you - hope you make it here, it's really a lovely place to call home!

hughkona · Mar 14, 2011

I am also thinking of moving here. I graduated in 2003, so about 8 years experience now. I currently work in NICU, but I'm wondering if anyone can provide approximate pay scale at any hospital or clinic they work at. I am coming from Boston, so I assume I'll be looking at a significant pay cut. Currently I am at $40/hr without differentials.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 14, 2011

At the University Hospital, someone with 8 years of NICU experience would probably start at around $30-30ish (not including shift diff, which is quite generous IMO). I believe the University is hiring in their NICU right now.

As far as a new grad, I think you might have a really difficult time finding work. Everything I've heard is that it's really hard for new grads right now.

If you have a few years of experience, my personal experience is that it wasn't difficult finding work (last year when we moved out here, I applied for three jobs and got two job offers).

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 15, 2011

Sorry, that was supposed to be 30-34. And shift diffs are comparable to what you quoted.

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2011

New Grad jobs are grim here right now. As far as the area, I have lived all over the United States and for raising a family, CO is my favorite place. I live in Fort Collins, moved here in 06 and absolutely love it here. I miss what I would call home (WA) for it's beauty and the Ocean, but this city is really great and we love it. The schools are good and their is so much to do for my family.

DamailaRN · Mar 18, 2011

I'd have to second Mi Vida Loca on the grim new grad job situation here. I am originally from Colorado but went out of state for my nursing degree. I graduated summa cum laude / at the top of my class at the beginning of May and moved back to Colorado at the end of May. I had more than 75 job applications out there before I landed my first of only three interviews. At one of the interviews, the recruiter told me that they had selected 16 of us to interview out of more than 200 applicants. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job. I was very blessed to finally start working in October, but feel it had less to do with my academic success and far more to do with my connections.

So as far as job availability, not a whole lot if you are a new grad/have no experience (it's bad enough that I know some places are encouraging the new grads to go for CNA / Nurse Tech positions) and salary in the hospitals for new RN's starts around $22/hr from what I've heard. The two major hospital systems out here are Centura and HealthONE. If you look at enough job postings you'll start to notice a trend - most of them are stamped with "Not Hiring New Grads" and/or "Minimum of 2 Years Experience Required."

I hope that helps - good luck!

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2011

Yep... in CO it is bad enough they no longer demand 1 year minimum... they demand 2 years experience for entry level.

DaisyMountain · Mar 26, 2011

I work in a ltach in Thornton, but live in the, Baker District, I have lived all over Denver, and this is my favorite area, very central to everything including highways which is good because a lot of our areas take time to get to a highway. I believe they may be hiring new grads. It is insane and can be crazy, but it is great experience and I think you could do almost anything after working there. There are politics, major politics at times, so don't say i did not warn you if you do apply and get a job, haha. I started as a new grad at $26.00. Vibra.com is the facility

DaisyMountain · Mar 26, 2011

I work in a ltach in Thornton, but live in the, Baker District, I have lived all over Denver, and this is my favorite area, very central to everything including highways which is good because a lot of our areas take time to get to a highway.

umm... sorry for the comma bombs. I think some were meant to be periods :)

RNlovesherPharmD · Mar 30, 2011

At the University Hospital, someone with 8 years of NICU experience would probably start at around $30-30ish (not including shift diff, which is quite generous IMO). I believe the University is hiring in their NICU right now.
As far as a new grad, I think you might have a really difficult time finding work. Everything I've heard is that it's really hard for new grads right now.
If you have a few years of experience, my personal experience is that it wasn't difficult finding work (last year when we moved out here, I applied for three jobs and got two job offers).

Klone, where do you work again?? I didn't realize your specialty was OB. That is my dream!!!:heartbeat

RNlovesherPharmD · Mar 30, 2011

I work in a ltach in Thornton, but live in the, Baker District, I have lived all over Denver, and this is my favorite area, very central to everything including highways which is good because a lot of our areas take time to get to a highway. I believe they may be hiring new grads. It is insane and can be crazy, but it is great experience and I think you could do almost anything after working there. There are politics, major politics at times, so don't say i did not warn you if you do apply and get a job, haha. I started as a new grad at $26.00. Vibra.com is the facility

I have tried your weblink, and it isn't a healthcare facility. Can you please clarify where you started as a new grad and the facility? Thanks:)