Job Market for New Grad RNs in St. Louis?

[bostonRN2013]

Hi all,

I'm curious to find out what the job market is like for new grads in the St. Louis area. I am also wondering if anyone knows of any new grad programs that may be starting in early 2014?

A little bit about me: I graduated about a month ago with my BSN and got my RN license in Massachusetts. My boyfriend (who is in the Air Force) received orders yesterday to move to Scott AFB in IL (I think St. Louis, MO is pretty close, right?). It was pretty unexpected, but I'd like to go with him if I stand any chance of getting a job out there. As some of you may know, the job market here in the Boston area is terrible for new grads. I have been really, really struggling to find something--and that's despite the connections that I have in some of the hospitals. Is the new grad job market any better in St Louis?? I'm just worried that I might stand an even worse chance of getting something there since I have absolutely no contacts there...

Thank you everyone!

[ant2cory]

I'm still in pre-nursing but I keep my eye out bc it makes me nervous too. There are some new grad programs here in STL but they are very competitive. I am hoping to get into SSM Futures when I graduate. If I where you I would go apply now. They have the next one starting in January.

The main hospital's here are SSM, BJC, Mercy and St. Lukes. I would just google and see what they offer. Good luck!!!

[sydnies]

St. Louis is struggling right now because our main hospital system (barnes jewish) is on a hiring freeze. I don't think they will be hiring new grads anytime soon. Ssm futures program app for january 2014 is up and thats a great program! I'd also look at mercy (no new grad residency), st lukes (have a new grad residency) and SLU hospital (versant new grad program) though i'm not sure if they have one for winter or if the next is in the spring. Oh and St Anthonys has a new grad residency as well. So good luck!

[BeccaznRN, RN]

I don't think you can go wrong by coming with your hubby to Scott. Nursing job markets are tough everywhere, but I truly think you would be able to land a new grad job much easier in STL than in Boston. I would get the ball rolling by applying for nursing licenses in Missouri AND in Illinois and start searching for jobs. Your best bet for jobs is to avoid the major hospitals of STL and look to the rural hospitals. A great place to start would be St. Elizabeth's in Belleville, IL - they have a Versant RN residency program AND most of the nursing positions posted state experience preferred. Either way, since you will be on the outskirts of STL (Scott is about 20 minutes east of STL), you will be in a much better position to try for those more rural hospitals, where fewer people will be competing. Best of luck to you!