Job searching in Houston TX

[KADNRN2015]

Hi all,

I was wondering if someone could advice me some things.

I'm a nursing student at an ADN program that is graduating next month on the 15th. I'm planning to take the NCLEX this July. I'm planning to move to Houston because that is where my family lives. I was wondering when is a good time to start applying to jobs in Houston? Should I do it before I take the NCLEX or after? Is it a good idea to start applying now while I'm still in school?

Also, I'm considering getting my BSN and I have applied to two schools so far, so I know I will let these facilities know I am in the process. What hospitals in Houston hire nurses with an ADN? I know it's harder for me because most of these facilities are wanting to be magnet status by hiring BSN.

Anyway, I'm just hoping to get some advice from someone out there.

Thanks!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

All of the major hospital systems in Houston are pretty much BSN-only for new grads and they only bring in new grads via their formal transition programs (residencies) which are normally scheduled twice a year. Frankly, these programs are very rapidly filled by students who have done rotations in that facility, so they don't have to go to much effort to advertise these programs. So, I would advise you to focus on outlying hospitals in areas like Baytown, Pasadena, Katy, Pearland, Clear Lake, etc...

Also, make sure you have your Tx license & a local address on your applications if you want to be taken seriously. Don't be surprised if you are asked to provide your GPA & scores on exit tests... These are commonly used as screening criteria for new grad applicants.

FWIW, the movement for BSNs did NOT originate with Magnet... it is being driven by the IOM evidence-based recommendation for 80% BSN staff in acute care. There is a plethora of evidence - such as this - that the educational level of acute care nurses makes a significant difference in acute care patient outcomes.

Congratulations on completing school & your forthcoming licensure & best of luck on your job search.

[bellabop13]

Hi HouTX!

You seem to have a wealth of information and thank you for sharing your insights! I am a new grad currently in a UHC accredited nurse residency program. I also landed my dream job in an ICU at a level 1 trauma & teaching facility!

But... I need to move to Houston in the next 6 months to a year, and I am thrilled about that!

What are your thoughts on the likelihood of remaining in critical care at MH TMC? I currently have a MICU background but I'd really like to work in the Heart Transplant ICU. Will switching to cardiac critical care be likely after I get a full year of critical care experience under my belt? Thanks!