Jobs...what state is best? No RN experience

[Enlightenedchild]

Hello,

I'm a student from the Midwest about to finishing (hopefully) my last semester. I should have finished a couple years ago but I got sick and recovering took quite a long time. Anyways...I'm concerned that I'll have trouble finding a job. It's not a BSN, its a ADN program. I already have a BA but I doubt that really matters except it shows I've had considerable education before this Associates degree.

I need to make a living for myself or I'm basically out on the street. What state do you believe is the best to find a job? I like the idea that Florida doesn't have an income tax and a lot of retirees are moving there creating more and more need for nurses. I like California because I have a brother there and the pay is the highest in the country. I like Ohio because its home and I have a support system here.

I have two years experience as a PCT in an ICU step down. I also what a Orthopedic Technologist for about 4 months but I was reinstated back in a nursing program and I was not able to keep the job.

Anyways...I would really like your advice. I look at all these jobs on Indeed in various states and I'd have to say a majority of them require experience as an RN. This worries me. I didn't go through all this to not be able to find a job.

Please...any advice is much appreciated. Thank you.

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

I am also in the Midwest in an ASN program (graduating in May). I would try to avoid CA, as even experienced nurses have difficulty finding a position, not to mention it has one of the highest unemployment rates for new grad nurses. I have heard that you can possibly find openings in the more rural areas, but I would not put all my eggs in one basket. I know for a fact that Indiana is still ASN friendly, and you probably would not have a difficult time finding a position here. Have you looked into any of the facilities in your area?