Looking to move to a different state, but where?

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Hello all,

I am new to the forums and have been very impressed with the wealth of knowledge out there for nurses! I have gotten so much wonderful advice from here just from reading questions that others have asked. Now I have a question, and since I know you're all from different states/areas, I thought maybe you could help.

I live in Michigan and I am graduating at the end of April with my BSN in nursing. I am fluent in English and Spanish and looking to move somewhere warm(er) where I can also utilize my knowledge of Spanish so that I get experience with it in the healthcare field.

Does anyone know of any area in particular that I should move? Anywhere that is taking new graduate nurses where there is a large Hispanic population that is also a nice area with a magnet hospital nearby? I know those are a lot of qualifications...I just don't know where to start. I've looked at California, Texas, and Florida but if I do not get a job in any of these states before I graduate, I will choose one and move there before getting a job. I don't want to stay in Michigan.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!!

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Specializes in med/surg.

Cedars Sinai is in Beverly Hills and its magnet (some Spanish speaking patients)

Ronald Reagan UCLA is in Santa Monica and its magnet (more Spanish population closeby)

St. John's is also in Santa Monica, not a magnet but close to Ronald Reagan (less Spanish speakers)

Santa Monica-UCLA is in Santa Monica, not a magnet, but sister hospital to Ronald Reagan (more Spanish speakers)

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

California is one of the most competitive job markets in the country. New grads do get hired but the majority do not.

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California unemployment rates are pretty awful and so is the expense of living. Texas is cheaper, but i don't know what the job market is like there (I'm thinking of Austin or around there eventually myself).

I do know Florida and Orlando in particular has some of the largest hospital networks in the country, or they did when i lived there 20 years ago, which probably explains why 90% of my friends were in nursing when i had nothing to do with the field. Clearwater/St. Petersburg is a beautiful area, although not as "fun" or young as Orlando, and there's always Miami if you want metropolitan fun. South Jacksonville is a lovely area as well. I have no idea what hiring is like there.

I would avoid new england like the plague :p not that you mentioned it but i live here and finding ANY job is extremely difficult. plus it's incredibly expensive.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

If you're considering Texas, you need to think in terms of different metro regions or geographic areas rather than as a single entity. Each area has it's own mini-economy & job market. Austin is extremely oversaturated because it is the "place to be" right now due to a lot of factors (mostly celebrity-based - LOL). It is also one of the highest cost of living and lowest nursing salary areas.

Geographic/Nursing Factoids: As a whole in this state, we have six major metro areas: DFW, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Lubbock and El Paso. 80% of Tx working nurses are located in these 6 areas.... ~20% of ALL working TX nurses are in Houston area!!! So, as you can see - there are still plenty of other areas of the state that need nurses. We have three types of 'rural' in the state: Countryside - East TX (towns are pretty close together), Rural (towns are ~ 40 miles apart) and Frontier- West TX (towns are > 50 miles apart). I don't want to make assumptions, but it may be hard for the OP to adapt to a Frontier Rural area but probably would feel right at home in many other areas.

You will find Spanish-speaking people throughout the state - countries of origin include South America as well as Mexico. Multi-lingual abilities are always a plus, but unfortunately, this is usually not considered as part of the compensation structure.

We are a very 'welcoming' state no matter where you come from - after all, you undoubtedly have a lot going for you if you're smart enough to move to Texas!!

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I got a question for the original poster??? Why do you want to move soon after graduating rather than after you gain experience (1-2 years) at a hospital in Michigan. The spanish population is growing in the U.S and can be found throughout the country although concentrated in the states you have named. I also want to move eventually but figured it'd be much easier to gain experience before moving since it seems new grads are not a welcome commodity in this recession. I just wanted to know your way of thinking, I hope this doesn't sound like an attack.

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Specializes in med/surg.

HouTx: Thanks for the rundown. I have been interested in moving to Texas so this helps lots.

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Florida or Texas...warm, plenty of jobs and being bilingual you are a shoo in anywhere you apply..

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