Moving to Illinois as a new grad

netglow, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2011

Did you know that Chicago metro is not friendly to new grads? Chicago is one of the most oversaturated markets. Wisconsin and Indiana are depressed as well.

I hope that you have some kind of guarantee of a job before you make such a huge distance move.

Tree5981, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jan 8, 2011

by not friendly, do you mean not hiring any new grads either? Please explain thanks :)

I have been looking at the paper to see what kind of jobs they have out there...and there are way more jobs out there for RN's than here. The job market in vegas is as depressing as it gets i think. Of course I am only moving if my significant other gets a job out there which is a good chance.

So do you think i should try and stick it out here and try to find a job to get some experience under my belt first?

Thanks for you response! :)

netglow, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2011

Many level one nursing positions in Chicagoland are now given to those with 1 year to 2 years minimum RN experience. These were positions given to new nurses with minimum 6 months RN experience several months ago.

There are many nurses who fit this bill. Often hospitals are taking nurses with even more experience for these lower level jobs because there are so many nurses without jobs, and so many who are desperate to get out of unhappy work situations. Very few fresh new grads will be hired without heavy connections, especially for hospital. These days that means you have a close friend or relation or political connection that can influence hiring directly. Chicagoland is oversaturated with new grads from many BSN and ADN colleges that graduate 100s of students twice a year. This glut stretches up to Wisconsin and to Indiana as unemployed nurses push out farther to find work.

Tree5981, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jan 8, 2011

Oh i see. So I will try to get some experience then before moving. Its the same here actually as you have just described about the midwest. There are so many new nursing schools and they are pumping out new grads like crazy and there aren't enough jobs for any of them. I really appreciate your input. It helps me out a lot

netglow, ASN, RN · Jan 8, 2011

No prob. If you hunt around, it's the same in several states. I just didn't want you to do a swan dive right into the fire.

themoreyouknow · Jan 8, 2011

It takes FOREVER to get your license in Illinois too! I wish you luck! :)

Blackheartednurse · Jan 8, 2011

Dont move to Chicago.I'm a new grad who is trying to land a hospital job here for the past two years..

Servingshots · Jan 8, 2011

To the OP...

Im in the chicago area and I have friends who found jobs right after taking NCLEX so DO NOT let any one tell you that you will or will not get a job. No one will be able to tell you your future. I've been noticing a huge trend on this forum where people will try to discourage you. Just because they have not been able to find a job for 1-2 yrs doesnt mean you wont. Chicago is a great city, I hope you enjoy it! :)

psysn · Jan 8, 2011

I know a few people who got jobs in the Chicago area right after passing NCLEX, but I know many more people who are STILL looking for a full time position.

Before moving, look into the state government and nursing association. Illinois legislature has voted to increase its state income tax by 75% for the next four years. It's not a compact state, and there's very little transparency as far as licensing fees.

The state nursing association recently published an article that said statistically there are jobs, and that those of us who haven't found employment are merely "anecdotal stories." Once I'm done being angry that the association that claims to represent me has downplayed the struggles of so many new grads, I'll look into the references they listed.

So... you MIGHT be able to find a job in Chicago. You also MIGHT NOT. Do some research into various areas and facilities, and start applying during your senior year. Don't give up on Nevada. Get your initial license in Nevada; it's simple enough to apply for reciprocity if you get a job offer in Illinois or any other state. And definitely start getting information on new grad nurse residency programs.

I'd also like to say please don't move to Illinois because I don't want to compete with 517 people for the same job posting when right now I'm only competing with 516. But really best of luck to you. We are all in it together.

ChloBear · Jan 8, 2011

I graduated in May, 2010 and have been applying since March, 2010. I have yet to get so much as an interview for a hospital job. I graduated with a good gpa but I have never worked in a hospital. My program was quick (only 13 months) and they told us not to work. Big mistake... Some of my peers got jobs right away, but that's because they managed to get hired onto the unit where they did their senior preceptorship. Others had to relocate to a different state in order to find a job. A couple managed to get jobs in the area because they happened to know someone high up. Chicago hospitals want new grads to have experience working in a hospital as a CNA/PCT, preferably their hospital so they take on as little risk as possible. Ironically, I could have sworn I read some where that NV was a good place to relocate to for nursing jobs. I honestly don't believe there is any "good place" to be a new grad RN right now. Don't let this stop you from applying though. I just wouldn't advocate moving here without getting an offer first. Good luck fellow new grad! And when you do find a job, don't forget to let us all know how you did it...