Moving from Illinois to Texas

TeenyTinyBabyRN, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2011

South Texas has a great job market, because it's not the place everyone wants to live, like Houston, Austin, or Dallas are. What part of Texas are you looking at?

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 16, 2011

Hello Everyone,
I am writing this thread to ask for some advice. I am currently a new grad nurse with an Associate's degree and was recently hired on a Med-Surg/ Teley unit here in Illinois; however, I'm planning to move to TX sometime next year. I'm not exactly sure when I will be moving but I'm planning to stay here in Illinois for at least 6 months so that I can gain some experience before I leave. If any of you could explain how the whole endorsement (license transfer) process works or how the TX job market is I would greatly appreciate it. I'm also wondering if you all think moving with only 8 months - 1 year experience would be wise or should I just wait until after I have a full year's experience. Thanks in advance for all your help.

I graduated in IL in 1985, and moved to TX (Austin) at 6 months after getting my paper license. Check to see if they have temporary state licenses (good until the paperwork goes through)...but if possible, get the TX license in hand before you move. Check with the BON there, and get the forms. It's more of a hassle than it is difficult.

Having the initial experience will help since you won't be needing an internship/preceptorship/etc. You'll still get a decent orientation, but won't have the added expense of getting those initial months of clinical skills in :)

As far as the market goes, it all depends on locations. I haven't been in Austin for 16 years (to live, and left TX 9 years ago- BIG mistake- should have stayed), but the market then was pretty good. There are several large hospitals, a large children's hospital, a ton of LTCs, LTACs, and a myriad of other options in a city of over 1.5 million in the metro areas (may be more now).

The Hill Country is beautiful, and comprised of many smaller towns; Fredricksburg has a fairly new hospital, and Kerrville also has a new hospital (they're about 20 miles from each other on an easy-to-drive road, so even if you live in one place, the other isn't out of reach for commuting; one thing about TX, you will drive- but roads are good; and apartments are plentiful (or were)...the cost of living was much better than N IL..and no comparison to the suburbs or Chicago) I worked at the old hospital in Kerrville, and loved it. There are also several LTCs (it's a retirement community), a forensic state hospital, and a VA Medical Center. Both are within a couple of hours of San Antonio, and Austin. Day trips are very doable. :twocents:

San Antonio is big (not my favorite place - but mostly because I'm not that familiar with it- had to go to the Childrens' Hospital for ER shadowing and IVs on kids)...great for day trips, and a lot of people love living and working there. The University Hospital (U Texas Health Science Center) is there- and a lot of other hospitals, LTCs, state hospital, etc. BAMC- Brooks Army Medical Center is there as well- and has a good reputation from what I last heard.

I loved Texas (only came back d/t family issues). The people and the state pride are great. It's one of those places that people either love or really can't stand. One thing about Austin, is there is something for everyone. It's a "young" college town, the Live Music Capital of the World, has SXSW music festival, and a LOT of activities (July 4th 1987- Beach Boys concert in the park for 3 bucks

....50,000 people showed up :) A bunch of other bands were there, too

The hourly wages are likely to be less- but the cost of living is such that you still end up ahead. If you send to any of the bigger cities chamber of commerces, and ask for an apartment guide, they have a LOT of info - I only lived in places listed in those and was never disappointed.

I can go on and on about how much there is positive about TX....PM me if you want more info :up:

Rean87 · Oct 16, 2011

Oh my goodness, I'm so excited now. Thank You so much. You were very helpful.

Rean87 · Oct 16, 2011

@teenytinybabyrn: i was thinking about moving to houston or dallas.

allnurses Guide · Oct 16, 2011

If you want Houston or Dallas you will want to have one to two years of experience before moving here. The job market is very tight and local hospitals are looking for at least one to two years experience, three to five years for some hospitals/specialties. You should also be aware there is a large push in this area for BSN educated nurses in the hospitals and you may have trouble finding work with a two year degree. Definitely do not move until you have work already lined up with an offer letter in hand.

The Texas BON website has all the information you need on licensing issues.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Oct 23, 2011

Yeah- the smaller towns are going to give you more of a chance being new...then you can move if you want to (and save money for the bigger cost of living in the big cities- though it's still not as bad as Illinois)

I really miss TX. :up:

angyezzi78 · Nov 10, 2011

Hi, I live in Central Texas and I am from DFW area. The market right now is tough and I would complete at least a year before you move. It is very cut throat right now with jobs and especially for graduates from ADN programs which includes me. I have applied for about 12 jobs in Dallas area and I have not gotten any calls. I have had one interview at hospital near me and they are doing group interviews where you are not even given the chnace to speak and they just pick from the resumes. Out of the 6 that were there 3 were BSN grads and 3 were from ADN programs. I didnt get chosen and unsure who all got picked. I applied for an internship and crossing my fingers on it and hope I have a chance. As far as where to live.....Dallas Fort Worth area is huge and you would have tons of subdivisions to choose from that are around the big city. Please be careful what cities you live in because some are crime ridden. Austin is the hip place to live and has alot of college kids and night life. Austin is very active and fun but very costly to live in. Houston is massive and traffic is horrid but has more jobs than alot of places right now. San Antonio also has jobs right now and I liked living there. It is super hot in Texas and this year has been tough due to no rain so keep that in mind. I love Texas but the heat is killing me and I would love to do more outdoors but cant due to heat. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I have lived in every city I mentioned and outlying areas of large cities as well. If I didnt live there chances are I know someone that has or does. I wish you the best of luck !!!

allergy nurse01 · Dec 6, 2011

My husband is in federal law enforcement-we moved to south texas over a year ago and I was employed for three months this whole time as a nurse(LVN).I have 18 yrs experience, a strong resume and letters of recommendation, but one thing-I do not speak spanish-I thought I was over reacting -but 50+ job applications later and a man from a plasma donor center came right out and said he could not hire me because I di dnot speak spanish-I am shocked-thought this was the united states. If you are not an RN I would hesitate to move to south texas.

Rean87 · Dec 6, 2011

Thank you all for the advice. It's really helpful. :)