Moving to Massachusetts

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Looking for advice from nurses working in rural MA -

I’m planning to relocate from North Carolina to Massachusetts for my husband’s work.  I have an ADN with about 1 1/2 years experience at my first RN job, Inpatient Rehabilitation (not affiliated with long term care).  I work twelve hour day shifts with an average assignment of 6-7 patients.  My husband’s work is in Devens, and we are looking for a country home within a decent commute from west of there (areas of Fitchburg, Gardner, Ashburnham, Hubbardston).  Some of the hospitals I see near the areas we might live are: UMass Memorial Health Alliance; Clinton Hospital and McLean Hospital.  Searching openings at these hospitals, I’ve seen few full time jobs and even fewer day jobs - most are nights and PRN/per diem.  I’ve transitioned to a career in nursing in middle age; I’m 50 years old and don’t do nights well, so I really need a full time day job with benefits.  I’m willing to try almost any kind of nursing, but I’m afraid my options may be limited by my experience.  Here in North Carolina turnover is very high so nursing jobs aren’t hard to come by, but I’m worried that things may be much more competitive in MA where you have nursing unions.  

Will I have a hard time finding a full time day job with less than two years experience and an ADN?  Where should I search/where are most nursing jobs posted?  Do you have any advice on preparing a resume’ for a second job?  Any and all advice and opinions are welcomed - thanks!

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Specializes in school nurse.

Honestly, you will have a difficult time finding an inpt. job/straight days with your level of experience/credentials. You may want to look into human services agencies, the ones that run both day programs and residential programs. They often need nurses and the job can be fun. There is certainly a lot of "new" stuff to learn if you transition into that kind of practice.

Best of luck with your move! MA has a lot to offer.

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Thank you, Jedrnurse, for the honest feedback.  Could you give me an example of one of the human services agencies you mentioned?  Are you talking about senior care services?

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Specializes in School Nursing, Pediatrics.

I don't believe you will get a job in the UMASS system (which includes Clinton, Leominster and several other hospitals) without a BSN at least.  Check out Heywood Hospital in Gardner or Emerson in Concord. McClean is a mental health only hospital. There are a ton of nursing homes and long term care facilities to look into. Ashburnham (high tax rate) and Hubbarston are nice but very rural towns. Fitchburg is a big city. Good luck!

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Specializes in school nurse.
16 hours ago, Brownelfin said:

Thank you, Jedrnurse, for the honest feedback.  Could you give me an example of one of the human services agencies you mentioned?  Are you talking about senior care services?

I was referring to Developmental Disabilities, primarily, but there may be some Adult Day Health programs in that area as well.

I'm from the Boston area, so I'm not sure who the "players" are in the Devens area, but you could do a Google search. Maybe check out "JRI" or "Seven Hills"- those are two agencies that may operate in the area.

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That’s extremely helpful.  Thank you so much!

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Specializes in Adult Med-Surg, Rehab, and Ambulatory Care.
10 hours ago, scuba nurse said:

I don't believe you will get a job in the UMASS system (which includes Clinton, Leominster and several other hospitals) without a BSN at least.  Check out Heywood Hospital in Gardner or Emerson in Concord. McClean is a mental health only hospital. There are a ton of nursing homes and long term care facilities to look into. Ashburnham (high tax rate) and Hubbarston are nice but very rural towns. Fitchburg is a big city. Good luck!

Came here to say this.  Emerson and Heywood are both good, small hospitals and both are hiring!

 

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Specializes in Psych, Hospice, Surgical unit, L&D/Postpartum.
On 11/21/2020 at 9:19 PM, Brownelfin said:

Looking for advice from nurses working in rural MA -

I’m planning to relocate from North Carolina to Massachusetts for my husband’s work.  I have an ADN with about 1 1/2 years experience at my first RN job, Inpatient Rehabilitation (not affiliated with long term care).  I work twelve hour day shifts with an average assignment of 6-7 patients.  My husband’s work is in Devens, and we are looking for a country home within a decent commute from west of there (areas of Fitchburg, Gardner, Ashburnham, Hubbardston).  Some of the hospitals I see near the areas we might live are: UMass Memorial Health Alliance; Clinton Hospital and McLean Hospital.  Searching openings at these hospitals, I’ve seen few full time jobs and even fewer day jobs - most are nights and PRN/per diem.  I’ve transitioned to a career in nursing in middle age; I’m 50 years old and don’t do nights well, so I really need a full time day job with benefits.  I’m willing to try almost any kind of nursing, but I’m afraid my options may be limited by my experience.  Here in North Carolina turnover is very high so nursing jobs aren’t hard to come by, but I’m worried that things may be much more competitive in MA where you have nursing unions.  

Will I have a hard time finding a full time day job with less than two years experience and an ADN?  Where should I search/where are most nursing jobs posted?  Do you have any advice on preparing a resume’ for a second job?  Any and all advice and opinions are welcomed - thanks!

Hi

I live in Mass and it is a competitive market in this state.. But for day positions you could look at home health agencies or hospice care. Also Tara Vista which is inpatient psych may have openings. Look at Nashoba Valley hospital which is in Ayer, they may have some openings. Good luck and congrats on your move!

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