New Grad Job Market in North Dakota

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Hello! I'm a new graduate RN and have been searching for my first RN job since I graduated in May of this year. I've applied in just about every single state with not much luck so far, and I'm starting to get extremely frustrated. How will I ever find a place that is willing to give a new grad a chance? I've heard a lot about how North Dakota has a strong market for new grads, but I've applied to around 4 positions there and have never received any kind of response. Is it something I'm doing wrong (I am out of state, but do have a compact state license), or is the job market there not quite as good as everyone says it is?

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I think what is going on is that they want you to have a place to stay first. Even some of the oil field jobs are like this because it is hard to find an apartment, and expensive. New apartments start at 2000 or so. That's for a one bedroom. In the oil field they are scrambling for nurses, in the clinics and hospitals. I'm sure home care is desperate. Now that's the oil field...tioga, watford city, williston...not sure about the rest of the state.

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Thanks so much for the response jillzrn!! I'm mainly looking at Bismarck, Minot, and Fargo for jobs as I've heard the housing situation is a nightmare in the oil field areas. I would love to be able to move before having a job to show them I'm serious about it, but I just can't afford to move without having a job set up already. Hopefully something will come along eventually.

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I know you posted awhile ago but I thought I would leave a comment just in case you are still looking. The job market for new grads is great in North Dakota! I work at St. Alexius in Bismarck and we hire new grads into all specialties except ER! Make sure when you are applying you are looking for and applying under the New Graduate nursing positions,that is how our hospitals posts them! Housing can be difficult to find but not impossible. The nurse recruiters can help you find housing. I came from out of state and found a great apartment!

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How are the schools and housing in ND?

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Specializes in Observation, Telemetry, Stroke.

I started toying with the thought of looking for New Grad positions in ND too. I thought the lookout would be better than California. I also am willing to live in a completely different place for a chance of scenery and weather too. This could be my chance to start a completely new chapter in my life in a new place! I read your post, tmbeede, and it gave me some hope! Thank you.

I took a look at St. Alexius in Bismarck and did find a new grad position. I would apply now, but I need to apply for the ND RN license first, don't I? :( How long will that take, I wonder.

I took a look at one nearby apartment, called Ithica Heights Apartments. Not sure if they are vacant, but the rent looks somewhat affordable: $725 a month for a single-bedroom. Don't know how accurate all of this is though.

I know I've got a lot more research to do. I just think it would be nice to live in a different place sometime. :)

Argh, I rambled. I'm just a big dreamer. :)

I do hope I start working soon. I really want to become a working nurse ASAP!

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Amen :)

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Rent on the western half of the state has gone up sharply due to the "oil boom". New grads are being hired, but its a "buyer's market" so to speak for the nursing recruiters. Keep being politely persistent with following up on the applications. I just started in a busy hospital on the east side of the state (commonly called the Valley). I was a new grad with less than a month after my NCLEX pass.

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Specializes in Observation, Telemetry, Stroke.

Okay, I'll keep in mind that it might be a little more difficult on the west side of the state. Thank you, CountryMomma!

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Okay, I'll keep in mind that it might be a little more difficult on the west side of the state. Thank you, CountryMomma!

I got housing pretty decently in Bismarck. Requires some work, but I was fine.

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Good news! You dont have to have a ND license to apply! You have the have passed the NCLEX and hold a license in another state though.

I think the housing market is finally catching up to the oil boom! It is not nearly as difficult to find housing as it was when I moved here 3 years ago. Id say about 2 weeks of searching. The average apartment is $800-$900/mo with a range anywhere from $600-$1500/mo! The best place to start is with the nurse recruiters, they can point you in the right direction and help you find good, affordable housing another out of state nurse roommate if needed!

Hope to see you coming our way!

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Specializes in Observation, Telemetry, Stroke.

Oh awesome! That is good to hear! I will start looking for some places and start applying!

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