New Grad Looking for Position in Houston, TX

Published

Hello all,

I've been a new grad since May and have been looking for RN positions in DC metro area, but have not had any luck. I graduated with a 3.2 GPA and worked as a PCT on Med/Surg during nursing school. Lately I've been thinking of moving to Texas (I have family here, love the affordable standard of living, and warm weather). I've never moved from the east coast before and would love to live life and make a move! That being said, how is the job market in the Houston area, and how would one go about landing a position out-of-state? I've looked at Hermann Memorial hospital system, but am worried it will be too competitive unless I know someone......

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If your a ASN/ADN, good luck, the Houston metro area is flooded with RN's and is very competitive.

Unless you have a BSN, it is very hard to find a position as a new grad nurse (although it is possible).

Memorial Hermann does hire new grads, but it is only 2x a year (Jan and July?) but if you work there in another capacity you can get on that way also (thats how I got my job).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

PP is correct - hospitals in the Houston metro area are pretty much BSN-only & limit new grad hires to transition programs (residency, internship, etc.) that are conducted only a couple of times a year.

You may have better luck in the 'exurbs' (farther out than suburbs) such as Clear Lake, Pearland, Pasadena, Conroe, etc. I strongly advise you to have your Tx license before even applying. There are so many new grads that recruiters are probably not going to be interested in you unless you are 'good to go'.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the input and information! I do have a BSN from a university and a compact license. I'm hoping that will make me more favorable? I haven't applied to Hermann Memorial yet but have just checked out the website. I responded to a NICU ad and emailed the recruiter but hadn't received any additional information from her. I live in DC/VA area and there is also a surplus of RN grads... that combined with older nurses staying in the workforce and nurses from overseas coming to the U.S. makes it difficult and frustrating. I'd really like to find something in Texas. I have family who live there and would be nice to have hot weather for a change!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi Nalon1,

What was your previous experience at Hermann? My only peds experience was at Children's Medical Center for clinicals and had a good experience on the heart and kidney unit. Besides school clinicals I did work as a tech on an adult Med/Surg unit. Do you think that kind of experience would look well if I applied to hermann? And besides NICU, do you know what other units new grad are hired in? I could see myself on an oncology unit or heart unit. Not sure ER is my thing although some ppl say they could see me there

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I worked as an ER tech for a year (but have been with Hermann for a total of 5). My manager was planning on hiring me in the ER, but a week before I took my NCLEX he was told he needed to cut positions (there were 2 nurses leaving anyway, and one of those was going to be my slot). I talked to my previous manager who is now the CNO for our campus and she helped me get a position in the IMU here. I got really lucky on that one.

Hard to say if your prior experience will play into your current job hunt, it is something you could always bring up to give you a leg up on those new RN's with no hospital experience at all.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion