New grad, moving to Chicago- Help!

[cben8910]

Hi, My name is Chris and I am from Michigan. I am newly license and have no previous RN experience. I was looking to start my nursing career in Chicago or the Chicago area. I only have my associate's and I just got my Illinois license this month. I've applied to jobs, but haven't gotten even a call back for anything. I know that this is a bigger city, and therefore, they have more selection of applicants, but I thought I'd at least get one person to call me for an interview. I am still living in Michigan currently until I hear of an opportunity for me to move to Chicago. I am lost and don't know where to begin on how to get a job there when I am located 5 hours away. Some people I've talked to said that they may be turned off by the fact that I still have a Michigan address, or the fact I have no experience. I am not applying for positions that I feel I am unqualified for (higher level positions). I just don't know where to begin and was hoping I could get some help here. This is my first post on any site like this, and I'd appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

Your thread was moved for best response. In the greater Chicago area there is a surplus of nurses. what degree do you have? You might be best suited in the Burbs or try NW Indiana...Chicago is only 40 mins north west and ti's infinitely cheaper.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Do you have an Illinois license yet?

what about an Illinois address for your resume?

If not, put on the top of your resume that you are moving to illinois, and make sure that is clearly stated in your cover letter.

Good Luck

[schnookimz]

It's a very hard market. Apply to nursing homes and LTC. It's near impossible to score a hospital job as an adn with no experience.

[Jasel, BSN, RN]

The job market is not great out here if you're trying to land a hospital job. Most want a BSN and 1 - 3 years experience. Even with no experience you'd need a BSN for most. Nursing homes, home health (some agencies out here train new grads), outpatient, etc you'd probably have an easier time of landing a job. Also some places take several weeks to call you back when they are interested. I remember getting a call back from a nursing home I had applied to months before. But many have taken at least a few weeks.