New grad relocating to Charlotte

[harriett14]

Hi all! I am hoping you can provide me with some answers for my questions.

I will be graduating from an accelerated MSN program in Chicago this August. It is a generalist entry-level program, meaning it is BSN coursework plus extra graduate-level classes to qualify the degree as a Masters. I already have a Bachelor's in Biology and wanted to set myself up for future graduate work. Although Accelerated MSN programs are less known than Accelerated BSN programs, they are basically the same thing. I just take graduate level classes and present a thesis.

I am planning on taking my boards here in IL, but taking them for NC due to my husband's job. Can anyone provide me with information on new grad hiring for Charlotte? I've done my research and it seems most (if not all) hospitals in the area have residency programs, but I was hoping to get some first-hand information from those who have experienced the hiring process in Charlotte, particularly in the fall/winter, rather than the spring/summer. Is Charlotte saturated with new grad nurses? How quickly do new grads tend to get hired? What are the best places to look at to live for young couples? What does the starting hourly rate tend to run? Any other random advice you can throw at me?

I currently work at the top children's hospital in Chicago as a nursing assistant in the PICU and I am hoping to stay in pediatric critical care or get experience in adult ED/critical care if peds is hard to get into. I also have experience working in hem/onc clinical research before starting my nursing program.

We are planning to visit and scope out some areas soon to get a feel for different places. We have both been a few times before and have family in the Raleigh-Durham area, but we know living there is much different than visiting.

Honestly, any advice you could provide would be so appreciated. Thank you for reading my novel!

[Eris Discordia BSN, RN]

I lived and worked in Charlotte for 11 years, all in various peds. Levine Children's Hospital is the biggest children's hospital. Hemby's is teeny. I worked in both. They pay isn't good in Charlotte tho. It's just the state. You can PM me with questions if you want.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Are you still considering the Raleigh-Durham area? All 3 hosp systems are hiring like mad (UNC, Duke, and WakeMed).

I never heard of a prelicensure MSN. I too started with a BS in Bio. I ended up doing an ADN, the RN-BSN and then I just finished MSN in Informatics this past Dec Not sure what I am going to do, Ortho nurse now, eligible to sit for CDE and have Informatics experience.

Originally from Chicago! miss it so much, too darn cold though. My oldest is looking at U of Chi for college.

Good Luck in your quest!!! xo

[harriett14]

Thanks so much! I'm actually only looking in and around the Charlotte area. You're right, it IS too cold in Chicago!