New grad relocating (with family) for first job

Nurses Job Hunt

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I graduated in December 2013 with a BSN and started my Job Search in May. I knew full well there are no jobs for new grads where I live, and with four kids decided it would be better to focus on my job search after they got out of school for the summer. I started applying all across the country, and am actually getting calls back for interviews. The only thing is that the places that are calling are very rural, remote areas. I grew up in a rural area, I know what it's like to live in one. But, my kids are well established in their metro urban lives and don't want to move.

My husband has been laid off for a year, is on severance, and said he is fine with moving. He wants to try something new. I'm just concerned about my kids, especially my teenager who is the most resistant.

Most of the things I hear about new grads who relocate are from single people...just wondering if anyone has had to relocate their family for that first job? It would be a big and life changing move for us that would be very difficult, but would hopefully pay off after a couple years. Any advice is appreciated!

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.

I would say ND to be honest.... It would be guaranteed he could get a job and you could be trained...

Every place I have seen is looking for people to hire as well. What did he do for a job?

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Thank you Delgadido! That is one of the areas I have been considering. My husband works in the trades.

How is the weather. Right now I live in the tropics, and I'm nervous about the snow. How is the family life there? Especially for kids who would be considered a minority in that area?

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Thank you Delgadido! That is one of the areas I have been considering. My husband works in the trades.

How is the weather. Right now I live in the tropics, and I'm nervous about the snow. How is the family life there? Especially for kids who would be considered a minority in that area?

Everything here is needed. I am assuming the trades as well because of the population boom. Weather is nice here for now, apparently winter is brutal, but people adjust. People here in Bismarck are generally friendly. I am half filipino and half colombian. People say I look Mexican and I have yet to feel any type of hate though. Not very diverse out here.

I am originally from Texas and lived in Hawaii for 3 months before coming here. I love my job to be honest, I can't wait to eventually leave here and go to different places, but my goals are different than yours would be.

I have a thread about it.

https://allnurses.com/nursing-first-job/reflection-accepting-job-922705.html

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Your husband doesn't have a job, and you're looking at potential opportunities in rural areas . . . your teenager gets to choose where he lives when HE pays the bills.

North Dakota is rural, and the climate is definitely not tropical, but you may find that you enjoy the four seasons. Rural folks are generally friendly and accepting. The cost of living is lower than in the cities and you might find that you truly enjoy having some elbow room. Make sure you have decent tires and learn to drive in the snow. You may be uncomfortable the first winter, but your kids may love it. Plenty of ways to "play" in the snow that you may enjoy as well. Rent some cross country skis and try them out. If nothing else, it will be an adventure.

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Hi starfishes,

I can only speak from the experience of a married couple, and my husband had to leave his job in order to come with me.

Not going to lie - it was (and is) extremely difficult, but I still wouldn't change the decision. My husband has been very supportive and eventually found a great job of his own. I would not trade long term unemployment (for some, it's been more than a year since graduating from nursing school and still NO JOB) in your metro area versus those two very important years of experience. sorry that your teenager is having a hard time with it. I certainly would. I know s/he will make new friends! best of luck to you

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I know it sounds like such a no brainer when I write it all down, but it's still such an unhappy feeling to think of uprooting your family for a job, especially as a mom. I know I will have to be separated from my kids at least during the orientation period (I'm not going to move them thousands of miles until I know I am for sure a good fit). I'm trying to look at it as an adventure and I know that kids are resilient...I hope.

Should also add I will have to look into more about North Dakota. I have been focusing more on the South and Southwest.

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I too had to move with my family for my first job. About 2-1/2 hours away. However it was closer to my family. My husband did leave his job, and got a new one pretty quickly. Moving out of state is a huge decision. I would consider another option, long term care even. An acute care job will happen.in the end I am glad I took my first job, however I was being impatient. I was fortunate enough to work a year and move back home. But moving to a polar opposite climate sounds like a difficult adjustment. Pray about it?

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
I know it sounds like such a no brainer when I write it all down, but it's still such an unhappy feeling to think of uprooting your family for a job, especially as a mom. I know I will have to be separated from my kids at least during the orientation period (I'm not going to move them thousands of miles until I know I am for sure a good fit). I'm trying to look at it as an adventure and I know that kids are resilient...I hope.

Should also add I will have to look into more about North Dakota. I have been focusing more on the South and Southwest.

The stars at night... are big and bright....

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

The 'oil boom' areas of Tx are also hiring - if the idea of a ND winter gives you the willies.

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Hi everyone! Would like to update. Within a week of posting this I was contacted from various hospitals around the country. I ended up accepting a job in the upper midwest! (For privacy sake I don't feel disclosing where). I will be starting my new job in a few weeks. It's crazy how many places are hiring when you start branching out.

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