New Grad RN looking for job

[RNin, ASN, RN]

Hi allnurses,

I recently graduated in May with an associate and passed my NCLEX on June 23. This is a second career for me. I was in the finance industry and have some customer service experience. I have no medical experience besides clinical work. I would love to eventually get into the ICU and my ideal location is Houston.

I've had no luck getting an interview anywhere. I'm willing to move anywhere to gain experience but I feel my lack of experience hurts my chances. I will be enrolling into an RN-BSN program in the fall. Is there anything I can do to make myself more marketable to get a residency position?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Be willing to move to a town located more than 100 miles from a major Texas city. I'm referring to places like Abilene, Tyler, San Angelo, Midland, Odessa, Lubbock, Texarkana, Marshall, Longview, Kerrville, Wichita Falls, and so forth.

Small towns and mid-sized cities located far away from major cities are your best bet because it seems that everyone and their mama wants to live and work in the city. There's less competition in small towns. Also, less-populated areas seem more welcoming to new grads with no experience.

After you accrue your 1 to 2 years of experience, you can relocate back to the big city of your choice.

[suzzie_queue]

I would look into Baptist in San Antonio (they have been hiring quite a few new grads lately), Seaton in Austin, Scott & White in Temple, and then out west in the Lubbock or Midland/Odessa area.

[jomajoma]

If your ideal location is Houston, then I would try there first. You might be lucky. I know a lot of people who snagged internships there, and most had their ADN. To be honest, it is just pure luck. If that fails, then apply to the hospitals in smaller cities. I would make sure my resume is top notch, and apply. Good luck!

[JRich]

I am a new ADN and I just got a job down in Webster, TX which is in the Houston area. Keep applying. I sent out about 150+ applications. Only received 1 interview, but I got the job instantly. Hope you have good luck.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

If you are truly willing to move ANYWHERE, then look at McAllen, Texas and Pecos and places along the Texas/Mexico border. They are always hiring.

[Genu9ine]

I agree with the previous posters by saying look in some smaller cities besides Houston, Austin, Dallas. I've had luck in San Antonio (which still a fairly large city), and Lubbock as well. I'm a 2nd degree RN too. Don't get too frustrated, 1 month isn't so bad. I graduated in December and didn't get my first interview until 4 months after I now have a job offer in San Antonio (took me until July). So hang in there! You are not alone.