New Grad in SF Bay Area

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Hello there! I'm a new grad (pinned December 2010) with an ADN. I also have a Bachelor's in a different field, and I'm also in the process of pursuing a Master's degree in nursing.

I know that the nursing opportunities are bleak in my area, and in some (most?) metropolitan areas in the United States.

I am fortunate enough to have the option of relocating. Where do you suggest that I look for new grad openings?

I have already sent out my resume numerous times. No interviews yet. Oh and by the way, I just took the NCLEX-RN, I still don't know the results.

My instructor said Texas was good, and my friend said Portland, OR was another possibility.

Any suggestions?

Also, what job websites are good and geared for nurses? I've been on Monster.com but the others look very suspicious to me.

Also, are nurse recruitment agencies any good?

Thank you. I know that's a lot of questions in one post.!

FireLine

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If you don't mind freezing temperatures, Minnesota and North Dakota are willing to hire new grads from anywhere. Not really a first choice for most people ;)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Don't know where your friends are getting their information, but Portland, OR is in an economic meltdown... very bleak right now, including healthcare jobs - especially for new grads. My info is first-hand; friends who live there.

Take a look at the latest census data & that will give you an idea of which states have the most potential. Texas continues to grow - here in Houston, we are opening 2 new facilities in April & many more are adding beds. If you do decide to try Texas, don't focus your efforts on the major metro areas - the inbound stampede of nurses has been going on for a while now and we are pretty saturated. But there are still plenty of opportunities in smaller cities.

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I use indeed.com for my job search. Also, I go to the actual websites of the hospitals I want to work at, they usually have postings for jobs that aren't advertised elsewhere.

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The Bay Area is ridiculously tough right now but still send out your applications to those medical centers hiring new grads-UCSF, Oakland Children's (if peds) , Stanford, SF VA, UC Davis, etc. Other areas in Cali hire from time to time-UCLA hires a big new grad class, Loma Linda, Cedars, Fresno hospitals hire new grads.

Portland is tighter than the bay area right now so I don't know who told you that but I think that's one of the hardest markets to get a job in at the moment. Texas is indeed a good place to look, there's also some availability in places like North Carolina, Colorado, Idaho, Upstate NY, at times DC. The trick is to have good timing. Stalk the hospital websites of these areas. Know the minute they open up their new grad applications and submit asap. Make sure in essays and in cover letter you are stating that you are willing and happy to relocate and stay at least 2 years. Make sure you are tailoring your resume and application to each medical center and each specialty. I think being willing to relocate (especially if you are living in the Bay AREA) is key to finding a job right now. I relocated for mine and it was the best decision I ever made while all my other friends are holding out in their hometown jobless.

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Don't know where your friends are getting their information, but Portland, OR is in an economic meltdown... very bleak right now, including healthcare jobs - especially for new grads. My info is first-hand; friends who live there.

Take a look at the latest census data & that will give you an idea of which states have the most potential. Texas continues to grow - here in Houston, we are opening 2 new facilities in April & many more are adding beds. If you do decide to try Texas, don't focus your efforts on the major metro areas - the inbound stampede of nurses has been going on for a while now and we are pretty saturated. But there are still plenty of opportunities in smaller cities.

Which smaller cities in particular? I passed and am now an RN!!!

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Well I learned that a lot of the Adventist Health hosptials are in rural areas and smaller cities... look up all the locations and apply! I did that and was able to land my first RN job. :D woohoo! after months of applying ...

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met a girl at an interview the other day and she said suburban NY has alot of new grad possibilities..

as for the bay...

ive been out a year and a half with the luck of landing in a new grad program (sorry no new openings). but i still apply to hospitals and have yet to see an interview. except for Sharps which was just RIDICULOUS competition. best bet i say do creative search engines (not just indeed or simplyhired), network!!!!, and go straight to the source. Ive had numerous interviews when i went and filled paper apps but alas my lack of exp turned me down...

agencies? only a plus if they have good reviews and credentials!!!

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