New RN just moved to Dallas area

[nursenora1991]

Hello fellow nurses!

I just received my RN-BSN a few months ago. I am originally from Kansas and at the end of nursing school, I did my capstone on a telemetry unit for 5 weeks (180 hours). They offered me a position; sadly, I declined because I knew I would be moving. Two months ago, I moved to Texas because of my husband's job. Since then, I have endorsed my RN license, got my ACLS as well as my BLS renewed. I have applied to every hospital within 45 mins of me. Unfortunately, I received several rejection emails, many absent replies and only one interview (RN Intake).

Last week, I interviewed for an intake RN position at a behavioral hospital. I am really worried about taking the job because I want to keep up on my medical knowledge in all areas, not just mental health. I also fear that this position is not really for new grads. They may offer me a part time weekend position and I was thinking to take it and also continue to apply to acute care jobs. My career goals involve an Intensive Care Unit, long term. But, I do need a paycheck soon!

So basically, I would like to hear what you all think of the following matters:

Should I take the RN intake behavioral health position?

I am a bit confused about internships and residencies as they are not very common in Kansas (at least that I am aware of). Can you clarify if it is possible to get a position in an acute setting without this step?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The Dallas/Fort Worth nursing employment market has been saturated with too many new grads for the past six years. Beggars cannot be choosers. Take whatever job is offered to you. It is not as if you have any other employment options at the present time, other than to remain jobless.

Good luck to you.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Many large hospital systems in Texas will only hire new grads via highly structured transition programs (e.g., residency). These programs are usually scheduled to coincide with graduate dates. They fill up very fast with graduates who have had clinical rotations in the facility. Therefore, it's extremely challenging to even get a foot in the door for new grads from 'outside'.

Commuter's advice is spot-on. Any job is better than no job.

[RAndaRoo]

So you're looking for new grad residencies? Use indeed! that always helps me. Try aylor Health Care System, they always posts a billion because they have so many hospitals, so you apply by specialty and they consider you for all the hospitals within their system.