New RN looking for Dallas job...

[TheLabeledBones]

Hi everybody,

I'm a new RN, just passed the NCLEX and TX Nursing Jurisprudence Exam and was issued my license on 4/6/2010. Woohoo!

Very happy about that, right? Yes, but then....I'm having trouble seeing openings at different hospitals. Seems like the big ones have all but shut down new grad hiring (Baylor, Parkland, etc.) Does anyone know of any hospitals/clinics/LTCs in the Dallas area that are looking for new grads who already have their licenses?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everybody.

P.S. Picked the dollar sign icon for this posting b/c I am BROKE...need a job, lol....yeah, but seriously--need a job.

TheLabeledBones

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Try the smaller rehab hospitals such as Kindred Hospital, Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Regency Hospital, Lifecare Hospital, Vibra Specialty Hospital, Ethicus, etc. When the larger hospitals become less friendly to new grads, the smaller places are often still willing to give new nurses a chance to work and thrive. Good luck to you!

[CurlyGirlie]

commuter,

do you have any preferences regarding rehab facilities? i think i may have to start looking outside of the larger hospitals. thanks!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

commuter,

do you have any preferences regarding rehab facilities? i think i may have to start looking outside of the larger hospitals. thanks!

they would all offer good experience to a new grad who is looking to get his/her feet wet with skills and time management. kindred has a shoddy reputation in the dfw area, but it depends on who you ask. kindred might have a better reputation in houston and other cities. the other facilities have decent reputations in the dfw area.

[shasta12]

This really worries me. I am just starting nursing school in June.. will be finished with my BSN next summer. Why do I hear so much about the nursing shortage if none of the hospitals are hiring new grads? I work at Parkland now as a PCA while working on my prereqs. I hope they let me work as an RN since I already work there now.

[fathertod, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Time to move to Laredo for your first nursing job... or Immigration health services federal contractor: great pay rate more than likely.. PM me if you want details... work in Pearsall, TX and live like in San Antonio, TX

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Time to move to Laredo for your first nursing job...

Ouch. I don't know if I could live in Laredo without being able to speak the Spanish language.

[fathertod, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

It isn't that bad with the spanish only speakers. It beats being unemployed for awhile

[Jenfire, BSN, RN]

Congratulations on your new license. I can't speak for Texas but I just wanted to welcome you to the profession

[harleyridingirl]

I'm running into the same problem here in Houston. Big hospitals only do internships twice a year and everyone is competing. It's more about who you know that can put a good word in for you to help you get your foot in the door.

[TheLabeledBones]

Thanks Jenfire...I was really excited about getting my license and am really happy to have it.

Thanks Commuter, I'm going to check out those hospitals you mentioned.

Fathertod--I wouldn't mind moving to Pearsall, San Anton, Anchorage, or Guam for that matter....I just don't have the money to do it. Ye ole catch 22, I've got to move to get a job? Well, I've got to get a job to be able to save money to move.

Oh, well....I have started exploring other cities...cities where I have friends I could stay with if I got a job there....just until I get on my feet.

Boy, that's something I never thought I'd be saying after finishing nursing school and getting my license.....

I lament, I lament, I lament. Sorry you guys, just one of those days. Oh well, thanks for the advice everyone....back to the applications for me.

Take care everybody.