Published Aug 7, 2010
KSmedic, BSN, RN, EMT-P
12 Posts
Hello all-
New to the forum, and looking for any advice or info regarding the job market in the Fort Collins/Loveland area.
For a little background, I'm a paramedic from KS with about 3 years of experience in this line of work. I am also currently completing an accredited ADN program, and (if all goes as planned) should have my RN license by January 2011. I am planning on moving to the FC/Loveland region in the summer of 2011, so I'll only have about 6 mo. of nursing experience at that time.
I've done a little research and reading on this site and others. Seems like the PVHS is nice, but hard to get into with as little experience as I'll have. Also wondering about Banner Health facilities in Loveland/Greeley. I would prefer to stay working in this area, but if need be, I am willing to commute to Denver area for work.
Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
mandyc
86 Posts
I am not sure about FC/Loveland areas for employment, But the Denver job market for new RN's with less than one year experience is very difficult right now. There are numerous new grads that are still looking for jobs several months after graduation and some a year of more after graduating. I am sure that most hospitals in Denver are looking for BSN vs.an ADN. I am not sure as to the statistical average between the two yet, just speculation at this point. Maybe with your experience as a paramedic for 3 years you will have better luck. There are some "New Grad" postings that I would recommend you look at. It seems as though the market north of Pueblo,CO. is having more difficulties securing employment. Maybe by 2011 things will change, But, for right now.....the new grad job outlook seems bleak....Good luck to you!
lookingrn
26 Posts
The NoCo market for new grads is pretty tough. I graduated with a BSN from UNC in May, and the majority of my class is still looking for jobs. Some of those that got jobs moved away in order to get work. When something comes up for new grads, I think about 100 of us pile on all at once!
PVHS is a great system. I did an internship and several clinical rotations at PVH and I was so impressed. Banner is also an excellent system -- I did my med/surg at McKee, and thought it was a good, small hospital. I'm less familiar with NCMC.
I wouldn't discourage you from coming, but it might be easier if you get a full year experience before you make the move.
hope3456, ASN, RN
1,263 Posts
I also left FoCo b/c lack of employment opportunity - there are several nsg schools in northern CO graduating far more RN's each year than can be absorbed by the local hospitals. FC/ Loveland are also 'choice' places to live so they don't have problems recruiting 'experienced' RN's from other locales.
Thank you all for the input. This is basically the gist of what I've already seen/heard. Not discouraging me from moving, though, since escaping KS has been a goal of mine for about 15 years now.
I am willing to make the commute to the denver area if need be. Would that help my chances of landing a job, or is it more of the same in the Denver area too? Thanks.
I'm not totally sure about the Denver area, but I have applied extensively down there as well and had the same experience. I think 6 months of experience will help more there than it will up here in NoCo, but not totally sure.
It it were me, I would get the job first and then move. You'll get her, it just might take an extra 6-12 months.
Akeos
131 Posts
It's terrible in denver here I've heard every new grad job thats posted gets blasted with 200-500 applicants. Most position require a year or more of experience.
~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN
5,259 Posts
PVH just merged with Longmont United Hospital and Greeley medical centers, they are building a new facility in Firestone, this will be good news as far as the job market is concerned.
RNlovesherPharmD
100 Posts
Do you know the status of this new facility? What facility do you currently work at? Thanks!
I will ask about what the latest word on it is. I believe it's 1-2 years out. The website might have info on it. But I start my preceptorship at PVH soon, (currently at Banner) and I can ask around.
I was also told their is a huge new VA being built in Denver area, that one I believe is a few years out to when it will open but it will open a lot of jobs.
Argo
1,221 Posts
Personally I would get a job wherever you can find one, anywhere in the country in your desired specialty. Then I would move where I wanted to after a year or two.