Nursing jobs market in Kalamazoo/Bronson Hospitals

[1981alaska]

Hi everyone!

I posted a few weeks ago about a possible move to Michigan (husband was offered a job there) and requested advice on the best city to settle. We decided that we would live in Kalamazoo and would focus my job search in the Kalamazoo area. Can anyone tell me how competitive it is to get a nursing job at a hospital in Kalamazoo, particularly at Bronson? I'll have a year of med/surg and will be halfway through an RN to BSN program at the time of the move. Is the nursing job market so difficult in (western) Michigan that the hospitals are able to demand more than a year experience, or is the job market only difficult for new graduates? (I have put in a phone call to the nurse recruiter, but the more information I can gather, the better!)

Here's the rub: My husband and I both currently have jobs that we love so we aren't forced into moving to Michigan (but there are many benefits to us moving). We're very lucky to have this opportunity. One of the biggest deciding factors as to whether or not my husband accepts this job is how likely it would be for me to get a job in Kalamazoo that is similar to what I have now (med/surg or step down). For example, the move likely isn't worth it to us if there's a high probability I couldn't work in an acute care setting. I understand no one can give me a black and white answer, but anyone with insight into the job market in Kalamazoo and especially Bronson would be very welcome!

[AnnaN5]

I wouldn't limit your search to just Bronson. Both Bronson & Borgess are large teaching hospitals. Borgess is union, Bronson is not. Both have good & bad things like any other place. I worked over 4 years on the cardiac unit at Borgess and soon will be starting an NP position at Bronson.