Opportunities for newer nurse relocating to MA?

[angelkerri]

Okay, so I am more or less the poster child for a young nurse in this current job market. I graduated from University with my BSN in Dec 2009 and all I was able to find in my local area was a long term care job. Before I took the job, I was worried that I would forever be labeled a LTC nurse if I didn't try to seek Med Surg work in a hospital right away, but it was either that or get no experience as a nurse at all. I am looking to make a change. I currently live in MO and am processing to get into the Army Reserves Nurse Corps which is great but only a part-time gig so I can feel out the military and see if I like it and possibly try to apply for Active Duty when my Reserve committment is over. I have been wanting to make a change for some time and have had a yen to go to the East Coast. I am planning on moving to MA this summer and am desperate to break out of the LTC world...I don't necessarily fancy hospital work, but it seems to be a major pre-req for just about every other nursing job out there. I have a lot of nursing interests that I want to explore so that I can finally find my place (in particular I'm interested in exploring psych nursing, hospice nursing or outpatient settings--nontraditional hospital roles, but hospital experience still seems to be required).

So with that in place, I guess I have a lot of questions...

I've asked around and I've heard that I can possibly get my foot in the door by trying to sign on with an agency that will offer per diem work? How do I find such agencies? Just an internet search? Am I still eligible for new grad programs if my LTC experience is deemed insufficient? Military Nurses: Would my Reserve Unit be a good resource for finding employment or is that out of their scope?

I have lived in MO for a total of 8 years now and I am ready to break out of this rut. For my experience and background I am SMART. I was one of the best students in my graduating class. My brain is hard wired for Med Surg--I barely studied in nursing school and still got A's in both Med Surg classes while the rest of my fellow students stressed out big time. The facility I currently work at takes on a lot of acute patients--some of whom I've felt dubious about as they seemed more fit to be in a PACU than a SNF. If anyone could give me any advice, point me in the right direction...I would be more grateful than you could ever know!!

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

My honest opinion: Don't move to Massachusetts. The job market for nurses, even experienced ones, is terrible. There are very few open positions. You wouldn't be qualified for a new grad program and most hospitals here won't consider LTC experience for hospital positions. As far as I know, agencies around here require at least a year of experience. You'd probably be able to find something in a nursing home or rehab, but you're trying to break out of that area. You could try and apply to hospitals because you never know, but it wouldn't be smart to move here until you find a job first. I hate to sound so negative, but it's just how things are right now in MA.

[dtrmnd2sccd]

MA grads are moving out of state to find jobs--this is one of the worst places in the country to come. Nationwide the vacancy rate is 4%, but here in MA it is only 1%. Try and get hospital experience anywhere but here in MA first, then you might have a chance of breaking into the local hospital scene ... it's beyond grim here right now.

Classmates who graduated in May have been looking for a year, did clinicals in the Boston hospitals, have great resumes and great LOCAL references, but still can't break in.

I got really, really lucky, had worked as a CNA in an ICU at one of the Boston teaching hospitals, and that opened a few doors for me.

If there's anywhere else you can move to, try there first...

[angelkerri]

Hmmm thanks for the tips...I am honestly interested in New England in general...MA is only on the radar as my friend lives there. What about surrounding states?

[NeoPediRN]

Angel, try Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH. They hire new grads and less experienced nurses, and are hurting for med-surg nurses right now.

[angelkerri]

Thank you so much for the tip! I believe NH is a compact state too? My license is currently in MO so that's one less expense!

[cengu87]

I know this is a couple of months old, but if you're still looking, I work for a pediatric home care agency called Family Lives. It is full-time work. Also, Partners Home Care does per-diem private duty nursing, and they hire new grads.

[angelkerri]

Thanks for the tip! I've been in Mass 3 weeks now and am starting floor orientation for a per diem SNF not too far from my apt. I'm still interested in trying to find something a bit more permanent with a bit more hours so this helps. I will try and get in touch with them.