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!

Thanks for your thorough reply, Greg! Sorry for my late response... I wrongly expected allnurses to send an e-mail if anyone replied, so I didn't bother to log in to check responses. We made a whirlwind trip to Michigan this weekend and determined that we would settle in Kalamazoo if my husband accepts the job and I would therefore focus my job search at the jobs in and around Kalamazoo (Looks like Bronson is the main contender?). It's good to know that there are so many hospitals around western Michigan if I ever need/want to travel the extra distance! Thanks for all your information; I have heard very good things about Spectrum. I have a hard time gauging the job market in the continental U.S... Given your experience at Spectrum, are nurses with at least one-year med/surg experience having difficulty getting jobs in the acute care setting at good hospitals in Michigan (are hospitals demanding more experience?), or is it only new grads that are having difficult getting that first job?

Hi everyone! I've lurked on this website for years and am coming out of the woodwork because I'm driving myself crazy and need your advice! My husband is seriously being considered for a job in Michigan (we live out of state). The job's location would potentially allow me to work in either Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, or Lansing and where I end up working would determine where we purchase a house. By the time we would move, I will have one year of experience on a med-surg floor and be halfway through a BSN program. My future goals are to specialize in critical care and potentially get a masters degree. From my reading, it appears that Spectrum in Grand Rapids, Bronson in Kalamazoo, and Sparrow in Lansing have good reviews. Given my background and future goals, do one of these cities stand out as a city I should focus my efforts (best city for nursing job opportunities and advancement, education opportunities, hospital with happiest employees, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your help! Any information will help relieve my immense anxiety over a potential move :)