beattheodds94

Hello All, I currently live in NY where I graduated with my BSN and passed the NCLEX. I just got married also and the husband and I are moving to Dallas, Texas for economical reasons. I just got a temporary Texas license and will be doing the test soon to complete my licensure. Also forgot to mention I've been an LPN for 5years (since I was 18 y.o). I've been looking online at jobs and from what I gather, residency programs are required if I have less than or no experience as a RN. Also gathered that these residency programs are highly competitive (like getting into nursing school) and pay from $20-$30/hr for a 2 year commitment. Am I the only one that thinks this is some kinda of ruse to get new grads for the cheaper rate than experienced RN? Was our clinical experience and training in school not enough or valid. I thought that was the point of clincals, to be trained for the workforce. I guess I'm just used to NY giving new grads a chance starting them on $40/hr. Sorry I got side tracked with a rant. Job hunting is frustrating!!! Anyways my question is it possible to get an RN job in a hospital without residency? I have read some post where people got nursing jobs as new grads because of a hospital shortage. Is there any hospitals that are desperate for nurses in the Dallas Texas area, Plano, Mesquite, Dallas Forth Worth? Thanks in advance for kind advice and help.

To address the availability of jobs as an LPN heavily depends on your experience in the healthcare. Since you an aide, it would look good on your resume. As an LPN in NYC I find many job offers in nursing homes and in home care(visiting nurse). I have to agree with my fellow nurses who commented that you should become an RN. LPN is a stepping stone to an ideal nursing career which starts with becoming an RN. I consider being an aide a stepping stone too, and frankly there's no need to add LPN under your belt. There are plenty of job opportunities for RNs vs. LPNs.