Relocating for a job

[LucyWill]

Hi everyone, I currently reside in a state that has a very poor job market for new grads. I'm willing and able to relocate and was hoping to get some information from other people who moved for their first nursing job. Did you just apply online and receive interview requests or did you also try and contact the hiring managers via phone or email? During interviews how did you explain why you wanted to move to that area and why you wanted to work at their hospital? Do you base your answers off of the hospital's mission and values? I'm planning on applying in states that I have never stepped foot in. Any information about your experience relocating for a job would be greatly appreciated, thank you

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I am so sorry you are faced with such a tough decision in order to get your nursing career started. It's a double-whammy, stress-wise.... not only coping with transition from student to staff, but also dealing with living in a new area and the loss of your support network that a move entails.

Sorry I don't have a lot of personal relocation experience to share, but I do want you to take care of yourself. Be sure you have a realistic perception of the area in which you are going to be living. If possible, get a family member or close friend to travel with you and stay with you for a little while in your new place.