Relocating to the Tampa Bay area

[MissieTodd]

My family and i will be relocating to the Tampa bay area this summer. I am currently in my last semester of nursing school in IL and expect to sit for my NCLEX in June. Is there anyone who can share information about the job market for RNs in the area? I am very nervous about finding a job as a new grad from out of state. I am open to non hospital jobs as well as part time or PRN possitions. Any advice would be greatly appriciated. Thank you

[alainaRN]

I can say that Florida is tough right now for new grads. I graduated in August 2013 with my BSN and stayed home with my son who was born in September. I only wanted to stay home for a few months but am now on my fifth month and still looking for a position on the Tampa/Orlando area. I'm not sure how other states are but in Florida, new grads almost always have to start in residency programs and are required to sign a 2 year contract with that hospital. There are so many nursing schools and so many new grads that every hospitals program is very competitive. I have three years of tech experience, honor student, and have my BSN and didn't even receive an interview with Florida Hospital Orlando or All Childrens. I'd say make sure you have your Fl license before moving here and you will need your BSN at a lot of the hospitals residencies because they are going for magnet status. I hope I helped a bit, if you have other questions feel free to ask.