Relocating to TX Houston/Katy area

fourpeat · Apr 25, 2015

I suggest you start applying for internships and residencies early, its very very competitive out in Houston. Even though a lot of hospitals say BSN preferred or required, just apply anyway. Try to get into their career meet and greets/tours/career fairs where recruiters and HR can actually look at you and speak with you. If you have any connections, use them, because everyone else does. If you have the time/resources, the VA in Houston hires new grads and ADNs, the interviewing process is just very long. Good luck!

RNintraining17 · Apr 26, 2015

Thanks for your reply. You mentioned somethings that I have not considered but will now. I have one question for you though. I am a very organized person and tend to get a jump on everything and my early may be too overly dramatic. So when you say early, what time frame do you mean?

fourpeat · Apr 27, 2015

Usually the time to jump on those things is at the beginning to middle of your 4th semester. The hospitals open up their applications at very different times so just pay attention to when they post their application openings. You can use this semester to network a little and try to get your foot in the door/connections. Also, I found it very frustrating that recruiters and HR rarely answer calls or emails, just be persistent. Try making an appointment with the recruiters at some point to talk to them about the hospital. Some are rude and try to push you out the door but it really helps for them to interact with you and not just your resume. Thats how I got the job that I currently have, I just did a drop by and asked them what positions are available soon and I got fast tracked through the application process.

RNintraining17 · Apr 27, 2015

Thank you so much.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 27, 2015

Agree with PP's advice. There are a ton of new graduates spilling into the market each semester in the Houston metro area. The primary hospital systems have all made the transition to BSN-only for new grads, but anything's possible. If you have a stellar GPA & top-notch exit test scores, it will add value to your job hunt..... yes, this information is used in new grad selection decisions in the Houston metro area.

With the abundance of new grads in that area, it is doubtful that you will be offered any recruitment incentives. If you look farther afield - into smaller cities or less desirable locations, you may find relo packages for new grads.

Best of luck to you in your job search.