Relocating to WA or OR as a new grad? Terrible idea, right?

[smellyacres, BSN, RN]

Hey everyone!!

Alright, so I know finding a new grad job is hard enough, let alone looking for one in a different state from where you graduate and get initial licensure, however hoping someone has helpful information for me anyhoo.

I'm graduating with my BSN in August in SoCal, and have a strong desire to move to northern Oregon. Honestly, anywhere in the Oregon or Washington vicinity would be fine with me. My grandmother is 92, recently moved to assisted living, and is lonely. Her son/grandson visit occasionally but her other three grandchildren in the area act like she doesn't exist. I've never lived in the same city as her and truly believe she deserves more companionship in this lifetime - I want to be there for her. She helped me tremendously with getting through nursing school as well.

Back to my actual question... do any of you have advice/encouraging words/success stories about relocating to this area from another state right after graduation.

I plan to get my initial licensure in CA as it is much more realistic to get a job here. I plan to apply for endorsement for OR and WA asap, I know it can take a few months.

I feel like I have a strong resume. A lot of volunteer experience, 150+ hr student internship in ICU, ran my university's tutoring program and tutored med-surg, strong GPA, worked all throughout school in restaurant industry, long list of certifications (ACLS, Pharm/EKG, NIHSS, etc,) and so on and so on. I just know it can be a pain in the royal behind to find work as a new grad in a different state.

I know I can also work in a hospital for a year or two, fly out to visit frequently, and then move once I have experience. That is my plan if relocating after graduation fails. She's just getting up there in age and time is a precious thing to waste.

Any words of encouragement/kind discouragement/advice/wisdom/etc is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[kalycat, BSN, RN]

I would probably try to avoid Portland if possible. Very tough market for new grads right now. Lots of nursing schools in the area. You may have better luck in outlying areas or Vancouver.

Seattle/Tacoma is better with many, many new grad residency programs but it is still very competitive. Spokane has a pretty solid market for new grads if you're not looking to walk in to an ICU, PICU, or ED job. Med surg, oncology, pulmonary, ortho, and cardiac all are pretty new grad friendly in Eastern WA.

Good luck!

[PhatRN]

On 5/20/2016 at 7:14 PM, zipadeezoe said:

Hey everyone!!

Alright, so I know finding a new grad job is hard enough, let alone looking for one in a different state from where you graduate and get initial licensure, however hoping someone has helpful information for me anyhoo.

I'm graduating with my BSN in August in SoCal, and have a strong desire to move to northern Oregon. Honestly, anywhere in the Oregon or Washington vicinity would be fine with me. My grandmother is 92, recently moved to assisted living, and is lonely. Her son/grandson visit occasionally but her other three grandchildren in the area act like she doesn't exist. I've never lived in the same city as her and truly believe she deserves more companionship in this lifetime - I want to be there for her. She helped me tremendously with getting through nursing school as well.

Back to my actual question... do any of you have advice/encouraging words/success stories about relocating to this area from another state right after graduation.

I plan to get my initial licensure in CA as it is much more realistic to get a job here. I plan to apply for endorsement for OR and WA asap, I know it can take a few months.

I feel like I have a strong resume. A lot of volunteer experience, 150+ hr student internship in ICU, ran my university's tutoring program and tutored med-surg, strong GPA, worked all throughout school in restaurant industry, long list of certifications (ACLS, Pharm/EKG, NIHSS, etc,) and so on and so on. I just know it can be a pain in the royal behind to find work as a new grad in a different state.

I know I can also work in a hospital for a year or two, fly out to visit frequently, and then move once I have experience. That is my plan if relocating after graduation fails. She's just getting up there in age and time is a precious thing to waste.

Any words of encouragement/kind discouragement/advice/wisdom/etc is much appreciated.

Thanks!

You seemed to have such a good-kind heart! The love and gratefulness that you have for your grandmother is admiring! How is your application? You can try Vancouver or Kelso-Longview area.Cost of living is a lot cheaper.Is your grandma near Wa?