Relocating for work- Fort Worth?

Published

Specializes in Emergency Room Nursing.

Hello everyone,

I will soon be a new grad- May 21st in a BSN program. I am a Canadian nurse (LPN currently) looking to relocate to a sunny state. I was looking at larger centres in hopes of finding good medical centres... particularly teaching hospitals or hospitals with paid residency/preceptorships. I am looking to transition well into the RN role with guidance from this sort of program. I also am looking to get into a speciality... I'm interested in renal. Is there any teaching hospitals or hospitals with these types of opportunities? How hard is it to get trained in a speciality after a residency program? How desperate are these cities for nurses? How are they for living? Any relocating bonuses? I'm looking for a city with lots to do, a good amount of accommodations for a decent price r/t income. Also some insight as to how you've enjoyed/disliked living in these cities would be great!

And of course, I welcome particularly experiences from those either from Canada who relocated to the US or from a small town to a larger city!

Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Hey, there. Welcome to the US!

I have been living in Fort Worth for 10 years and I can unequivocally tell you that this city is not desperate for nurses by a long shot. There are multiple nursing schools in and around the city that supply a steady stream of cheap new grad nursing labor to the local healthcare facilities several times a year. Essentially, a surplus of nurses has developed here over the past 5 to 7 years.

As far as renal opportunities are concerned, you'll find that at John Peter Smith (the county hospital; it is also a teaching hospital), Harris Methodist, and several other facilities. There are also multiple freestanding dialysis centers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I second that ^

I live in this area at it is VERY competitive for residency/intern programs. There are many many schools around here and unless you already work as a tech or other role in the hospital you are applying to its VERY hard to get a spot.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room Nursing.

Aww darn you guys. It just so happened that all places I was looking to relocate this was my top pick so of course it has to be the one that doesn't need nurses ;). I was particularly interested because of what I had read about the health care environment and what I had found in regards to cost of living and salary.

Thanks for your help.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Aww darn you guys. It just so happened that all places I was looking to relocate this was my top pick so of course it has to be the one that doesn't need nurses ;). I was particularly interested because of what I had read about the health care environment and what I had found in regards to cost of living and salary.

Thanks for your help.

I'm not saying it's not possible! If you have experience it's easier to get into a position here :)

Anything is possible, you could always apply and see what happens.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room Nursing.
I'm not saying it's not possible! If you have experience it's easier to get into a position here :)

Anything is possible, you could always apply and see what happens.

I have experience as an LPN, but I don't know how helpful that will be when I am done as an RN in May..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I have experience as an LPN, but I don't know how helpful that will be when I am done as an RN in May..
Some of the local hospital systems, such as John Peter Smith and UT Southwestern, grant RNs credit for possessing LPN work experience. It may or may not give you an edge in the job market.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Room Nursing.
Some of the local hospital systems, such as John Peter Smith and UT Southwestern, grant RNs credit for possessing LPN work experience. It may or may not give you an edge in the job market.

Thanks! I will keep this in mind and try anyways :) can't hurt!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Some of the local hospital systems, such as John Peter Smith and UT Southwestern, grant RNs credit for possessing LPN work experience. It may or may not give you an edge in the job market.

I heard through the grapevine that UT southwestern is looking for BSNs only. So that would weed out the ADNS in the area as far as competition, I do think your LPN experience would help for sure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion