The reason Texas has jobs - nursing and otherwise - is because of our growth & basically stable economy. Although the 2010 census figures are not final, the preliminary results show that we have had a very large population increase. http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/ It's enough to get us another state representative - and the 'official' figures probably do include all of our 'unofficial' immigrants - LOL.
Our state constitution forbids operating in the red, so we have to balance the budget each year. That has a positive effect but also means that funding for social support/entitlement programs is pretty near the bottom of the rung. No state income tax - so that's also a real plus. As a native Texan, I can assure you that it's a good place to live if you're willing and able to work -- otherwise, not so much.
Most of our metro areas are pretty saturated with new grads, and I understand that even experienced nurses are having a hard time in the DFW area - but Houston has jobs for experienced nurses. Smaller metro areas continue to hire.
It might just be worth mentioning, as no more than a secondary consideration when thinking of relocating--taxes are the primary funding source for governments. States without personal income taxes--TX, FL, etc.--simply have higher rates on other taxes, and make more things (than elsewhere) taxable.
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
Property taxes in Texas are through the roof in comparison to the rest of the country, but housing is comparatively inexpensive. It all kind of balances out. Sales tax is 8.25%, which is huge compared to most other states as well. And toll roads are ridiculously expensive here. About $1.70 per toll every five to seven miles.
If you are thinking about Texas I encourage you to look in the Texas state forum where new grads are detailing their struggles as we speak. The above post about San Antonio is the first I have heard anyone state there are "plentiful" jobs for new graduates in that area. Most have said the opposite, so definitely do some research. I see a frightening number of people packing up with plans to move here before even getting hired.
It seems that my rather benign post started quite a stir. Not my intention. I was only referencing what I have read on this forum recently and suggested the OP look up those posts on their own It was not my intention to "spread rumors" by any means. Just to forward on some information that I have personally read here on AN. I also would like to reference what I had read awhile ago when researching the economy and unemployment rates by state... another poster mentioned ND. Here is what I found http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm, I believe there is an article about this topic as well, on the same site but I'm too tired to find it right now. Sorry To the OP I wish you much luck in finding a wonderful position that is right for you. I did not mean to lead you astray, i was just trying to help. Best of luck to you and to everyone who is seeking employment now. D :)
Specializes in med/surg/tele/LTC/homecare/correctional/.
SIgn -on bonuses are a form of wholesale advertising fraud . Here in PA, not ONE nurse that I know ever collected a sign on bonus as promised. They are not sign on bonuses. They are paid after 6 months to 1 year of work, depending on the hospital/SNF. They will have you packed-up and fired before any bonus takes place. Not one single hospital in PA or in NJ is hiring right now, yet their job boards are packed with jobs. Wholesale FRAUD! ANd beware of the Bayada , PSA and all other homecare advertisers. They will waste your time and gas to get you to apply, when they have no work. They want a seat warmer in case they get a new client. LVH and St. Luke's Hosp in Allentown PA are the most famous for firing every nurse they hire within a few months to 1 year. Dont bother applying to either one.
I wish people would stop spreading the myth about plentiful jobs in Texas. Most of the major metro areas (Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth) are totally flooded with unemployed new grads in addition to the masses of experienced nurses who have moved here from other states. The cities have too many nurses and not enough nursing jobs.
Usually people take a comment and run with it,no verifications or nothing. That is ow rumour spreads fast.
I wish people would stop spreading the myth about plentiful jobs in Texas. Most of the major metro areas (Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth) are totally flooded with unemployed new grads in addition to the masses of experienced nurses who have moved here from other states. The cities have too many nurses and not enough nursing jobs.
Seriously agree!!! The ONLY places in Texas that are hiring like crazy are the small SMALL cities or cities in Rural areas or by South texas and the border towns... that's it!!!! But people aren't willing to move out there. People keep flocking to Houston, Austin, and Dallas when hometowners aren't even getting jobs. Frustrating!
I am an older person beginning a 2nd career. Many posts have suggested getting an RN associates degree, then working while getting a BSN. However, I am concerned that the job market for RN Associates is not good and that I would not be able to get a job, so considering going into debt and going first for BSN. Any thoughts? I am in Baltimore, MD
Specializes in Cardiopulmonary Stepdown/Cath Lab, ICU.
I feel it's difficult to judge what the need actually is. As I've heard companies, hospitals included, always have jobs posted that aren't really there to make it look like they are actively seeking applicants. This explains those automated responses you get 5 hours after sending an application in. Some sort of regulations BS.
I live in Wisconsin and if you're wiling to relocate you can find jobs, especially in the smaller towns. Had 3 job offers as a new grad within 2 months, and 2 more after I started orientation. I wasn't being picky I just wanted to get in somewhere fast and build my experience.
I took the job in the big city and moved across the state. My hospital recently had 82 applicant's for 1 RN position on my floor. But it is also Spring and there are a lot of nursing schools in the area, so it depends on the time of year as well.
I feel there is definitely no shortage of nurses as they loved to tell us in nursing school though.
Yes - I think an RN can get a good job if s/he is willing to roll the relocation dice :) I received a full critical care internship of 4 months, full relocation package including gas money, and most importantly the confidence to become the nurse that I am today. But I did give up a lot for this - leaving my home and my husband's job. It was very hard.
Myra Brosius from above: I don't know a heck of a lot about Baltimore. When I sent out my application spree a long while ago, I don't think Hopkins or UMMC were hiring. I will be honest: I think you will have a hard time finding work, but it won't be impossible. If you truly want to be a nurse and are committed to becoming the best nurse you can be, I say go for it! We need quality people going into the field who want to be at the bedside, not those just looking for $ or those who didn't get into med school. Best of luck to you!
To add to the relocation thing.......most people seem to forget lots of times many locals will treat you as an outsider.
Conisder this-when i moved to an area down south,an a rural area,i applied to many jobs. Many locals did too. i didnt get hired,but they did. I later learned,if you werent from the area,you didnt get hired. It was as if you were taking a job from the locals.
2.Another point......when most people say nursing jobs are plentiful,they may be right or wrong.
I find they dont mean "hospital jobs". Most of the time they mean home care and LTC.
Ex:Texas...they do have plentiful jobs.......in Ltc or HH. So one may have to go that route to stay employed.
To the OP I wish you much luck in finding a wonderful position that is right for you. I did not mean to lead you astray, i was just trying to help. Best of luck to you and to everyone who is seeking employment now. D :)
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
The reason Texas has jobs - nursing and otherwise - is because of our growth & basically stable economy. Although the 2010 census figures are not final, the preliminary results show that we have had a very large population increase. http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/ It's enough to get us another state representative - and the 'official' figures probably do include all of our 'unofficial' immigrants - LOL.
Our state constitution forbids operating in the red, so we have to balance the budget each year. That has a positive effect but also means that funding for social support/entitlement programs is pretty near the bottom of the rung. No state income tax - so that's also a real plus. As a native Texan, I can assure you that it's a good place to live if you're willing and able to work -- otherwise, not so much.
Most of our metro areas are pretty saturated with new grads, and I understand that even experienced nurses are having a hard time in the DFW area - but Houston has jobs for experienced nurses. Smaller metro areas continue to hire.