Soon-To-Be-New-Nurse Hunting A Job Outside Of Her Territory

[EquiDiva]

Hello fellow medical professionals! I am a current nursing student that will (God willing) graduate next fall as an RN. I am currently in Alabama, however there is a VERY strong possibility that I will end up in Texas by the end of the next year (post graduation of course). I would very much like to get on an ICU unit or ER - something dealing with trauma/critical care. I have absolutely no idea of which hospitals to start looking at. Can anyone point me in a good direction of new-graduate friendly hospitals in the Ft. Worth area? I do understand that most units like that require a minimum of 6 months - 2 years experience before hiring you and I'm more than willing to put my time in. Any help to narrow down my hospital searching would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hopefully, you are a BSN grad, because otherwise, chances of employment as a new grad are extremely slim in DFW hospitals. This is also the case in all other large metro areas in Texas. Everyone is moving toward the "80% BSN" staff recommended by IOM and required for Magnet. Local new grads have the edge - transition programs (residencies, internships, etc.) are filled with grads that have done rotations in that setting.

You will have better luck with outlying community hospitals or those in smaller cities & rural areas. It appears that your move may be due to a family relocation so I understand that you may have little choice as to the location. If this is the case, I would strongly advise you to get as much training & certification as you can. Things like ACLS, ATLS, EKG certification, phlebotomy certification, etc... will help you stand out from the herd.

Good luck!