Starting Nursing career in a new state

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Hello Everyone,

I am currently living in Eastern North Carolina where I am also attending Nursing school. Here in Greenville, NC there is only one hospital, which is Vidant Medical Center, there are other small hospitals that are around 30-40 minutes away. I personally don't like living here; I don't feel that there are many opportunities here. After I graduate I really want to live and start my Nursing career in another state. All the states that I want to move are not compact states. Has anyone ever started their Nursing career in a new state right after graduating? If so, was it difficult finding a job in a new state? Were you able to get the job that you wanted? What was it like being in a new state?

Thanks,

S.B.

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

I completed an LVN program in California in late 2005 and relocated to Texas a few weeks after graduation. Though it was relatively easy to find work, keep in mind that there was actually a nursing shortage 10+ years ago.

There is no nationwide shortage of nurses today. Thus, carefully select the city and state where you want to live to ensure there's a demand for newly graduated nurses. Otherwise, finding work may become a difficult feat.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Remember you still have some time ahead of you! Circumstances today may not be reflective of what the nsg field may offer you when you're ready.

To assist your search, maybe start researching licensing requirements and job opportunities in a few states that you REALLY find interesting.

Be aware of the common caveats that make that initial job search difficult.

PS - a commute of 30 - 40 minutes is NO BIG DEAL for many.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care.

I highly recommend Texas, especially the Houston area, if you're looking to relocate for nursing. There are so many major hospitals here, highly ranked, and you'll gain great experience in the field. Most major hospitals in the med center have amazing nurse residency programs for new grads, and the classes are always very diverse with nurses from all over the USA. The pay is decent, especially for the cost of living, and the city is growing and extremely diverse. You'll have to be top of your class for one of the new grad programs, but if you get in, I couldn't recommend it more.

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(OP, if you're in nursing school now, and looking forward toward "starting" your nursing career, how come you have "RN" in your name?)

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(OP, if you're in nursing school now, and looking forward toward "starting" your nursing career, how come you have "RN" in your name?)
It's just a username and it was the first thing I thought of, I didn't think it was that serious. If I continue to work hard I will eventually become an RN.
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I highly recommend Texas, especially the Houston area, if you're looking to relocate for nursing. There are so many major hospitals here, highly ranked, and you'll gain great experience in the field. Most major hospitals in the med center have amazing nurse residency programs for new grads, and the classes are always very diverse with nurses from all over the USA. The pay is decent, especially for the cost of living, and the city is growing and extremely diverse. You'll have to be top of your class for one of the new grad programs, but if you get in, I couldn't recommend it more.
I have heard that Texas was a good place for Nursing. We're you in a nurse residency program in there? If so, what was it like?
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Remember you still have some time ahead of you! Circumstances today may not be reflective of what the nsg field may offer you when you're ready.

To assist your search, maybe start researching licensing requirements and job opportunities in a few states that you REALLY find interesting.

Be aware of the common caveats that make that initial job search difficult.

PS - a commute of 30 - 40 minutes is NO BIG DEAL for many.

I have already started searching the requirements for the states that I would like to go to. You have a good point; circumstances in the nursing field are constantly changing. Maybe my mind will change by the time I get my license, you never know!
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I completed an LVN program in California in late 2005 and relocated to Texas a few weeks after graduation. Though it was relatively easy to find work, keep in mind that there was actually a nursing shortage 10+ years ago.

There is no nationwide shortage of nurses today. Thus, carefully select the city and state where you want to live to ensure there's a demand for newly graduated nurses. Otherwise, finding work may become a difficult feat.

I just that thought that since I live in a small town that I could have a better chance at getting a job in a bigger town that has more hospitals and other medical facilities. Thank you for your advice!

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It's just a username and it was the first thing I thought of, I didn't think it was that serious. If I continue to work hard I will eventually become an RN.

It is "that serious." It's claiming professional credentials/licensure that you don't have, and it's a violation of the site's TOS.

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I haven't read the Terms of Service yet, oh well it's changed now.

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