Texas Nursing Job Market?

[WCSU1987]

Hi, curious on the job market in Texas. Fiancée just completed LPN school and working towards her RN now. For myself working towards completing an associate degree nursing program. We are both on the consensus of wanting to leave the State explore a new area of the US; we feel Texas is the winner for its yearly warmth. Additionally, living is much cheaper in Texas and pay for nurses from what we researched doesn't seem like a large difference. Most nurses in the hospitals make about $30 to start, some places $28. On average outside of the hospital can range from $25 to $30 an hour where we live. So again not a huge difference with pay from what we found can be seen in Texas.

Now my fiancée does not want to go for her BSN. Later in life plans to go for her MSN and become involved in education in the nursing field. For me I want to achieve my BSN sooner than later. Eventually like to go for my APRN possibly in the pscyh field; would make the most sense I have a good number of years of work experience in psych. Now should I obtain my BSN prior to job searching in Texas? Only reason rather achieve my BSN in Texas is tuition is cheaper in Texas. Since I already have a bachelor's degree not paying much for the associate program maybe at most $2K a semester for 8-10 credits. Now with the bachelor's program it'll run me close to $20K where I probably use financial aid at that point.

Do you think before looking at Texas achieve my BSN or head down with my associate degree? I am okay working outside of the hospital while working on my BSN.

Appreciate the feedback.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hi there.

TX has a lot of variability in terms of climate, geography, culture, economy & of course, nursing job market. If you want more accurate feedback, you'll have to indicate what area you're interested in. Hospitals in major metro areas have pretty much made the leap into BSN-only, although there are some independent facilities that are still hiring ADNs. There are still ADN jobs in non-acute settings. New BSN grads are having an easier time landing hospital jobs but in the larger healthcare systems, the only way in is via a formal program (e.g., residency) that is scheduled once or twice a year.

Nursing salaries are variable also. Many people are surprised at low Austin salaries & high housing costs, but it's strictly supply and demand..... an effect of the influx of (non-Texan) people who think it's a "wonderful" place to live. At the moment, it appears that the Houston area is in the lead ($30 base for new grads in Texas Medical Center). San Antonio salaries are low. You may want to take a look at the Hill Country (Fredericksburg). Award winning hospital, great climate & scenery, close proximity to cities. Another nice area is Tyler (East Texas). I believe that both areas are still ADN-friendly.

Housing costs are on their way up. Houston used to be a mecca for bargain hunters, but that has really changed within the last 3 years... apartment rents are soaring now. DFW area is very spread out, with reasonably priced apartments in many areas.

We do have relatively low in-state tuition at state (tax supported) schools, but unless you're moving from a neighboring state (which has a collaborative state agreement) you'll have to establish residency in order to avoid paying out-of-state tuition. Nursing school admission is still extremely competitive, even at the graduate level, for the top schools. RN-BSN admissions are a bit easier but still competitive outside the commercial (investor owned) programs.

My advice? Decide where you want to move and then focus your investigation in that area.