Trying to figure out the best job applying strategy.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 26, 2013

I have no ideas what the market is like anywhere else, but if the big cities are that particular then a smaller town makes sense. People have to want to live or travel to the smaller towns and those hospitals do not always get a selection of nurses. On the other hand, they probably keep the nurses they get forever, which is not always a good thing. Wish I could help you. I do know that new grads are being hired in many Texas cities due to expansion in population.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 26, 2013

Moved to First Job Hunt Assistance to help you out, since you're looking outside of CA.

ILUVFLRN · Dec 27, 2013

I, too, had been seeking employment as a new grad in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was impossible for me to find a position - I graduated with a BSN from the University of Florida - this makes the job search much more difficult because I am from out of state. I hold two licenses (FL and CA) and applied for over 30 jobs - no one was willing to hire without experience. I was also told that 40-45% of new grads in California are unemployed for at least 6 months after graduating. I left California and returned to Florida where I accepted a position as a new grad OR RN. Within two weeks of returning back home and submitting applications, I was offered the position. I am so thankful! Definitely think about relocating to a big city (I know Orlando and South Florida are looking for new grads) and best of luck to you.

Guests · Dec 27, 2013

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and know I have almost no chance of getting a new grad job here, so I am looking elsewhere including out of state. I just started seriously job hunting and I'm not sure if I should focus on big cities, but in other states or small towns. I have been applying to places in Seattle, and will apply to places in Portland and other large cities, but I'm thinking I should be looking away from the cities and in the smaller towns. Any advice?

The job market in Portland and Seattle is about as brutal as it is in SF.

I work with several nurses who graduated from Bay Area nursing schools but got their starts in southern Texas in 2010... I can't recall the town... it wasn't a big city, though.

I also know several people who got their starts in the little hospitals that dot the run up I-5 from Sacramento (including 50 miles on either side of the highway).

I also know several folks from the Bay Area and Sacramento who got their starts in Stockton.

Finally, the economy in North Dakota is booming which probably bodes well for nursing jobs there.

I don't think you should *focus* anywhere... rather, I'd suggest a broad shotgun approach. Recognize, though, that little towns and remote rural hospitals have the most difficulty in recruiting and retaining so may offer your best chance.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 1, 2014

Look at areas of population growth-- suburbs, smaller towns within acceptable commuting distance to industry or office life or with booming energy-sector jobs, for example. Then look at the community hospitals in those areas. People may accept a commute of an hour or more to their jobs, but they generally want their medical care close to their homes.

And remember, although the hourly wage in the city looks big and makes you turn up your nose at the lower wages in the 'burbs or beyond, remember that your costs of living, entertainment, insurance, and housing will all be a lot lower out there, too. An extra $20K in salary can go away in a big hurry in the city where a studio apartment will run you $1800/month, parking is astronomical, and dinner and a movie is $100.