What's the nursing demand in Texas?

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Mar 4, 2013

I know Dallas new grads have it tough, because there are several nursing schools that are putting out GN's several times a year. And GN internships are not as common as they used to be. I have several students from the school I am teaching at that can not find jobs at this time. Many students that have jobs started in that hospital as an aide or an extern.

If you are set on Dallas, just don't give up and keep applying. And keep in mind that there are plenty of hospitals outside of big cities like Dallas that are still looking for GN's.

I am not sure of other Texas areas.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 5, 2013

Most hospitals in larger cities are only hiring BSN new grads. So if you're job hunting, you should focus on smaller cities or rural areas. I would encourage you to check out the CHRISTUS Spohn system in Corpus Christi - it's on the Gulf and they are new grad friendly. If possible, go ahead and get your Tx license ASAP - There are tons of new grads out there, so recruiters are not going to give my much attention unless you are 'good to go' for work. If you can land a job, it is very unlikely to include any relocation allowance. Please don't move until you have a job confirmed.

Best wishes. If you have any specific questions about nursing in Tx, we'll be happy to answer them.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Mar 5, 2013

I agree, you are better off applying to hospitals in smaller cities or rural areas as opposed to in city (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, etc). The market is tough in cities because of the nursing schools putting out GNs. Internships are harder to come by and are becoming increasingly competitive.

Scott & White has several locations throughout central Texas but their main campus is in Temple which is about an hour from Austin. They have internships for new grads in June and January each year in various areas. They are very competitive but the hospital is well-known in that area. There are also hospitals in Round Rock, about 20 minutes from downtown Austin - Seton (Williamson campus), Scott & White and St. David's. All well-known. Seton and St. David's also have internships for new grads.

dyanne23-RN · Mar 6, 2013

I am a RN with my ADN, I moved from Arizona for a job as a new grad in San Antonio. The job market in az for a new grad is rough. Put in over 200 apps with nothing. Put in 1 app here in Texas and got the job. Hope this helps :)

Stephalump · Mar 6, 2013

From what I can tell, the market is manageable for RNs with experience and BSN new grads. A bit rougher for ADN new grads, especially without any "foot in the door" prior to graduation.

blueorchid981 · Mar 6, 2013

I am a RN with my ADN, I moved from Arizona for a job as a new grad in San Antonio. The job market in az for a new grad is rough. Put in over 200 apps with nothing. Put in 1 app here in Texas and got the job. Hope this helps :)

Where did you apply in San Antonio??

dyanne23-RN · Mar 7, 2013

Baptist health system

ArvinC EMT, ADN, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2013

Thanks for your replies! What hospitals are there in the rural areas, I want to stay near houston, so sugarland and katy?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2013

Thanks for your replies! What hospitals are there in the rural areas, I want to stay near houston, so sugarland and katy?

A 'rural' area is typically located more than 100 miles from a major metropolitan area. Katy, Sugarland, and the rest of the Houston-area suburbs are very much a part of the Houston metro area, so you will be competing with the rest of the Houstonians for a limited number of new grad nursing jobs.

The chances of new grads with associate degrees finding work increase in towns and cities such as Abilene, Tyler, Marshall, Lubbock, Longview, Eagle Pass, College Station, Victoria, etc.