Where to license??

[ICURNGUY]

My question is where to get my license? Should I take my NCLEX and license in TX, or just go to MA? I am in nursing school and will graduate in Dec. of 08. I live and work in Austin TX, but plan to move to Boston right after NS. Late Dec. 08, in fact. I had a TL explain that we aren't in the contract with MA, but there are some "walk thru" states where I can show my TX license and obtain my MA so that I may work there. Does anyone know this to be the case? I am having a hard time finding New Grad positions, unlike in TX. Can I get any suggestions? I am on a website listing all hospitals in MA and submitting my resume to everyone. Congrats to this area for not having the serious shortage as we do. I appreciate any information and can't wait to rub elbows with ya'll!!

[HappyPediRN]

Oops, I meant to reply not thank. Is there any particular reason you're choosing MA? It's really not a good time to move...most Boston hospitals are on a hiring freeze, and some hospitals have not posted new nursing positions in MONTHS. I have applied to every hospital in MA, as well as several hospitals in RI and NH and only heard back from one. I still do not have a job and graduated Magna Cum Laude, Dean's List every semester, awards at my work, three CNA jobs fulltime while in school, and EXCELLENT references/letters of recommendation. I really would rethink coming to MA. The economy is very poor, budget deficit high, and no relief in sight with the cost of living is increasing exponentially by the day. The two year job forecast is relatively bleak. I don't mean to discourage you, but I speak from experience as I've been actively job searching for eight months and know several new grads who are still waiting for RN positions over a year later....I would stick to the midwest where the nursing shortage is dire and hiring new grads is common. Good luck.

[ladybugsea]

Austin - I agree with Octoberbride 100%. Unless you have an amazing connection, it would be a much better bet not to come to MA.

Octoberbride - where did you learn about the 2-year job forecast? Yikes, this is getting worse and worse.

[HappyPediRN]

Ladybug, a nurse recruiter told me about it. She said it's based on budget, the % of nurses back in the work force, and the economy. There are other factors like # of annual new graduate nurses and census figures but the first three are the major ones. That's the basic gist of it.

[ladybugsea]

Wow, thanks, that's good to know. I was hoping to get something in Jan/Feb when preceptors are free again and some hospitals claim they 'may' run orientations again. But with so many new grads still unemployed, that may be grim, too. I never in a million years thought I would have this much trouble getting a job.