Why is it so hard to get RN job in Vegas?

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Hi! We recently moved to the Las Vegas, NV area for my husband's work and I am having a very difficult time finding a job. I have applied to a bunch of different opportunities, but have yet to get a call. Is it difficult to be noticed here as a RN? I have 5.5 years experience in ICUs and Ambulatory Surgery Centers so am having a hard time figuring out why I cannot even get an interview. Thanks for any info! 

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Look at Henderson, NV area facilities.  Indeed.com has several Vegas + Henderson area positions listed.  Easier to get job when currently employed versus changing states these days.  Keep trying. 

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Any luck finding a job yet? I'm just a new grad and I'm having difficulty as expected, trying SNFs and rehabs too. Everyone wants experience that you have. So I'm wondering if maybe it's how your resume is worded or if HR is just taking time going through applications. I'm sure you'll get something soon, if you haven't already.

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I am having the exact same issue. We also moved here for my husbands job and I have 4 years of experience in step- down and peri-operative surgery. I have applied to 20+ positions and have not gotten a single interview. The only emails back I get are that the position is no longer available or they have chosen another candidate. I feel like I've applied to every hospital in Vegas and Henderson at this point. I've had my resume reviewed and everything, just getting discouraged.

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I have found that emailing the recruiter that sends you the 'rejection' email gets your foot in the door. I received a rejection email and explained that I am having a hard time finding a job and they emailed back with positions that they are recruiting for, and that I would be a good fit for and then they sent my resume to the hiring manager. It seems like out here you have to get a foot in the door somehow, which is so different than what I am used to. 

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, day surgery, ped private duty.

I moved here in July and got lucky with an interview at my #1 choice hospital, SRH, 2 days after I got here. Unfortunately being busy with my move, I had a short prep time for my interview = I interviewed poorly but kept hope alive, didn't apply anywhere else, and got a rejection email after 2 months in September. After that I begrudgingly applied to dialysis and my 2nd choice hospital, WHH.

Out of nowhere my #1 choice hospital called me back for another interview. Also, in that same week the dialysis and 2nd choice hospital called me to schedule for an interview.

I had all 3 interviews the same week, 2nd choice on a Tuesday, and dialysis phone interview and 1st choice on a Wednesday.

I did a better interview prep this time around and got hired at my 1st choice, the dialysis left me a message to schedule a 2nd interview, and got an email from the 2nd choice saying they're interested in me and will be in contact because their start date is in December/January 2025.

People in FB kept saying hospitals are slow to respond, so I clung to that and waited patiently. I start orientation in November. From July to November, I was/will have been unemployed/job hunting for 4 months.

Why did I get interviews?

1. I can only guess it's bc I have almost 3 years med surg experience, so I'm experienced enough, but not enough to be expensive.

2. Timing. SRH just opened/built a new unit. WHH built a brand new hospital that is set to open Decemberish.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, day surgery, ped private duty.

Update: My second choice finally emailed me for my references Dec 20. 

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Specializes in Operating Room.

I moved to Las Vegas in 2022. I have found that I had to dumb down my resume to get a job. I'm in school for my MSN and I don't mention this. I  also found that experience can actually work against you here. Depending on the facility or management, they see experienced nurses as a threat. 
 

I was warned by multiple people that the healthcare here is hit or miss and that it's the Wild West here- if you're coming from someplace with high standards for training and practice, it may be an adjustment. They were correct. 
 

I know this sounds harsh and cynical but this is my experience and I know I'm not alone. 

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Hi! Any luck applying? I am also having the same issue. I've been applying since 2023, applied to 100+ job listings and was only ever interviewed a few times. One at Spring Valley Hospital and others from LTACH's and SNF. I am currently working at a SNF but wanted to work at a hospital as I am planning to pursue critical care. I have 2years of experience in the ICU, a year at the NICU and Nuclear Medicine (all in the Philippines though). But I really find it hard landing a job here in Las Vegas. It stresses me out and often gets me depressed whenever I'm thinking that there might be something wrong either with my resume or myself..

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