Nursing new grads are learning fast that, due to a temporary let up in the impending nursing shortage, hospitals across the country are not exactly rolling out the red carpet and offering them their dream jobs. There is one state, however, that seems to be bucking the trend and is as close to a “red carpet” situation for welcoming new grads as any.

The unemployment rate in Texas is 7.1%, notably lower than the 9.4% national average. This may explain why hospitals in Texas are hiring, while most of the rest of the nation is in a hiring freeze. The nursing vacancy rate in Texas is also in the rise – from 10.2 percent in 2006 to 11.2 in 2008*. As the state’s population continues to rise, the need for nurses is expected to go even higher.

Before you go rushing down to Texas with resume and nursing reference letters in hand, make sure you consider these caveats. As is true for applicants across the country right now, job searching requires preparation, a competitive spirit and above all, perseverance.  And, although nursing jobs in Texas are available, hospitals there are admitting that preferential treatment is given in certain situations.

New nursing grads with prior work experience at a facility (in any capacity but consider working as a CNA for an extra edge) appear to have an advantage when applying for RN positions. Also, some Texas medical centers have revealed that they are more inclined to hire a new grad from a local college or university who knows their way around from doing their clinical work at the facility. For those still in the process of applying to nursing schools, consider Texas as a place to earn your degree and later work.

Consider researching the following five nursing programs in particular, which have all reported a high rate of new grad placement in hospitals following graduation: UT Arlington, Texas Christian University, Tarrant County College, Weatherford College and Southwestern Adventist University. There are also scores of other accredited nursing programs throughout the Lone Star state to investigate. The time to start doing your homework, has arrived.

*Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies