LPN Moving to Arizona, questions...

U.S.A. Arizona

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I'm a 35 yr old LPN considering a move from Cleveland, Ohio to Arizona hopefully this fall, (I've had about enough of the gloomy weather!). I plan on continuing my education from LPN to RN. I've done some extensive research on Arizona, but am having a hard time narrowing down where would be the best place to start out. Does anyone have any advice as far as where to live; what are the best schools that offer LPN to RN tracts; and information on types of jobs available for LPN's? I currently work in a hospital in the psychiatric unit. Are there opportunities for LPN's at hospitals in Arizona? I was pretty lucky in finding a job in a specialty (psychiatry), however, I do realize most LPN jobs are in nursing homes, which I'm willing to do until I complete a RN program.

Specializes in Cardiac.

I'm doing my clinicals for RN at Northwest Hospital in Tucson, and they have LPN's on the tele floor. I know TMC and the VA also have LPN's working (as nurses-not as techs like some hospitals do.)

The CC down here in Tucson (and I'm assuming all CC do this) has a bridge program for LPN to RN. There is virtually no waiting list. There is a transition semester, and then you finish the last 2 semesters of the regular ADN program. Good Luck with your choices!

Hello!

I've spoke with a few folks about this who were thinking of moving and I'd highly advise either the east or west valley. You're 30-45 minutes from central Phoenix, there are TONS of brand new, never been lived in, homes for rent (due to the market changing to a buyer's market now), and new hospitals are popping up everywhere.

There are schools peppered all over both sides of the valley and being on the outskirts really helps keep the class sizes low. Not to mention you have Rio Salado and some others.

One note too, I'd highly advise renting right now in this market. I'm an inactive licensed real estate agent and the prices are not solid enough (imo) to validate investing what could be your whole wad, only to be screwed once the market adjusts a little more. If you order a Sunday Arizona Republic and look in the rentals section. You'll see PLENTY of 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2000-ish square foot homes built THIS YEAR, going for under $1000/month. I rent one and have placed friends in others, it's a wonderful climate out here because of this.

If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. With the rate of pay here in PHoenix and the price to get a beautiful house until you're ready to invest to buy, nurses can live comfortably in Arizona. Having almost moved to California a few months ago, I got a first hand look at how in some states, even if you make more, you'll blow it on even just renting a place :(

Best of luck!

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