[niquern]

Just wondering what the job market is for RN's in Atlanta. It looks like there are a lot of opportunities, but don't know where to start. Are there any Atlanta nurses out there who would be so kind as to post some info.

I am specifically wondering about cost of living, nursing salaries, where to live and work, commute times, etc. I am from the D.C. area. The housing market looks much better down there compared to DC

I have a B.S.N degree and certification in Low-Risk Neonatal Nursing. I have worked in a Special Care Nursery for 9 years which is a little different from some NICU's

I would really appreciate any suggestions/comments.

Thanks

[wefdm21]

Why the move? I moved to Atlanta from D.C. area almost 10yrs ago, and if I had not met my husband here and had three kids I would have been gone back home. I was born and raised in the D.C. area, and to me there's no where like it. With that being said, if your looking for a better job market, Atlanta has many oppurtunities for RN's. Especially an experienced one like your self. The pay rate may be lower to go along with the so called cheaper housing ( you may want to research this). But if you ask me, and many people from other areas will tell you that this is cancelled out by the high cost of other things (groceries, gas-expect to do plenty of driving down here!). Just contact some of the hospitals in the area and see what they're offering. Some may even pay for your moving expenses. Just do the research before you make the move and consider every aspect of your life when making the choice.

oh.. and commute times...please, if you don't work around the corner from your house expect to sit in traffic for 30min-1.5 hr

[niquern]

My husband's business is based in Atlanta and he has been commuting to DC for the last year and it is just not cost-effective any more. We both were born and raised in DC. DC is not the same any more, too much violence and bad schools. So it is better for us to move in our situation.

[meibi1]

We just moved here 1.5 years ago from the D.C. area. We also thought it was changing too much and wanted to get out of there (we LOVE that area, it just wasn't for us anymore). Because traffic is so bad there, we didn't imagine it could be worse here, but it is. You sit in traffic FOREVER! So I advise living close to where you want to work. Northside Hospital is a big delivery hospital - their main location is in Atlanta, but they also have a smaller location in Cherokee county, which is nice if you don't want to live intown. Also, Scottish Rite is a great children's hospital (downtown).
Good luck with your move and job search!

[mimi2nurse]

Hi there,
I have talked to several people who have said that Children's Health Care of Atlanta is a wonderful place to work (it is associated with Scottish Rite too) . I'm not a nurse yet, but CHOA will definitely be my first pick! I was born and raised here, so you just have to know the good areas to live in. Feel free to send a p.m.
Good Luck!!

[julesner]

Nique, I worked for CHOA (Children's Healthcare of Atlanta) for 3+ years on the Egleston campus in cardiac stepdown. I left there not long ago and am planning to go back. That should tell you something! From what I hear from friends, they are desperate for nurses in their NICU. I was pulled there once and had no complaints. The benefits at CHOA are excellent. I will warn you, if you don't have an impeccable record, they won't let you in. Also, they are trying to attain magnet status and so they have some stiff requirements that are tied to your pay and merit raises that require you to do extra projects on your off time. Also, there are additonal things like taking online computer tests and training that never seem to end. Just know that going in if that's what you decide. And the earlier poster was absolutely not exagerrating about the travel time in Atlanta. It is brutal! For example, all CHOA classes, PALS, orientation, periodic updates, etc are held at the Tullie Center off Clairmont. If you have a 9:00 a.m. class, plan on leaving your house at 6 am and just waiting for class to start. If you leave at 7, you'll never make it on time. Unless you live down the street and you'd better be either a college student sharing rent or very well off for that. CHOA does have weekend option positions (known as "baylor" back in the day.) Formally, it's considered part time but, you get all the same benefits as full timers except short term disability and a very nice differential. But that's only if you sign on for weekend option. Working weekends keeps you against the traffic. Best of luck to you.

[Shamira Aizza]

Also a CHOA employee...if you are used to paying DC rent, it actually won't be that difficult to find an affordable apt. close to the Egleston campus (right across from Emory Univ). I live 2.5 miles from Egleston, and less than a mile from Tullie (where the classes are held). Traffic is a nightmare for the longer commuters, but it's not unrealistic to find an affordable residence.

Warning...you will take a paycut. I also worked in the DC area and took a pretty big cut to move to Atlanta.

I do agree that CHOA is a nice place to work. Very progressive, and well-intentioned people are in the right places to ensure that it is at least more nurse-friendly than any other facility I've worked in. Not utopia, but certainly the best in-hospital job I've had. I don't work in the NICU.

If you are experienced in pediatrics, you should have no trouble getting a job in the unit you prefer; the greatest restrictions seem to be on new grads and folks with zero ped's experience. I have to admit that the CAN program can be a bit annoying, but I suppose it just takes some getting used to.

[shell128]

i will be graduating in may07 and have been researching choa also. they claim to have a pediatric program to help new grads. so how difficult is it really to get a job there with minimal to no peds exp.? i currently live in NY and was considering taking a position here in ICU stepdown (before moving to ATL). it's cardiac/stroke/vent. figured thats good exp. for a new grad. can anyone give me their opinion on this idea. the hospital i work in doesnt have a 'peds' unit. i have acls already and will be getting certs in pals and nih stroke. input is greatly appreciated!!!