[BethanyB]

Hi, I am graduating with my BSN this May 08 from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WEST VIRGINIA. I plan on going into critical care. I am from Pennsylvania and went to school in west virginia and I plan on relocating to New Orleans.....hence, the reason for this post. I have been down to the Gulf Coast about 5 times since Katrina has happened doing relief work and I have developed a deep love for that city and it's people and I definitely feel the need to relocate down there. So here is my problem. I am 22 years old and though I am planning this out the best I can, I don't know a soul there and I am in over my head and overhead. I know the city pretty well but I don't know where to start. What is the nursing job market like down there? What is an average nurses salary? Is it going to be possible for me as a young new graduate to make enough to sustain a decent living there by myself? Are the hospitals hiring? Which of the hospital systems down there do you recommend starting out in? Any advice or direction anyone can point me in at all is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

[NewbieEDRN]

Originally Posted by BethanyB

Hi, I am graduating with my BSN this May 08 from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WEST VIRGINIA. I plan on going into critical care. I am from Pennsylvania and went to school in west virginia and I plan on relocating to New Orleans.....hence, the reason for this post. I have been down to the Gulf Coast about 5 times since Katrina has happened doing relief work and I have developed a deep love for that city and it's people and I definitely feel the need to relocate down there. So here is my problem. I am 22 years old and though I am planning this out the best I can, I don't know a soul there and I am in over my head and overhead. I know the city pretty well but I don't know where to start. What is the nursing job market like down there? What is an average nurses salary? Is it going to be possible for me as a young new graduate to make enough to sustain a decent living there by myself? Are the hospitals hiring? Which of the hospital systems down there do you recommend starting out in? Any advice or direction anyone can point me in at all is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

Hi. I just relocated to NO about a month ago. I'm a new grad as well. I'm not sure about other hospitals in the area, but Ochsner hires new grads at $22.50 base pay. I think they hire new grads into almost every department including critical care, so you may want to apply there. I haven't heard a single negative word about Ochsner, and so far its a great place to work. I think the pay + shift diffs will be enough to live on for a while if you're single with no kids. Rent here is ridiculously high; not sure what mortgages cost. Heck, to me, everything here costs way too much. Good luck with your search.

[dsoginer]

Welcome,

I am also graduating in May. Advice: Check with the hospitals here, I know Tulane Medical Center will give you a $5000.00 signon bonus and $3000.00 relocation pay. I believe most hospitals here have some type of bonus pay. There are so many places to rent right now, but the rent is high. If you google Craigs List New Orleans, you will find a lot of postings. Oschner is the premier hospital to work at but there are other hospitals that need nurses bad and the pay is higher. West Jeff is starting new grads at $55,000.00. You can live here on that.

Good luck