relocating to New Orleans

PeachyERNurse, BSN, RN · Feb 16, 2008

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 · Feb 18, 2008

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

SDA3694 · Mar 29, 2009

Hi,

I am new to allnurses and I just saw your post. I too am looking into relocating to New Orleans and wanted to hear your opinion. I graduate in May 2009 and I havent even began to apply anywhere. I am currently in school in Alabama and the job market here is not that great!! Honestly the only thing holding me back is that.....I AM SO NERVOUS!! I precepted in ICU but I am just hoping that in orientation I will feel more comfortable (I guess this is normal??) anyway my point is that I just didnt want to move so far from home not being COMPLETELY comfortable w/ my skills and have to deal w/ someone who doesnt want to orient me..Not that,that couldnt happen anywhere else that I apply. Did you run into anything like that? How is the salary, hospitals, cost of living etc.

BBQvegan · Mar 29, 2009

Hi Bethany,

I live in North Louisiana and will be relocating to New Orleans in May after I graduate with BSN. There are lots of nursing jobs in NOLA. Check out their websites. Oschner, Touro, East Jefferson, West Jefferson, Tulane. Base pay is about $23/hr + night shift diff $4-5, weekend diff $5. I believe this will be enough to live comfortably on as a single woman with no children. I plan to live in the Garden District paying about $1000/mo in rent. There are other areas of the city that are nice too. Mid-city is a bit more affordable than the Garden District, and I hear it's fairly safe and is a good community. New Orleans still has a big problem with crime, so please bring your awareness and savvy when you move. Good luck!