Moving from AZ to Northern Michigan - any insights?

U.S.A. Michigan

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Hey All: I'm an RN in Tucson, AZ and I'm planning on moving back to Michigan in about 18months or so. I have family in central and northern Michigan, and I wanted to be within a couple hours of them. My wife and I are considering Traverse City as a strong contender, but I'm curious to hear from people in the area about their opinion of the hospital, availability of jobs, etc. Let me know what you think. I'm not totally committed to TC, so I'm open to opinions and ideas.

Specializes in CICU.

Its cold up there.

Not sure about TC, but Cheboygan has been in the news. Cheboygan Memorial (I think that is the name) was recently closed, but it looks like McLaren just took it over and will be restoring some services there. I think McLaren also took over a hospital in Petoskey.

I have no idea what that means in terms of jobs, but the population is limited there - I would guess its either feast or famine as far as jobs.

I am a bit further south myself, and the hiring seems to be picking up down here...

I've actually been following the Cheboygan hospital situation. The hospital was to be purchased by McLaren, but there was a conflict with CMS, and the deal fell through. This caused the hospital to close, putting 300 people out of work, and making the nearest ED 36 miles away. They plan to re-open emergency services May 14th, and continue doing outpatient surgery, lab work, etc. Inpatients will go to Petoskey. McLaren-Northern Michigan, Cheboygan Campus, instead of Cheboygan Memorial Hospital. I don't mind the cold, but the feast or famine job market may leave cause for concern. Thanks for the input.

Specializes in Cardiac Stepdown.

Munson in Traverse City has a good reputation. They're Magnet and got their status before it was "cool" and all the hospitals wanted it, so they probably really are Magnet and didn't just buy the title. I have a friend who works in their Neonatal ICU and LOVES it. Also, my grandmother had CABG there two years ago and received excellent care. Let me give you a heads up, it took Michigan 10 weeks to process my license endorsement from Virginia when I moved home last year and I doubt they have streamlined the process. Good luck!

It's funny that you mention the delay in licensing. I applied for the license and background check/fingerprinting already (not moving for 18 months or so), so the longer they take to get it accepted, the better. ;) That way I don't have to renew it as soon as I get there. Thanks for the insight on the hospital. I'm hoping to get into their Cath lab or ICU, so hopefully they will have openings when I'm set to transition. Now I just have to figure out how to get rid of my house out here without taking to much of a hit.

Specializes in NICU.

My dad is an RN at Munson. He loves it. They are magnet and for the most part, the RNsare quite happy there. One caveat--they primarilyhire BSN-prepared nurses. ADNs hires are rare, and when they do get hired, theyhave to get their BSN within a set period. Luckily, the local college has an agreement with a couple of four-year universities, so it isn't too bad to get your BSN. Otherwise, the conditions are good, they are very up-to-date with their technology, mandating is rare for most units, and I'm certainly jealous that he can work there (I work at a regional hospital in the upper peninsula). It doesn't hurt that the traverse area is pretty nice and a decent place to raise a family.

Specializes in LTC, M/S, CCU, ER.
Hey All: I'm an RN in Tucson, AZ and I'm planning on moving back to Michigan in about 18months or so. I have family in central and northern Michigan, and I wanted to be within a couple hours of them. My wife and I are considering Traverse City as a strong contender, but I'm curious to hear from people in the area about their opinion of the hospital, availability of jobs, etc. Let me know what you think. I'm not totally committed to TC, so I'm open to opinions and ideas.

Mercy Hospital Grayling is currently hiring. For new grads, it's just M/S, but for experienced RNs there are ED and L/D openings. They're affiliated with Munson, but are a small, rural hospital. Might be worth checking out, although Munson is awesome if you can get in there. :)

Specializes in ER.

I am actually in a similar situation. I am originally from Michigan, I moved to Arizona to work as teacher and then decided to become a nurse. I am a LPN now in a corrections position, and I will finish my ADN in May. I would like to move back to Michigan, but am not sure where to start looking for positions, or what places may hire new grads.

Hi guys!

I am from Michigan and am moving back ASAP! I'm currently in Arizona because I came out here for nursing school. I just graduated in Dec. of '12 and now i'm waiting to take NCLEX-RN. I originally submitted a MI RN application and it has been more than 8 weeks since they've recieved it!! I'm so irritated because almost all of my classmates who went through with an AZ license have taken NCLEX already!! I haven't even recieved my ATT authorization to test yet from Michigan?! I have been calling the MBON and they have just been terrible, so much miscommunication, but luckily the keep on file who spoke with you in the past. I just called yesteday and this rude guy said they did not recieve my transcripts although my school sent it to them back in December more than a month ago!?

The only reason why I originally submitted a MI RN app was because it was $54 as opposed to $350 for an AZ one. I'm contemplating just running up to the AZBON and submitting an application and paying the fee just so I can get an ATT! I bet AZ would be much faster but I don't want to be out $350?

Has anyone else experienced this with the MBON application process? I just want to take NCLEX already!

Specializes in ER.
Hi guys!

I am from Michigan and am moving back ASAP! I'm currently in Arizona because I came out here for nursing school. I just graduated in Dec. of '12 and now i'm waiting to take NCLEX-RN. I originally submitted a MI RN application and it has been more than 8 weeks since they've recieved it!! I'm so irritated because almost all of my classmates who went through with an AZ license have taken NCLEX already!! I haven't even recieved my ATT authorization to test yet from Michigan?! I have been calling the MBON and they have just been terrible, so much miscommunication, but luckily the keep on file who spoke with you in the past. I just called yesteday and this rude guy said they did not recieve my transcripts although my school sent it to them back in December more than a month ago!?

The only reason why I originally submitted a MI RN app was because it was $54 as opposed to $350 for an AZ one. I'm contemplating just running up to the AZBON and submitting an application and paying the fee just so I can get an ATT! I bet AZ would be much faster but I don't want to be out $350?

Has anyone else experienced this with the MBON application process? I just want to take NCLEX already!

Did you end up taking your test in Arizona or Michigan? I am in a similar situation, but I plan on just taking the test in Arizona when I graduate in May. Have you had any luck with jobs or interviews yet?

90 or less: what is the update? Did you end up working for Munson? I am thinking of doing the same.

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