LPN new to North Mississippi

Hello there. Just wanted to introduce myself. I am new to Ms and have settled in Fulton Ms. Currently, I am waiting for my temporary permit to come in the mail. I graduated nursing school in July, 2008 so I do not have much experience yet. My california job had me working as a charge nurse in ltc on NOC's taking care of about 50 patients a night. Mississippi is where my daughter lives so I came out here to be with my family. People here have been very nice and polite, I like it

I have a few questions which I hope someone will take the time to answer, and if not, well, we are nurses and busy

North Mississippi Medical is currently hiring. They have just come out of a hiring freeze from what I've heard. On the application form it asks what I'd like for a salary. I have no idea what the current pay scale is in this state, anyone have an answer?

Local snf units are taking my applications and I was wondering, what is the usual ratio of nurses to patients?

I would like to meet some lpn's in the area and offer my support and friendship. Thanks for listening and reading