New Mexico for me?

U.S.A. New Mexico

Published

Hi all,

I am seriously thinking about moving out to New Mexico. I like living in a big city as I do now, but I am sick of the INSANELY cold weather and the cost of living is not accounted for in our pay. I am looking to move to a medium sized city where I can make a decent living and enjoy my time off (I like skiing and hiking and concerts and museums). It seems like New Mexico has plenty of natural beauty and a unique cultural mix. I also want a milder climate. Basically, I want to live somewhere where I can really have a life outside of work and get out of the concrete jungle and away from excessively cranky people. Does this sound like New Mexico? I have heard some bad things that make me think twice, but then I hear other people think that it is a beautiful place to live. I guess I just want some opinions.... Do you think hospitals will fly people down for interviews? And do you think the payscales are appropriate considering the cost of living? Is there a particular area I should look at other than Albuquerque? Sorry if I am rambling, it's 4 am.... Any opinions or comments or suggestions would be much appreciated:)

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NM is a great place for all the things you mention.

Great museums, plenty of outdoor stuff to do, skiing, and no concrete jungle.

Alb. is a nice place but in my opinion it's still a city. Santa Fe is a bit smaller and a fine mix of cultures.

The climate cant be beat here.

I'm a big fan of this state as you can tell.

-Russell

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Specializes in OB.

I was born and raised in Albuquerque. I moved away when I was 23 and after 5 years I moved back last month. After living other places I have found a new appreciation for the town I so desperately wanted to leave when I was a kid. I would suggest a visit to the city you are considering. Albuquerque is nice but it is a city. Santa Fe is more "country", but also more expensive. Lovelace hospital just had a conference where they flew nurses in form all over the country. I don't know if they will do this again, but worth a shot. Here are some links to Albuquerque hospitals websites:

Lovelace -

http://www.lovelace.com

Presbyterian -

http://www.phs.org

University of NM -

http://www.hospitals.unm.edu

Good Luck!

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The best thing I enjoy about New Mexico is the amount of undeveloped land. I live in Northern New Mexico not far from the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and love the scenery!

I think the entire state has about 1 million people. Albuquerque I believe is the largest city but I don't know how many people live there.

There are several hospitals in Albuquerque to choose from as another post has stated, there is 1 hospital in Santa Fe, and at least 1 hospital in Taos that I am aware of.

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Thanks for the replies guys. The more I think about it, the more I want to move. I am tired of living in concrete.

One more question: do you find the salary is appropriate given the cost of living? Like what is the range from new grad on up in Albuquerque?

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Specializes in OB.

I just got hired as a new grad for $18/hr with $5 night diff and $3 weekend diff. I hope this helps.

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It does, thanks again for the replies. I do appraciate them:)

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Hi fergus51,

I lived in ABQ for 5 years. I am from Canada too! I loved living there. There are a lot of great cultural experiences, fantastic weather and endless amounts of outdoor recreation. ABQ still gets winter and does see snow occassionally but for the most part it is mild and dry...very dry! Nights get cold because of the desert climate but from March/ April to Oct it is near perfect! If you want it really hot, look into Tucson or Phoenix, but I think the weather in ABQ is great. The "brown" desert is different and takes getting used to if you are from the greener areas that get more rain, but the desert is beautiful in it's own way.

I think the salaries are good in NM because of the shortage. Cost of living is not that bad compared to other parts of the country and the salaries for nurses are competitive. With 9 years experience, I was making about $30/hour on night shift. I owned a nice house in a great neighborhood which I bought for $128,000 and my property taxes were only $1100/ year. I won't even say what I pay here on the eat coast, but I only wish my cost of living was as cheap! If you live near the mountains in the foothills it can get very expensive.

I would suggest going there as a travel RN. You can see the area and still make great money. If you like it, great, if not, no biggie! PM me if you want more specifics. Good luck.

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Thanks for all the info guys! I called a recruiter this morning and am getting rolling on moving to lovely New Mexico!!!! I think my dog and I will love it there:)

Love the avatar by the way! I have heard it said that our religious persuasion in Canada is 100% hockey! I'll miss Don Cherry, but I am ready for a change.

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Good luck. You can PM me any time and I will give you the inside scoop on some really fun stuff to do!

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Specializes in OB.

May I be the first to welcome you to New Mexico, fergus51! If you need anything PM me!

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Specializes in cardiac ICU.

No. You'll hate it.

Just kidding--I've never even been there. :p

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