Chattanooga

Welcome to the area! After you have some experience, you can try to work for one of the insurance companies in town.

And yes, the pay is low in this area of the country. We have no income tax and an overall lower cost of living as compared to Chicago. Good luck to you!

What area do you want to work in?? I know that the NHC behind Memorial starts PCT at $12. I am sure RNs get a little more than that. I am a LPN student and will bridge to RN. I have been researching salaries also. I heard contract nurses get a little more but thats just hear-say I am still in research mode. You could try private practices or look on Nursefinders.com its a good resource tool.

Does anyone have any recommendations between Erlanger, Memorial, and Parkridge in Chattanooga?

Goodness, choosing between the three? I guess it just depends on how your interviews go at each facility. Go with whichever one seems like the best "fit" for you. Evaluate their compensation packages, including vacation/holiday/sick leave, educational benefits, retirement programs and health/dental insurance. Compensation isn't everything but it's why most of us work for a living (rather than farming? )

Personally, I'm prejudiced. I began my career at Vanderbilt and really like working at a teaching hospital. I like to share knowledge and gain more knowledge, even with resident physicians. I keep learning, no matter which area I'm in at the moment and I LIKE it!

Drea, good luck to you! Keep me posted on how your first year goes. I remember how interesting mine was.