wanting to move to johnson city area

I have never lived in JC (pretty area tho..I have visited and been an ER pt!) But it is my understanding it's unfortunately one of the lower paid areas in the state. But there is a newer road going to NC and some commute like to Asheville or nw NC areas.
I have heard good things about ETSU...they may have an LPN-RN program. I would check them out. It's a very pretty area..I'm sure you will enjoy living there. Housing should be pretty reasonable and there is a lot of shopping/eating options in the local area.

Roonlex,

East Tenn pay seems to be not less than most on TN ( See thread on starting salaries). The two main hospital systems here are Mountain States Health Alliance - big facility in Johnson City - Medical Center. Wellmont has Kingsport and Bristol covered. Holston Valley in Kingsport is their largest facility. Travel between the tri cities is 30 min or less depending on where you live.

ETSU does have LPN-RN track. I have a few friends that completed it, seem fairly satisfied.

Oh, JCMC is "Magnet", which might make a difference to you. I know that right now MSHA is offering a 10K sign on bonus but commits you to 4 years. I guess the Magnet is losing its attraction.

I do not know about TN license in NC, but VA is a reciprocal state. Parts of Bristol are in TN/VA both.

North Carolina is a compact state. However I don't know if the whole compact state thing applies to LPNs? I would assume it does but never thought to check..anyone know?

I am also planning on moving to Tn in near future.
I currently live in Indiana and work in Ohio, making $36.00 with shift diff.
Any chance I can make this amount of money in Johnson City, Knoxville, or surrounding areas for 2nd shift? Have cardiology background.
Thanks for any input.

As stated above the TN RN license is a compact state licenes and NC is one of those states. But I don't know if that counts for LPNs too.
I lived in East TN all my life until I joined the Navy. I graduated from ETSU and was classmates with several LPN-RN students.
As stated above, you have the Moutain states Health Care system which includes; Johnson City Medical Center, Northside Hospital, and Woodridge Mental Hospital. Also, the VA Medical Center is in Johnson City. I worked at the VA and loved it. The pay is very comparable to the civilian sector. You are working for the federal government so that has many perks. Good benefits and retirement plans. The VA employess many LPNS too.
Also, there are several other LTC places in JC.
Jonesborough is a good place to live it is a short drive to Johnson City and/or Kingsport if you want to work in Kingsport. Gray is also a nice community to live in; it is half way between both Kingsport and Johnson City.
The pay may not be as high in East TN but the cost of living is very low....Get the picture?
Good luck in your move to my old home town. I miss is so much...at times..

Just a comment on the compact states. This does cover LPN's but not CNA's.