Moving to Tyler- Have a Few Questions

[emtstudentnurse]

I'll be moving to Tyler in late August. I'm trying to find an apartment, but almost everyone I call tells me they have a waiting list. Is this because of the college or just normal for there? Which apartments are considered more safe than others? I'll be alone, so don't want to be somewhere that could be unsafe. Also, if I can't find something in Tyler, would Lindale be the next place to look, and if so, which apartments?

Next set of questions. I've taken a job with ETMC. I'll be starting GNO first. This will be my first nursing job. What can I expect with GNO? What should I bring with me? Will they be doing PBDS? I've heard some horror stories about it. Lastly, ETMC is tobacco free. Should I just plan on quitting smoking all together? How is the policy with employees? At my current hospital, employees can still smoke on their own time off campus.

Thanks in advance. Soon to be East Texan, again.

Misty

[emtstudentnurse]

I think the biggest different in pay has to do with whether or not it's LVN or RN. I know I'll be making $2 less an hour regular pay and $4 less an hour on shift differential. I've decided to go ahead and go to Tyler and see what happens. Hopefully I can find a part time job to help out. Thanks guys. If anyone knows any insight on where to live, let me know.

[emtstudentnurse]

Crimson- I think I'm confused on the part about the pay per year. Do you mean that's the yearly salary if you work full time (40 hrs/wk)? Also, $19.75/hr, I'm assuming that's RN, right? One more thing, telemetry floor is not considered specialty right? Thanks so much. It just kinda made me a little worried when I read that.

[happybunny1970]

The problem with the pay here in East Texas is that we have TJC, UT Tyler, and Kilgore College all churning out new nurses twice a year -- the employers don't care whether you get fed up and leave, because they'll just swoop in on the next graduating class and refill their positions.

For those of us that are married with children, and have ties to the community for those reasons, it stinks because we can't just up and move to get a better-paying position.

Mind you, this is a blanket statement and does not apply ENTIRELY across the board... there are a few really good employers out there who take care of their nurses and want to keep us happy and AROUND so that they actually have seasoned staff they can depend on! It took me 5 years to find just such a position...

[TexasCowgirl24]

South Tyler is more expensive than most other areas. My friend lives in some apartments by UTTyler and a one bedroom is about $550. Chandler is not too far and is a little cheaper. Good luck.