last week I took my NCLEX and passed (associates RN- currently working on my BSN online), and I am so excited! I live in New York and I really want to move Out of the parents house soon. I am thinking Florida, even though I know the state is getting slammed with covid. I feel that there are many opportunities down there for nurses during the pandemic, and in addition, the higher crisis pay rate difference at some facilities. Unfortunately, I really don't have any money saved up, and I know I have to start working. Would it be worth it to start a nursing job in New York for max 6/7 months and then leave, and try to find a job down in Florida? Or should I just wait to find a job down there.... and start applying soon? I’m confused on what I should do.. Becuase if I work at a hospital here, I don’t want to leave after only a few months because I know orientation in itself is as long as 3-6 months.
My plan (maybe): start off at a nursing home in NY, take it slow, and leave after about 6 months. Get a little bit of experience and some money in pocket while I still live at home, then move down south to FL. I’m itching to finally move out!...is this a stupid idea? I would love to hear any advice! Thank you all so much for reading and replying! ?
Get at least a year under your belt before you switch jobs. Also, you mentioned that you are currently working on your BSN. Stay put and get everything complete before you move. It will make you more marketable.
It looks like you want to move to Florida because of perceived opportunities and hazard pay related to Covid. What other reasons are behind your desire to move there? Do you have friends/family there? Have you ever been to the area you want to move to? Remember, the hazard pay (if it is even been given) will not always be there. Don't factor that into your decisions.
If this was my decision I would live with my parents as long as I could to save as much as possible, while paying down any loans I had (Note: I would also help contribute to household finances). Then, with BSN earned, some money saved and some solid work experience under my belt, I would research where I wanted to live, taking into account cost of living, expected income, and what lifestyle the area provides (hiking, culture, beach???? what is it that you want to live near). That is when I would look to moving somewhere else.
Then again, when I graduated college, I packed everything I owed into my car and moved with a friend to the desert, simply because she was already moving there and I hated the cold. So 20 year old me would fly by the seat of her pants. Middle aged me is a lot more practical.
kkbb, MSN, RN
137 Posts
Get at least a year under your belt before you switch jobs. Also, you mentioned that you are currently working on your BSN. Stay put and get everything complete before you move. It will make you more marketable.
It looks like you want to move to Florida because of perceived opportunities and hazard pay related to Covid. What other reasons are behind your desire to move there? Do you have friends/family there? Have you ever been to the area you want to move to? Remember, the hazard pay (if it is even been given) will not always be there. Don't factor that into your decisions.
If this was my decision I would live with my parents as long as I could to save as much as possible, while paying down any loans I had (Note: I would also help contribute to household finances). Then, with BSN earned, some money saved and some solid work experience under my belt, I would research where I wanted to live, taking into account cost of living, expected income, and what lifestyle the area provides (hiking, culture, beach???? what is it that you want to live near). That is when I would look to moving somewhere else.
Then again, when I graduated college, I packed everything I owed into my car and moved with a friend to the desert, simply because she was already moving there and I hated the cold. So 20 year old me would fly by the seat of her pants. Middle aged me is a lot more practical.