Advice for an OR Nurse about to move.

[EricG]

Hi!

Well, it looks like I am moving to the Raliegh/Durham area in a couple months due to my wife getting a promotion that cannot be passed up.

I'm approaching my year anniversary as a circulator, have completed the AORN Periop 101 certificate program, and am currently the charge nurse for our Urology service. Things have gone well here for me so far. We're a level one trauma center and I typically circulate general, ortho trauma, omfs and vascular when my service is not scheduled.

My questions are:

1) What hospital system do you recommend in the area and why?

2) What is the average circulator salary I will be looking at considering I have only a year experience but have proven myself and will have the references to back it up?

3) Does anyone know of any private practice surgery centers that pay well?

Thanks in advance to anyone who has the time to answer these "sorta" vague questions. I'm just trying to get a feel for what's in store for me up there. I have fit in so well where I am now and it scares the hell out of me that I have to leave it behind.......

[RN Zeke]

Consider traveling since you have a year experience and have proven yourself. You can work for thirteen weeks or longer if the feeling is mutual and see which hospital is a fit for you. Or you might decide to be a permanent traveler and work area hospitals. I hear of travelers that have been at one hospital for years. Some become in house travelers, no benefits, but higher pay.