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Discussion

Best States to Work In

Hello all,

I'm a Canadian RN who works exclusively in psych looking to get some experience in the states. Also, career prospects seem to be much more broad. Which state would in your opinion is the best for psych nurses terms of pay and work environment? Any advice would helpful.

Thanks

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    IMO, California because:

    1. Mandated ratios. You can never have more than 6 patients in acute care psych come hell or high water.

    2. High hourly rates. I make over 100k/year. That's my base rate, not including differentials or overtime.

    3. Lots of psych opportunities--you can't swing a cat without hitting one. And they're pretty upfront about promoting mental health in the community.

    4. Many places are unionized.

    However, the downsides to California are:

    1. Saturated job market. Everyone wants to work here--domestic as well as foreign nurses--because of the ratios and the money. So competition for jobs is tight.

    2. High cost of living in many parts of the state. Depending on where you are living, that 100k may not go as far as you think it would.

    3. California has strict licensure requirements. This is where many foreign nurses get tripped up, because California doesn't budge an inch on their requirements. In fact, you could get licensed in the 49 other states plus DC, and California will still tell you "Sorry, but No" if your education doesn't meet their requirements.

    4. Many places are unionized. Blessing and a curse.

    I'd write more but I have to run now. I'll add some more later.

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    I work in Minnesota in an acute psych inpatient unit, and from what I have heard from nurses in other states, we are pretty spoiled here. Most of the time only have 3 patients (or 1 if the patient is acute enough to require 1:1 or 2:1 nursing care). If we are short staffed, we have 4 patients. The pay isn't as high as california, but the cost of living is much, much lower, and the pay exceeds some higher cost of living areas I looked at. I make $36/hr base with only a year of experience, and we get differentials for evenings, nights and weekends. The work environment is wonderful, all of the nurses and docs are very respectful and supportive.

  • Quote
    I work in Minnesota in an acute psych inpatient unit, and from what I have heard from nurses in other states, we are pretty spoiled here. Most of the time only have 3 patients (or 1 if the patient is acute enough to require 1:1 or 2:1 nursing care). If we are short staffed, we have 4 patients. The pay isn't as high as california, but the cost of living is much, much lower, and the pay exceeds some higher cost of living areas I looked at. I make $36/hr base with only a year of experience, and we get differentials for evenings, nights and weekends. The work environment is wonderful, all of the nurses and docs are very respectful and supportive.

    Are you hiring? :)

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    We are! They pay relocation, too! We're expanding like crazy so they're hiring thousands.

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