California, Texas, and Georgia Nurses (new and experienced)

RunBabyRN · May 26, 2014

Different places in CA vary WIDELY, as far as pay, cost of living, housing, job opportunities, etc. The ability to do the extracurriculars you mentioned also depends on how many hours you work. Some places aren't hiring FT nurses anymore, and per diem jobs vary widely on their stipulations and available hours.

I wouldn't personally move. I love where I live (though I've considered moving simply because I have wanderlust). I'm an hour from a very well-paying city, so if I wanted to earn more and commute (or move a bit closer), I could apply for jobs there. With the salary from the jobs I've been offered (waiting to take the NCLEX), I could do most of what I wanted to do, and that includes being married to someone with a start up company and being a mom. I don't have a need to have a million dollar home and a $50k car or to stay in 4 star hotels when I travel, but I do love to travel and get outside as much as humanly possible. When my son is older, I'd like to volunteer overseas.

Also be aware that jobs in major cities in CA are INCREDIBLY hard to come by, especially as a new grad. We have about a 47% unemployment rate among new grads.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 26, 2014

I don't know about the rest of Texas but I've made $17-22/hr (as an LVN). Rent is fairly cheap where I live so you can make a good living.

I would never move, unless my hubby gets relocated for work. I'm close to bigger cities & a lot of work. There is no reason for me to move.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 26, 2014

To all the nurses in California, Texas, and Georgia (New Grad or experienced). How is your experience in these states?

I am originally from California, but have practiced my entire nursing career in Texas. I moved from CA to TX in late 2005, six weeks after completing an LVN/LPN program.

How is the pay compared to the living? What is the average pay compared to the average living (apartment or house)?

I am in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Rents and home prices vary greatly, dependent on the part of town or suburb in which you live. A one-bedroom in an okay area can rent for $450, or an upscale 1-bedroom can rent for $1,000+ per month. I live in a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house built in 2004 that I purchased for $105,000 in 2005. Due to the real estate crash, my house is probably worth $90,000 today.

Is the pay giving you enough for you to develop or continue hobbies or vacationing?

Yes. I get to take vacations at least twice per year. I have amassed a savings account that would enable me to go without working for several years if I were to lose my job today. The again, I am single and childless, so I do not have the same amount of lifestyle expenses as the nurses who must pay to feed, clothe and house several children.

If you had an opportunity to move, would you move out of state or to another city within the same state for better pay/living?

I am relatively comfortable here. I am in a geographic area that has a good cost of living and somewhat competitive pay rates for experienced nurses.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 26, 2014

Different places in CA vary WIDELY, as far as pay, cost of living, housing, job opportunities, etc.

I agree. I was born and raised in a city in coastal southern CA, where one-bedroom apartments would rent for $1,400 monthly, and older modest houses built in the 1950s with less than 1,200 square feet of space would sell for $500,000.

However, I also lived in the less-desirable San Joaquin Valley for a couple of years. In some valley cities (Bakersfield, Visalia, Hanford, Fresno, Stockton, etc), one could cheaply rent an apartment or buy a newer house for about $150,000 due to the housing meltdown. However, the region is sweltering in the summer with 100+ degree temperatures and has a stench due to the multitude of dairy farms. And the poverty in the area has been found to be comparable to Appalachia.

sistrmoon, BSN, RN · May 26, 2014

I was initially licensed while living in Austin. My first year as a nurse was rough in a big medical center. The ratios and acuity were high, support staff very lacking. The pay and differential weren't great for the cost of living there although I still lived in the dirt cheap student apartment from my nursing school days. I moved to NY state and the pay is quite a bit better compared to cost of living(I am NOT in the City) and loads better support staff and ratios. It is a large teaching hospital.

guest07/14/15 · May 26, 2014

I'm married with a two year old so, living in California or Texas is achievable as long as we are both working.

guest07/14/15 · May 26, 2014

I live in Florida now and I love it but I would like to move to another state. My husband and I both have hobbies and we both like vacationing. I just want a place that is comfortable, good pay and that will allow us to live that lifestyle. We are also not looking to buy a million dollar home, but we do want a home that will be able to grow with our growing family. I plan on having two more children.

RunBabyRN · May 27, 2014

I live in Florida now and I love it but I would like to move to another state. My husband and I both have hobbies and we both like vacationing. I just want a place that is comfortable, good pay and that will allow us to live that lifestyle. We are also not looking to buy a million dollar home, but we do want a home that will be able to grow with our growing family. I plan on having two more children.

I would imagine this is also affected by the job market for your husband.

Wherever you go, I would strongly suggest making sure you both have jobs lined up before moving. I'm sure you're familiar with the job market in general right now, and it doesn't just apply to nurses. Everyone's feeling the pinch. Thankfully it's getting better than it was (sort of), but even still, it would be really rough to move and not find something, for either one of you.

guest07/14/15 · May 27, 2014

Yes we will make sure that we both have a place to work for sure before we move. Thank you for the comments everyone.

eponine8614 · Jun 9, 2014

arinafl, sorry but I am not active enough to do PMs, lol. To answer your question though, I worked at Tallahassee Memorial for 2 years. Hope that helps!

kalevra, BSN, RN · Jun 9, 2014

there is a thread on this site that had nurses posting how much they made hourly. In California its about $35-$40 on the low end for starters.

Rent will kick your butt, your looking at $950-$1100 for a one bedroom in a non-ghetto area. some utilities are covered under these rates. but it all depends on where you are. also if you are willing to buy a dog,gun, door jamb, alarm system, and bars on your windows and door, the rent will go down.

Best advice is rent a house in the nice part of town maybe 2000 sq ft. find a reliable roommate, maybe another nurse, and split the bill and utilities down the line.

My compensation provides a very comfortable quality of life.