My name is Sherry, and I am a new grad from Southern California. Kinda more of an old new grad. I got my BSN in 2012 and finally passed my NCLEX-RN in June 2014. I've been out of school and clinicals for quite a while now. The only thing closest to nursing experience I have is caring for a lady with (I think) somewhat late stage Alzheimer's disease for about 4 years.
I've been applying for jobs all over California and still haven't gotten any interviews or offers. I've also applied out of state and the chances are looking better out there. Been looking at Wyoming and North Dakota in particular.
I am currently looking at two offers so far.
The first one is from Fargo, ND and it's a position on the observation unit. I'm being offered $23.80/hour with benefits (but they aren't the best). The city looks like a great place to live in spite of the insane winters. I hear the people are nice. Found an apartment near downtown for $575/month. This city really excites me for some reason. I've even had dreams about living here!
The second offer is from Casper, WY and it's in behavioral health. I'd be getting $26.00/hour. Their benefits look really good too. It's in a smaller city than the first place, and gets cold in winter all the same. I am still researching more information on living in this city, but right now, I am not exactly thrilled about it as of yet. The apartment I found is $700/month. What I do like about this choice is that I think I'll be doing something I really like: mental health nursing. I have no experience in mental health nursing, but with what I know about it, it seems to fit me really well. I'm also worried about never getting the hang of the typical nursing skills like IV sticks, inserting catheters, etc.
I am really having a difficult time deciding on where I want to relocate and which nursing I want to do! It's hard to know if I'll like mental health nursing for sure because I haven't had that much exposure to it yet.
Should I start with the observation unit first, get the hang of my basic nursing skills, and then go to mental health nursing later? Or should I go with a job I *think* I might enjoy more in behavioral health and leave later if I don't like it?
Another thought... I'm Asian. I am aware I'm relocating to regions that are predominantly white.
I'm also considering the actual place I'll be living as well. This will be my very first time away from home, and I've been very sheltered most of my life.
There is a high chance I will want to move back to California after I gain a few years of experience. I feel bad leaving my parents back in California, as they've depended on me in so many ways. They're getting older and their health will eventually decline. I feel I have the duty to care for them in the future.
I am also worried about being able to make enough money to help my family back home, but I really do want to be truly happy in the place I live and work.
I'd like to see if any of you have some input about how to start off my new life and career as an RN!
That was the same exact idea I had in mind. My biggest worry is not having more opportunities open to me when I come back to California....if I start off with psych.
Juntra
68 Posts
Thank you, Angelica~
That was the same exact idea I had in mind. My biggest worry is not having more opportunities open to me when I come back to California....if I start off with psych.
So med/surg it is!