Please! Feedback, advice, input....need it!

[JMP]

Ok here, goes.

I am Canadian. Work in an ICU. Like it, but considering a change. Would like input-advice.......any thoughts. Here is the situation. I am looking for a bit of change-adventure. I have been looking at some of the more interesting places in the US to work- and so far, have come up with a few, but must take into account weather (hopefully not too extreme) wages (of course, need to be good. Right now I make about 22.50 Canadian per hour), and the hospital itself.

I have been looking at Austin, Texas, great city. But can anyone give me input re: wages?

Looked at Flagstaff, AZ, but wages too low for my liking and hospital a little small.

I have looked at South and North Carolina- wages low. I have also looked at Vermont- Burlington to be exact, but think it might be too much like home - weather wise.

So I need your input- am I crazy to leave here? Is Austin as great as it appears to be- was looking at Seaton Hospital. What is it like to work at a non-profit hospital? In Canada hospitals are NOT businesses, they are public instutions, free for all.

Any input would be appreciated.........J.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

http://www.practicechoice.com/hospitallink/new/index.asp?State=SC

Here's a list of ALL the hospitals in the state. I guess you could look at other states too, If you really HAVE to. :)

[micro, RN]

JMP.........there are cost comparison sites that you can check out.....they will also give you information about housing, working, entertainment, cost of living, etc......and compare to area you are currently in......

if i find the page.....i will post it or PM you.........but if memory serves me correctly.......try search engine with relocation and you should find it.........

[JMP]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will start a big research project now on Austin and Flagstaff.

Can anyone give me any more feedback on Austin? I have already told my husband that we will have to go and visit Austin. We have been to Flagstaff twice, but need to check out Austin.

Thanks for any further input. I really take it all to heart and I AM LISTENING!

Thanks

[elish954]

Well, I understand where you are coming from when it comes to some of the salaries hospitals pay. I was totally shocked to discover how low the salrary for an RN in San Diego was. One nurse on another forum shared how her friend, also an RN had to work an extra job just to pay the rent. I have visited there, and the cost of living and housing is outrageous to say the least.