I think I might be moving across the country for my first RN job...

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I live in the bay area in California and there are NO JOBS HERE! I graduated in May and have been looking like crazy with no luck. Everyone I know who is getting a job knows someone or has a family member working in the hospital. I decided I needed to take advantage of my cousin who is a MD. The catch is, he lives in Georgia. HR has called me and I think they are seriously considering me (probably only because of my cousin...). To add to it, I am a single mom of a 5 yr old boy who I will bringing with me. I am scared, but I want to start my career more than anything. I have never moved out of my parents house so my first time will be all the way to GA. Has anyone relocated for a job? How did it feel? Anyone nursing in GA? How is it? Whats the nurse/patient ratio? It is 5:1 here is CA for med/surg. I think it will be much higher in GA though. I just need some advice and would love to hear someone's story who has done this. Wish me luck. I am calling HR back in a couple minutes.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

I have moved to new places (where I didn't know anybody) several times in my career -- though never with a child. It is not for the faint of heart. It is hard, lonely, stressful, scary, etc. Given that you have never lived on your own before and have a child to care for, I would not recommend it -- unless you have absolutely no other choice and/or your cousin is prepared to give you considerable help.

You need to think through things like child care. What will you do when you work night shift? weekends? etc.? What will you do when your child is not feeling well? etc.

It takes a long time to settle into a new place, develop a network of friends, find baby-sitters, etc. You will have to arrange housing, utilities, transfer your car registration, driver's license, pay your taxes, etc. Since you have always lived with your parents, I have to ask, "Have you ever taken care of these sorts of life's necessities? Or have your parents been there to help you with these things?"

How independent and self-sufficient are you prepared to be? How much support can you realistically expect from your cousin?

Moving around has worked out OK for me -- but my first move out of my parents' house was to a place only 50 miles away, and I had a roommate for companionship and help with some of the daily chores. It was only after I had learned to take care of myself that I moved farther away by myself to places where I did not know anyone.

Depending on the situation with your cousin, it might or might not work out for you. But as you make your decision, don't underestimate how hard it will be.

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I have done a TON of thinking about the logistics and how I would make this all work with me and my son. I am Lebanese and my culture takes family extremely seriously so I will be getting a lot of help from my family in GA. My parents are the most amazing parents ever. They plan to hold my hand through all of this. (my mom will come stay with me for a couple weeks) My son wont come out until I have totally figured everything out: babysitter, school, daycare, apartment etc... I truly feel that part of it will be okay. I am more worried about making friends, fitting in and being happy there.

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I have done a TON of thinking about the logistics and how I would make this all work with me and my son. I am Lebanese and my culture takes family extremely seriously so I will be getting a lot of help from my family in GA. My parents are the most amazing parents ever. They plan to hold my hand through all of this. (my mom will come stay with me for a couple weeks) My son wont come out until I have totally figured everything out: babysitter, school, daycare, apartment etc... I truly feel that part of it will be okay. I am more worried about making friends, fitting in and being happy there.

Absolutely ask if there will be rotating shifts! That will throw off any daycare or most babysitter plans. Your family sounds supportive and even if that is on par with your culture, are you sure it will stay that way? There won't be any resentment over constant babysitting or help? ( I have seen that happen even in cultures where it is expected). No one knows if you will fit in or be happy there. I moved across the state for a job and it hasn't always been easy. I didn't know anyone there( still only know my co-workers) or have any support and I've become more independent. I suppose since you have family in GA you might be able to meet people and make friends through them. Good luck!

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Specializes in NICU.

I moved 16 hours away from my hometown in Michigan to North Carolina for a new grad position after graduating from nursing school. I probably would not have done this for any ol' nursing job as I had offers on 2 med-surg floors where I worked as a tech. However it was my absolute dream job working in the neonatal ICU so I decided to give it a go. I figured I could always move back if I absolutely hated it which is not the case at all! I honestly love it here and can see myself staying a very, very long time. It was also easy to meet people, and I think as long as you are friendly and willing to put yourself out there a bit you will do just fine with networking and making friends. I know there is a lot to think about but this opportunity might not come around again (you are almost one year post graduation!) Get the experience and this will open so many other doors for you. Good luck, I know you can do it!

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I saw an ad for a nursing job in Rawlins,WY many many years ago. I was living in Calif at the time and had never been to Wyoming. I did not know anyone in WY. I interviewed over the phone and got the job. I also arranged to get an apt. over the phone. It worked out great!!!! I got a good job and fell in love with Wyoming. I got a good apt. too. :yeah:

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I moved from the Bay Area to Philly for nursing school. Yes, it is lonely and sad and the readjustment to a new area took awhile, but I did make great friends. It sounds like you have a plan set out, help from your mom when you move, family already in GA...

It is a bad time looking for a job (I'm still looking) and it is amazing how fast a year goes by. A year to gain experience in GA to see if you like it there, and then come back if you decide the fit isn't right. Coming back means having experience and thus getting a job will be a lot easier.

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I agree with you in the aspect of knowing someone at the hospital. Last month, I was telling my aunt, who is a critical care nurse at this well known bay area hospital about my friend. My friend, a new BSN nurse, has put in over 100 applications. I told my aunt her name...to make a long story short, she got hired.

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you're lucky to have a cousin who is a doctor...really good connection

and you should def move if you have to

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I moved a couple thousand miles away, across an ocean and to a climate 50 degree cooler, for my dream job and I don't regret it for a second. True, it's hard re-establishing a life somewhere else. Logistically there is a lot to do but if you're organized and motivated it gets done. Having the support of your family and having your mom come out and help you is critical to making the move easier. I think you are motivated and have great support so I think it is indeed do-able. Nothing feels better than having a job and it's worth the sacrifices and hard work of a far-away move. Yes, there will be tough days, lonely days, decisions that are scary to make on your own but I really do think its worth it and I bet you will make it out better than ever. You learn so much about yourself making a move like this and I think you gain a stronger sense of self and independence.

It's true, moving to a faraway city on your own is not for everyone, but if you maintain a positive attitude, learn how to enjoy your own company, and understand that a few meltdowns don't mean that this decision was a mistake than you will be fine. I do think the poster that stated make sure you don't have rotating shifts is important with a kid. Having a day shift as a parent seems to be important and might be hard to get as a new grad. Maybe get a part-time job to start-off and then move to a full-time once you get the hang of the schedule and the job is you are able to afford to do so. My hospital asked me if I was a parent and if I wanted a part-time position so some hospitals are understanding. Good luck to you and keep us posted on what you end up doing.

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

I would be willing to move across the country for a nursing job, actually I would be very HAPPY to move across the country, to a remote rural area would be most ideal. After living in the city for six years, I really miss the country.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I had 2 offers back home in the big city last year, but I wanted a change, so I chose to relocate for a new experience and better pay. I moved 1700 miles away from home to a small town, and I love it. Peace and quiet! I sold and gave away everything, and came out here with 2 suitcases. Taught me how much I don't need. Since there is very little to spend money on, I will pay my loans faster. The move was a little scary, but the best thing I could have done. I sometimes miss friends, but the internet helps :)

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