I want to come home

[GutterGoddess]

I am an RN with 13 years ICU experience and a few years of hospice/long term care. My family and I moved to Arizona in 1998 to help care for the in-laws. I am wanting to move back to Michigan. Although unfortunate for those that have lost their homes, I find housing looks to be more affordable than in the past and absolutely more affordable than here. I am thinking that the cut in pay ( I am pretty sure there WILL be a cut ) will balance the housing costs. Can anyone out there tell me what the wags are in lower MI? How difficult will it be to get a job? I have read some of the posts, and I am quite nervous. We are looking to move anywhere between Grand Rapids and Adrian and Lansing and Coldwater. All of my family is downriver, but after all these years I really don't want to live THAT close :wink2:!

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

I cant help you with your move but I too am looking to move closer to my family who live in Ohio. Bear in mind moving house and travel expenses can be aroung $5000 and there are no facilities offering sign on bonus's or relocation money yet. Good luck with your move all I can say is I can hardly wait to move from Arizona too

[GutterGoddess]

Thanks for the quick reply Madwife2002! I wish you luck also. The longer I have been in this god-forsaken desert, the more I hate it! At first it was great..sunshine, blue skies and very little rain. Now, as my skin dries up, and the heat and crime rates keep me prisoner in my cement-walled backyard, I just want to go home! I'll keep you in my prayers.

[GRnurse57]

I have been a nurse for two years in GR and am making about 24/hr for day shift with 1.50 shift differential. Grand Rapids is one of the lowest paying areas for nurses. Last year when I was applying in Lansing they start at 26/hr and have better shift differentials and benefits. That was with only a year experience. I wouldn't come to GR if looking for better pay. Also, there is not to many positions available here.

[jenrninmi, MSN, RN]

I agree with pp pay, but I love the Grand Rapids area. Cost of living is also less here. There are openings at Spectrum Health and Metro Health. Not sure about St. Mary's. I'd go to their websites and see what they've got open.