If you had a choice, what area/state would you live for nursing school/working?

Published

Ok this may be an odd question but I was hoping I'd get some ideas from current nurses. I know jobs are tough almost everywhere. I am looking at the option of possibly relocating/going to school/getting a job after in the same area.

I live in Maryland and we have some wonderful options for nursing here including UMD, Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, etc. Most schools are about an hour away from where I live although UMD has a location closer to me which is my first choice option. I love Maryland and there is a large overall medical community here with NIH being right here and other government agencies. From what I've heard, the schools in the area are good and I've talked to a few new grads who got a job fairly quickly although I'm sure that isn't the case for everyone. I also love living in Maryland.

My husband asked me about New Mexico and I looked and NMSU and UNM both have nursing programs and from what I've heard, New Mexico has a decent medical community. If we moved to New Mexico, our cost of living would be cheaper as well which would mean I could quit my current job more easily and my husband's pay wouldn't be affected.

I've visited North Carolina before and I like it a lot but not sure I like it enough to move there.

So, I was wondering if people had other ideas for good areas to go to school for a BSN (in my case, 2nd degree BSN) and then interesting places to work afterwards? Obviously I know there may be challenges for working at some top notch places, but having the opportunity is attractive to me.

Also, I'd like to move onto an MSN after a couple years as well so that'd be a consideration for schooling as well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am originally from MD. I live in Illinois, 2 hours from Chicago. We moved here for my husband's job. If I had my way, we'd move back to MD and I'd be a Johns Hopkins nurse. I love the MD DC VA area. My second choice would be Philadelphia.

I've heard NC is a great area for nurses and nursing.

Good luck with your decision!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics.

I'm originally from Wisconsin, and they're stuck with to many nursing school grads and not enough staff spots in local hospitals.

I spent time in Arizona- don't know about the schools, but there's the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale as well as some nice hospitals, and I loved my time there.

Currently in Texas, and from what I've heard, you don't get paid enough in this region. But I love my job! And there are lots of schools in this state.

I suppose you could always look into RN license renewal fees/requirements- 'cause not all states require CEU's and mandatory training. And fees differ state to state. And there's always compact states. :)

Good luck! How exciting to think about! I'm sure you could get a job for a pretty penny in Alaska. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think the Midwest sucks for nurses. Definately NOT enough pay or respect

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU, ED.

I am originally from New Mexico (do not live there now, boohoo). UNM School of Nursing is good. University Hospital is the states only Level I trauma center and an EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT place to learn.

UNM SON (at the time I was there which was about 5 years ago) had an accelerated BSN program. It also had a program that newly graduated students who were interested in going on to a Master's program could participate in. It provided you a higher step in pay level (around $25.00/hr five years ago) so long as you started (or completed ??) your Master's program in three years. If I remember correctly you had to work for University Hospital, which was an added bonus since it is an excellent place to learn, you're getting paid and the tuition reimbursement is awesome!!

$25.00/hr goes a long way in New Mexico. It may even be more now considering that was five years ago. There are also numerous areas in New Mexico that qualify for loan forgiveness if you practice in any of those areas.

Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm trying hard not be a downer, but I would avoid NC. The cost of living here doesn't really match the wages. The schools, however, are fantastic. I am going to school here, and once I work off my indentured servitude (loan forgiveness program) then my husband and I plan to relocate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am from MD and now living in Kentucky. I am currently earning my ADN here at a CC, but dream of doing my DNP at Hopkins or University of MD. The cost of living in MD (and in-laws who still live there) may prevent me from moving back though. My oldest son was born at Hopkins and we lived at the NICU there for 3 months, which is what made me want to be a nurse. It is an excellent hospital with a well-deserved reputation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Washington state has great schools and hospitals...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Obstetrics, Women's Health.

I'm from Arkansas/Louisiana, but I really want to move to Washington State someday! It's my favorite place on Earth. Well, that or Las Vegas.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment