In a bit of a relocation pickle

Nurses Career Support

Published

Specializes in Psych; Substance Abuse.

This is going to be a long one.

I am originally from NY. I was a Technician in L&D prior to becoming a nurse and I always wanted to work on a acute nursing unit. I became a LPN in 2011 and was abruptly awoken from my dream and took the first job available to me which was in substance abuse. Over the years since I have held many Substance abuse, psych and LTC positions because I cannot stay at one place long enough, I just don't like it. Looking at the job postings on indeed in Virginia Beach and with much encouragement from my RN buddy who currently lives here I relocated in search of better positions.

It has been 8 months and I am still in the same situation here. I did get a acute position but it is in on a Mental Health floor which these days is looking more like a detox center. Its a revolving door and making me a very jaded person. I feel like by working in these areas that my heat is not into is making my patients suffer, although I try to put my very best into everything I do. To add insult to injury I have worked nights almost all of my life and love it, my current job is trying to make me work days to fill a need. Even after I expressed in the interview that I am a night nurse and always have been. Along with the big change of working a different shift I would lose my shift differential at a job that already pays low and in a area that has a history of low salaries. I know what you are saying. Why don't I return to school? Well, I am currently enrolled in Excelsior and it is taking me a while due to my schedule.

Now to the point... I have always heard that Texas is the place to be for nurses. Up late one night I searched indeed for positions and found plenty of acute positions for LPNs. I applied and heard back from a few almost immediately. I have a manager that called today to set up a interview for a Med-Surg/ICU floor. This particular hospital has a nursing school and offers a career ladder program. The program allows the nurse to work two 12 hour shifts a week and get paid full-time. Should I pursue this? Would you move for what seems to be a better job opportunity?

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Where in Texas?

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Well I wouldn't move because my husband's job is in this area. But if I were single, probably. I live in Texas & never have worked acute care. Even though the hospitals do hire LVNs, they want LVNs with acute care experience. So I have worked LTC, PDN, corrections & adolescent drug rehab. Hated most of my jobs. Thankfully my husband makes good money so after I have my baby I can focus on school & get out of that rut.

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Specializes in Psych; Substance Abuse.

@CrunchRN - Lubbock

@Itzvalerie - thanks for the info. I figured they would have ignored my app because of lack of acute experience. I was really shocked to get a call back for a interview.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Yes I would move for it but not until I have a job offer in writing with a firm start date

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

If you can do it without disrupting the lives of a bunch of people go for it. What do you have to lose?

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I moved to Texas 10 years ago and have been very happy.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
@CrunchRN - Lubbock @Itzvalerie - thanks for the info. I figured they would have ignored my app because of lack of acute experience. I was really shocked to get a call back for a interview.

Yeah. I went on several interviews at hospitals & then never heard back. I wouldn't move unless I have a job waiting for me.

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Specializes in Psych; Substance Abuse.

Thanks Everyone! Just heard back from the manager. Telephone interview set for Thursday. *Fingers Crossed*

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Okay - >. As a native Texan, I have lived in just about every part of my wonderful state. I have to tell you that some parts are more wonderful than others. I lived in Lubbock for nearly a year (due to hubby's job). Loved the people. Hated the geography & weather. Very flat, virtually treeless with frequent red-dirt dust storms during the dry months. Tornadoes are not unusual. Bone-chilling cold in the winter. It's an acquired taste for sure. Just wanted you to be prepared. Luckily, Lubbock is no longer a dry county (since 2009), so at least you can drown your sorrows more conveniently these days....

On the Plus side: It's world renown as the birthplace of Rockabilly music (thanks to Buddy Holly) - srsly, if you aren't familiar with this distinctly American genre, you should be (Rockabilly | Significant Albums, Artists and Songs | AllMusic). It's a college town (Texas Tech) so that means there are a lot of young people. Very low cost of living.

Take a look at this site - pay particular attention to the geography in the background. 29 Things You Need to Know About Lubbock, TX Before You Move There

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