Info for new nurses in San Antonio

[Jaykster]

Hi all! I moved a year and a half ago from Huntington Beach, Ca to Carlsbad NM (yeah it was a bit of a change) for their nursing program (great program). I just passed the LPN NCLEX and expect to finish My RN in seven months (May 09) and want to relocate to San Antonio as soon as I graduate. My long term goal is to become a CRNA and I need to work for two years in SICU or ICU before I can apply for CRNA school. So, my question(s), does anyone have any information on how to start working in these fields as a new graduate? Which hospitals are the best for new grads? Lastly, any advice for this soon to be San Antonio resident regarding: housing, cost of living, average new grad. pay, things to do, or any relevant ideas r/t moving to a new city, I don't have a school age kid (just a beagle) so school districts aren't too important.

Thanks in advance, I really appreciate it!!!

Jayk

[ibme]

I just received an offer from Baptist in San Antonio as a new grad. I live in Houston, but I will tell you what I have learned about SA... Methodist and Christus Santa Rosa have new grad internships in the ICU (not sure about Baptist). Christus offers the Versant Residency which is really good and I hear they pay more than most hospitals. The pay is kinda low in San Antonio compared to Houston... new grad pay starts at around $21/hour , BUT they will offer you more if you have prior health care experience. I have chosen to live in the North or Northwest side of town outside of 1604, either in Stone Oak or by Sea World.. I chose these areas because I hear they are more upscale, newer and have great schools. I want to feel safe at night. I know there are other little pockets of nice areas in San Antonio, but these areas were referred to me the most by everyone that I asked and seemed to have what I was looking for. It also depends on what you want and activities you like. Anyways, apartments in San Antonio for a 1 bedroom in these areas are around $700/month.. it is definately cheaper in other parts of town.

Things to do... it is a tourist town so there is alot to do.. it depends on what you like to do. I have 2 liitle ones so I was interested in family stuff like: Sea World, Schlitterbaun water park, Six Flags theme park, the River walk, tubing down the river, bike trails, boating on Canyon lake.. lots of small little towns nearby with seasonal festivals and antique shopping.. these are the things I was interested in... I am not sure about night life or anything else.

Good luck!!