Is relocating the "smart move"?

[Mommyof3Boys]

Hi all!

I will be graduating in 40 days from an LPN program! I am so excited so finally be over the first hurdle of becoming an RN! Currently I reside in NH with my husband and 3 sons and am having another baby in 7 weeks. =) DH wants to relocate to lehigh valley area of PA. I was going to wait until I obtained my RN before the plunge but since I became pregnant again, that dream gets further and further away! Hubby is self employed and believes he can create a clientel in the new area, and believes that with me working we could afford to live in PA. In your opinions is this a smart move? How is the job out look over there? I did some research myself to find salaries in the area, from what i could see wages here in NH were like 17-20 an hr starting 1st shist..is this compareable there for LPNs? It will be another year to 2 before I complete my RN...also, as far as cost of living..while my hubby takes time to re grow his compnay..would my LPN salary be enough to "get by" temporarily or would we be pretty much destitute? thanks in advance all comments are welcome!

[Keri8680, BSN, RN]

In response to your questions, I moved from CT to the Pittsburgh area last summer (2009) after i graduated with my RN.

My fiance was out here and we wanted to be together. I found a job right out of school (after looking and applying and interviewing starting the winter before my graduation) You have to start early, don't wait until graduation from your program.

Also, if it helps you, the cost of living out here is SIGNIFICANTLY less than new england. My starting salary is around 22 dollars per hour in Pittsburgh, and I hear it's more outside the city. I know I'd be making alot more back in CT but it's all relative to the area now. My now husband and I bought a house in March for under 200k...4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. This home was built in the 90s and is gorgeous!! This would cost well over 300k in CT, I'm assuming it's similar in NH. I'm sure with your new degree you wouldn't have any trouble finding positions at LTC facilities. They are always hiring and I think the starting salaries are similar to what you said you'd make at home. if you have any further questions feel free to PM me.