Looking into New England RN jobs/salary rate/quality of life

[MuddaMia]

Can anyone give me an idea of a prn rate for rn's? I currently work in northern Florida at $34/hr prn. I am based on my home unit (I don't float) and can work as much as I want (I usually do 3 to 4 12's a wk, but only am required to work 2 a week). I'd like to move somewhere in New England so my kids can have a chance at a good education.I really dislike the culture (or lack thereof) here in Florida and want to raise my kids in a environment where people are educated and more open minded than here. My kids have dreams of living in a small town where they can ride bikes into "town". Here it is urban sprawl and strip malls (ick). Any ideas?

[bluemartian, BSN]

I live in south florida its the same here unless you want to be in the everglades

[cfrascino]

Come to Connecticut its beautiful and a lot of great hospitals and schools. The pay rate is usually higher because cost of living is higher. (Ex. Hartford pays ~ 43/hr for per diem and New Haven can pay up to $51 for per diem). I work at St Francis Hospital right now which is in Hartford and its inner city but if you wanted to live outside of the city there are plenty of towns that are small and safe and just what you are looking for. If you wanted smaller hospitals there is Manchester or Rockville Hospital these are closer to Massachusetts than there are other nice places to live by the water like Lawrence and Memorial or Backus Hospital which is right by the water. Good luck with your search! This is the best tme of year to be in New England because of the foliage.

[sahm02]

just keep in mind that the cost of living isat least 2x as to what it is down south.. I am from the northeast and that is why we moved down here. I would take a vacation up there first....

[MuddaMia]

Thanks for the replies. I have been there (many times). I am actially coming up there again this october to do a 10 day car trip and see the fall foilage with kiddos. My sister lives in Newtown, I love it there. I realize the cost of living is higher in all areas of new england, but I think with the increase in pay and my willingness to rent instead of buy at first...I could do it. Quality of life and a good education for the kids is something I would sacrifice anything for (not that leaving Florida is much of a sacrifice:D )

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Come to Vermont! It has scenery, outdoor life, bike culture, and a low student-teacher ratio in most public schools. A lot of hospitals are looking for experienced nurses.

That said, the taxes are high, some jobs are in the middle of nowhere, rural poverty is a problem, there's little diversity outside Burlington, and the winters can be very harsh.