Looking To Relocate To Virginia

OpenheartAmy · Oct 14, 2007

Take Heart! I am also looking to relocate, but need a dog walker!

Things you can do are work 8 hour shift nights close to home, sleep while your child is at school, and be able to be up after school to have dinner together and spend the evening together. This does require a trustworthy teen and possibly an older neighbor who can be a resource if your child "gets scared" while you are at work.

A child will remember the house you will get, but will place much more value on the time you spend with them. "We had a small house, but Mom made it feel like home", or "Mom worked hours that made ME feel important, so she could come to my games or have dinner together".

Please don't let your job take your family. Many people sacrifice one for the other, and while it IS a profession, and some say a calling, it's still a JOB.

Please take my best wishes for strength and courage with you in your travels!

Amy S.

sheluke · Oct 16, 2007

What area are you looking to locate to in VA?

GOOD SAMARITAN · Oct 17, 2007

Take Heart! I am also looking to relocate, but need a dog walker!
Things you can do are work 8 hour shift nights close to home, sleep while your child is at school, and be able to be up after school to have dinner together and spend the evening together. This does require a trustworthy teen and possibly an older neighbor who can be a resource if your child "gets scared" while you are at work.
A child will remember the house you will get, but will place much more value on the time you spend with them. "We had a small house, but Mom made it feel like home", or "Mom worked hours that made ME feel important, so she could come to my games or have dinner together".
Please don't let your job take your family. Many people sacrifice one for the other, and while it IS a profession, and some say a calling, it's still a JOB.
Please take my best wishes for strength and courage with you in your travels!
Amy S.

Amy S,

I want to thank you for your input. I really feel strong about making the move. And hearing your words makes things easier b/c is a job. Ineed to spend more time with her b/c of the teen years can be confusing without being in a different state.I'm searching the website now looking for good areas in Chesapeake and Suffolk area. Schools , jobs etc. I feel in my heart that this moving is goona benefit me greatly in the long run. I would really like to thank you.

al7139, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2007

Hi,

I don't know about schools, etc. for your child, but I can tell you about the hospitals in the area. I work for Sentara, which has seven hospitals in the area. Some would be a commute from Chesapeake, but worth the drive to work in a good environment. There are also hospitals owned by Bon Secours. Not such a good place to work in my opinion. If you go to the Sentara website, they have a link to jobs available. Hope this helps.

Also, the cost of living here is much lower than in NY, so the pay would probably be less, but still good for living. Plus, you get to live near the beach!

Amy

amberfnp · Oct 18, 2007

Hi Good Samaritan. I live in Carrollton/Isle of Wight, VA (just outside of Suffolk/Smithfield area) and love it! Just moved there from Newport News. I am about 10-15 minutes from Chesapeake/Portsmouth.

My son goes to private school but I did look into Isle of Wight schools for future possibilities and they seem pretty good.

At 13, perhaps your child is old enough/mature enough to be able to get themself on the bus in the am or be home alone afterschool, or join an afterschool sport or club. That may work with a 7a-3p/8a-4 or 5p job. Of course that all depends on the child and your feeling "safe" in your neighborhood and knowing you neighbors.

Anyways, I work FT for a surgeons office but do work PRN for a Bon Secours hospital ER in Newport News. My husband works for Bon Secours freestanding ER in Harbour View in Suffolk. We both like it there a lot. Can't really speak for "floor nursing" areas though.

Regarding Sentara, I really am only familiar with Hampton and Newport News facilities. I hear Port Warwick freestanding ED is nice. Never worked there but know a few people who do and family members who have gone there. There are also doctors offices and outpatient facilities there. The Careplex in Hampton, not so good reviews---keep in mind I do not know from personal experience!

Riverside...I went to school there but have never worked there. I know a lot of people who do (in all different units) and like it. Some have been there 10 or more years. I hope to back there and teach when I complete my MSN.

Well good luck to you and keep us posted and what you have chosen!

GOOD SAMARITAN · Oct 22, 2007

Hello 92mxmom,

I would like to thank you for sharing that information with me. I'm still considering the making that move next oct. Do you have any idea the salary in the hospitals that you mentioned. Ive only been a nurse for a year. that's why I'm trying to stick out in New York for another year of experience. I've also picked up school nursing on the side for an agency just to get experience for possible side job when I relocate. But if you have anymore information you can share please do. I'll be visiting my family in Norfolk sometime next month while I'm there I will be looking around also. But I would like to thank you for your time and information. Thank you

GOOD SAMARITAN · Oct 22, 2007

Hello,

I would like to thank you for your time and information. I will look on the Sentara web site. Thank you again

amberfnp · Nov 1, 2007

Hi again. Your welcome for the info. I'm probably not the best one to ask about salaries in the hospitals around here. I have only worked labor pool in the ED, so my hourly rate is higher than that of FT/PT. Never worked on a regular floor. When I asked what I would make, it was around $22 for 3 years experience. This was almost 2 years ago. My FT job is in an office. I make a little less there than what I'd make in the hospital but the benefits are way better!