I'm an LPN with almost 2 years of experience on an Obstetrics unit and float to Med Surg, Intensive Care and Behavioral Health. It's time to move on and experience other hospitals and locations. I've been considering Wilmington North Carolina since I graduated in 2009 but felt that staying home and gaining some experience first was a more logical step. I am starting gen ed classes to start working toward my RN so I have a lot of factors to work with in considering relocation.
1. I've never been any further south than Ocean City, MD (I'm from Pennsylvania). I'd like to experience a new part of the country. I've also had many many friends tell me that Wilmington is beautiful as is the rest of the state (they are all on board with support of my possible move) and that I will love it.
2. I spent 3 years living in Las Vegas. Loved every minute of it but that was desert. I'd like to go somewhere a little closer to the coast this time. I was cooped up much of the summer because it was too hot to go outside unless you were swimming in the pools. I love to walk and hike. I've started getting into running and am slowly trying to turn myself into a health freak. I see from some of the research I've been doing that Wilmington has plenty of outdoor activity beyond the obvious beach day.
At this point, I know nothing about the health care system there...which is why I'm posting this thread. Can an LPN afford to live without a roommate based on wages in the state? I'm 29 years old and not really liking the idea of roommates but I'm definitely not closed to it if that's the better way to go financially. Are LPNs used in the hospital setting as clinical nurses or am I doomed to a doctor's office or nursing home? Are there any schools that offer bridge programs for LPNs to get their RN? I fully intend to get a bachelor's of nursing but at this point, I'd like to take the associates route so I can start working as an RN and then do my classes towards a BSN later. I am aware that many hospitals now are only accepting RN's who have a bachelor's degree..is this the case in Wilmington or North Carolina in general? I know I've mentioned Wilmington a lot, and from what I've seen it seems like a great place to go, but I'm by all means open to other suggestions. I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and respond! I appreciate it greatly!
