Moving to ATL soon ...... Questions

[TangoLima]

I am moving to the ATL area soon (definitely over the summer, but possibly soon if my husband finds a job before then). I have looked on here and found a lot of good info about the nursing job market.

Anyone have any info about working at the VA? Good environment? Pay? Time to get hired?

I graduated May 08 and have worked on a M/S Tele unit for the last 8 months. I am hoping to finish my "first year" before moving. But, if I don't finish a full year, will I be able to say I have experience, or will I be considered a "new grad" and be less likely to find a job?

What is the current job market in ATL in terms of time it takes to get hired?

I have heard that it is relatively easy to get a job at Grady, but I've also heard it's an awful place to work considering the segment of the population predominantly served by that hospital. Is it really that bad? Or, rather is it a good place to learn? If I was desperate for a job, I would probably consider working there if I knew I could get hired.

What is the going rate for BSN with 1 year experience?

Any hospitals offer loan forgiveness?

Is it possible to get OT?

I am also looking for MSN programs, but to my surprise, haven't found many options other than Emory or Mercer, both private schools that cost mucho $$. Anyone know of any other graduate programs?

Thanks in advance for all the info. :bowingpur

[swimmomga]

Ga State offers master programs. It is a public university

[edcunningham]

i would say if not emory then definantely ga state thats where i am applying

[SharonH, RN]

I am moving to the ATL area soon (definitely over the summer, but possibly soon if my husband finds a job before then). I have looked on here and found a lot of good info about the nursing job market.

Anyone have any info about working at the VA? Good environment? Pay? Time to get hired?

I graduated May 08 and have worked on a M/S Tele unit for the last 8 months. I am hoping to finish my "first year" before moving. But, if I don't finish a full year, will I be able to say I have experience, or will I be considered a "new grad" and be less likely to find a job?

What is the current job market in ATL in terms of time it takes to get hired?

I have heard that it is relatively easy to get a job at Grady, but I've also heard it's an awful place to work considering the segment of the population predominantly served by that hospital. Is it really that bad? Or, rather is it a good place to learn? If I was desperate for a job, I would probably consider working there if I knew I could get hired.

What is the going rate for BSN with 1 year experience?

Any hospitals offer loan forgiveness?

Is it possible to get OT?

I am also looking for MSN programs, but to my surprise, haven't found many options other than Emory or Mercer, both private schools that cost mucho $$. Anyone know of any other graduate programs?

Thanks in advance for all the info. :bowingpur

MSN programs:

• Mercer University
  
• Emory University
  
• GA State University
  
• Clayton State University
  
• Kennesaw State University
  
• State University of West Georgia (about 50 miles from downtown ATL, not so bad if you live on west side of town)
  

Grady is bad but not because of the clientele unless you have something against the poor and minorities. The work environment is harsh but that's because the hospital does not have money for frills. AND the hiring process there can be slow although they may have finally learned to speed things up.

The VA is unionized. If the working conditions there are anything like the one in Birmingham, I would pass if I were you.

If you continue to work M/S Tele, then you would not be considered a new grad and you should have no problem getting on anywhere. As for O/T, that's a cyclical thing. It probably wouldn't be any problem.

As for time to get hired, I'm not sure. You may get in quicker if you look into job fairs, then you can have a direct link to the recruiters and the nurse managers.

Pay rates: I'm not sure, I'm thinking it's between $21-$24 base but I could be waaaay off.

Good luck and welcome to Atlanta.