Moving to Georgia, several questions

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 1, 2015

Armstrong State University has a bridge, but it is to BSN: Advanced Track (LPN to BSN) - Nursing Armstrong State University - Georgia. The school is about 40 minutes from Ft. Stewart.

My GA RN license took a couple of weeks. Another thing to consider is working on Ft. Stewart - the hospital hires LPNs. You can search for job vacancies here: https://www.usajobs.gov. Once you get into the Federal system, you would have an easier time finding work anywhere you PCS. Obtaining government employment can take a while, but I can tell you that the pay and benefits are excellent. You can work in a Federal facility under your current state license, no GA license required.

Here is a job posting, just to give you an idea: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/397934600

Juju102 · Apr 1, 2015

Ugh, I posted and it got deleted! I already looked at USAjobs and Ft. Stewart was not hiring as of now, I'm hoping that changes by the time we are ready to go!

I did see the school you mentioned, but I am more looking for an associate's bridge - thank you for the answer and info though!!

*****

Edit! I just checked again and there are jobs there! Thanks again!

brittleigh · Apr 1, 2015

Gordon State College in Barnesville, GA has an LPN bridge program for an Associates. I graduated from the RN program there back in December. It took me less than two weeks to get everything processed. I took the NCLEX three weeks later.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 1, 2015

Yeah, I could not find an ASN program in this part of Georgia when I looked. However, there is the Technical College of the Lowcountry in South Carolina, pretty much just across the border. They will grant in-state tuition if you live in Chatham County (Savannah), not sure about Liberty or Bryan County residents (the other counties around Ft. Stewart). I can't tell if they have an actual bridge, but they do have an ADN program: Nursing | www.tcl.edu

What area of nursing do you work in now? Winn Army Community Hospital at Ft. Stewart hires LPNs in a wide variety of settings, from clinics to case management to med/surg.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Apr 1, 2015

Gordon State College in Barnesville, GA has an LPN bridge program for an Associates. I graduated from the RN program there back in December. It took me less than two weeks to get everything processed. I took the NCLEX three weeks later.

She is looking in the Savannah area, that would be really far! :) Unless it's online. Lol

brittleigh · Apr 2, 2015

No, it's not online. I thought she was asking about anywhere in Georgia but I realize now she wasn't. You're right, that would be an awful drive!! Haha!

phillycpnp-pc, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 7, 2015

I am moving from PA to GA, hopefully this summer/fall....I heading down in 2 weeks for interviews. It didn't take that long to get my GA license, as long as everything is sent in correctly. I think it took 2 weeks max.

Studionurse · Jun 18, 2015

I am moving to Atlanta Georgia in July and would like to know what is the nurse patient ratio, hourly rate and some of the best hospitals to work. I am moving from California and know that things will be much different in Georgia with regards to hourly rate and nursing ratio. I have already bought a house in Mableton and would rather to work less than 20 miles away from home.

Marshall1 · Jun 18, 2015

Georgia is not a compact state. If you know for sure you are going to be relocating here it would be best to go ahead and get your license for Ga. rolling..stories vary on how long it takes but the BON here is notorious for being difficult to work with. So, yes, start the process if you haven't already.

LPN jobs in MD offices, LTC and similar are available - much depends on the area you live, how far your willing to drive etc. Pay also depends but low end is about $15/hr - high end can be mid-$20's. Wages for all nurses in Ga. are low - a lot of nurses move here from the north or the west coast thinking they will be making the same or close to it - not happening. The job market is tight here - unless you are already licensed or have your temp license it will be very difficult for you to get anywhere - with the except of a Fed. job because then any current license will work. You can go to salary.com for a better idea about pay.

Marshall1 · Jun 18, 2015

Nurse patient ratio is dependent upon where you work (LTC, HH, Hospice, hospital) and what unit (if hospital. Your wages will not be what they were in Calif. Average hourly rate for an RN in a hospital setting is around $27.00 depending on experience, shifts, certifications - can go up or down from there. You have a lot of choices of places to apply living in/around Mableton. Again, if you don't have your Ga temp or permanent license, get started on it because the job market is tough here & w/o current state license I really don't think, unless you are super certified and the hospital/company is willing to work with you about waiting, that you will get very far - except the VA.