Moving for nurse residency program?

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Hi, I am a recent graduate with my BSN. I really am passionate about labor/delivery and maternity nursing. Unfortunately where I live there are really 0 nurse residency or new grad positions for maternity. Would it be too much of a life-change to move to a new place and start a new career at the same time?

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

You are the only person who can answer that question. I moved across the state for my first nursing job and across the country for my second, third and fourth jobs. I was single when I moved to the big city and took a job -- I didn't know anyone in town and my nearest relative was over 100 miles away. I had a junker car and a bicycle. I did great. I made new friends and learned to enjoy my new city. Other people seem to get lonely or miss their families, boyfriends or high school crowd and want to move back immediately.

I'd say go for it. But you are going to have to carefully weigh the pros and cons for yourself. How far would you move? Would. You be able to go back to visit frequently? Will it bother you very much if you cannot visit frequently?

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Specializes in NICU.

It all depends on you. If you have family or friends that you need to see on a daily or weekly basis or have a hard time making new friends, then you would not do well moving to another state. If you like starting fresh in a new location and meet new friends, then move.

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Specializes in ICU.

I moved across the country for my first nursing job. It was worth it for me. Most of my new grad coworkers had done the same too.

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I moved over 8 hours away by car for my first nursing job, which led to my second nursing job. Yes, it was worth it but it was not easy getting through those tough times in a completely new place when my family was far away. Luckily, I found friends to help along the way. Only you know your personality to know if you can handle being in a new, unfamiliar place and dealing with the stress of being a new grad RN. Best wishes.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

I work at a facility where they have hired many new nurses from out of town for new grad residencies. Many get REALLY homesick. It isn't always easy to get home for a quick visit. I can't give an opinion because I already live where I did mine. It is a great thing, but if you don't think you can be away from home that think seriously about it.

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