Published Dec 5, 2010
turnforthenurse, MSN, NP
3,364 Posts
Hello everyone!
My fiance is in the Army and we were originally going to Fort Drum, New York. He was able to switch his duty station so now we are moving to Fort Hood this upcoming May! We have no idea if we plan on living on or off post, but I had a few questions:
- what is it like living in Texas? Does it get extremely hot/humid? What's it like in the winter?
- how is the cost of living? I heard there is no state income tax.
- what is the job market like for RNs? What's the pay like?
- is anyone here familiar with the Fort Hood area? What is it like?
- hospitals - so far I have found three hospitals in the Fort Hood area - Carl R. Darnall Army Community Hospital (CRDACH) which is located on post, Scott & White Hospital & Clinic and Metroplex Health System. Can anyone tell me about anything about these hospitals? Does CRDACH hire civilian nurses? I know a lot of Army hospitals do.
I'm pretty excited...I realize most military bases are in the middle of nowhere, but I live in Ohio now and we're getting bombarded with snow. Fort Drum area gets the most snow in the United States so I am very happy with our switch in duty stations!
Thank you everyone!
TxPedsRN
38 Posts
First thing, I love living in Texas. I am from here so I am a little biased and one thing to learn about Texans is we love us some Texas! It is extremly hot and depending on where in Texas, can be quite humid. Winters are milder in some areas, and more like a "winter" in others, for instance in the panhandle, it usually will always snow, I am from DFW area, and we will usually get ice and if lucky some snow will stick. Cost of living is pretty good, from what I hear in comparision to other parts of the country. Job market is hard, like most states. Like I mentioned before, depends on the area you will be in on how the jobs are. Texas is a pretty big state, so maybe someone from Ft. Hood area will answer your questions. I have heard very good things about Scott and White, but know nothing about the other hospital you mentioned. Good luck and I hope you like Texas, when are you moving?
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
Melosaur - Howdy!
I am glad you are excited about your move. Scott & White has a stellar reputation and is closely affiliated with major academic institutions including Mary Hardin Baylor School of Nursing (not to be confused with Baylor University - LOL).
The climate will be a real change, that's for sure but no worries - we all survive very well with air conditioning. According to my other 'transplanted Yankee' friends, you'll really appreciate not having to juggle heavy winter clothes for several months each year. I have a coat, but never take it out of mothballs unless I am traveling to the cold North. Be ready for more outdoor challenges than you are used to because we do have a good selection of venomous critters (fire ants, africanized bees, assorted snakes, etc) that you'll need to get familiar with... they won't bother you if you don't hassle them.
It's true, we don't have state income tax, however I believe that military folks are governed by the rules of their state of residence... so even though you may be living in Tx, you would still have to fork over state taxes to his 'home' state. Not Fair!
Texas loves our soldiers!!!! Please tell your hunny that we really appreciate everything he is doing for us.
chare
4,324 Posts
the department of the army does hire civilian employees. you can search current listings here: vacancy announcement board. after your marriage you might qualify for a cpol military spouse preference.
the veterans administration central texas veterans health care system is located in temple. you can search for veterans administration jobs here: u.s. department of veterans affairs - job search
when using either of these sites, rather than searching for a job title, search for occupation series 0610.
the agape center maintains a listing of texas hospitals and medical centers.
average monthly high/low temperature as well as precipitation can be found here: fort hood weather conditions, forecast, average
good luck in your upcoming move, and thank your fiancé for his service.
Good luck and I hope you like Texas, when are you moving?
Thank you! The wedding is May 14th and my fiance's report date is May 18th lol. We're thinking about leaving the very next day (15th) that way we won't have to necessarily "rush" down there.
And you know, it's funny - before I moved to Ohio (this was 7 years ago) I almost moved to Austin. I loved it there, but of course I don't really know what it's like to live there haha.
Melosaur - Howdy! I am glad you are excited about your move. Scott & White has a stellar reputation and is closely affiliated with major academic institutions including Mary Hardin Baylor School of Nursing (not to be confused with Baylor University - LOL).The climate will be a real change, that's for sure but no worries - we all survive very well with air conditioning. According to my other 'transplanted Yankee' friends, you'll really appreciate not having to juggle heavy winter clothes for several months each year. I have a coat, but never take it out of mothballs unless I am traveling to the cold North. Be ready for more outdoor challenges than you are used to because we do have a good selection of venomous critters (fire ants, africanized bees, assorted snakes, etc) that you'll need to get familiar with... they won't bother you if you don't hassle them. It's true, we don't have state income tax, however I believe that military folks are governed by the rules of their state of residence... so even though you may be living in Tx, you would still have to fork over state taxes to his 'home' state. Not Fair! Texas loves our soldiers!!!! Please tell your hunny that we really appreciate everything he is doing for us.
Haha I was thinking Mary Hardin Baylor School of Nursing = Baylor University!
I lived in Florida for 13 years of my life so I've had my fair share of venomous critters lol. I don't know if you've been to Florida, but would you say Texas is a lot like it?
The Department of the Army does hire civilian employees. You can search current listings here: Vacancy Announcement Board. After your marriage you might qualify for a CPOL Military Spouse Preference. The Veterans Administration Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is located in Temple. You can search for Veterans Administration jobs here: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Job SearchWhen using either of these sites, rather than searching for a job title, search for occupation series 0610. The Agape Center maintains a listing of Texas Hospitals and Medical Centers.Average monthly high/low temperature as well as precipitation can be found here: Fort Hood Weather Conditions, Forecast, AverageGood luck in your upcoming move, and thank your fiancé for his service.
The Veterans Administration Central Texas Veterans Health Care System is located in Temple. You can search for Veterans Administration jobs here: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Job Search
When using either of these sites, rather than searching for a job title, search for occupation series 0610.
The Agape Center maintains a listing of Texas Hospitals and Medical Centers.
Average monthly high/low temperature as well as precipitation can be found here: Fort Hood Weather Conditions, Forecast, Average
Good luck in your upcoming move, and thank your fiancé for his service.
Wow thank you for this!!! This is very helpful :)