Hello all. This is my virgin post... go easy on me
I currently live in Richmond and work at VCU in the CCU. I have this burning desire to get out of Richmond as it's not the city for me; I have lived here all of my life and am ready for a change. VCU's CRNA program is ranked #1 by U.S. News, but this is from an older survey in 2003 (objectivity and validity of the survey is, of course, unknown). I can, however, attest to various nurse anesthetists who have either come from or are in the program that is is outstanding. There is word from the Program Director that a nurse anesthesia practice doctorate (DNAP) will be available as an optional 3-year program, making it great for "one stop shopping."
Here's my quandry.
I love South Carolina and the charm of Charleston. Homes are cheaper as is the cost of living, and I have heard relatively good things about MUSC thus far. My partner is graduating from nursing school in one year. Here are my options:
1. Stay in Richmond, continue to rent, and go to VCU.
2. Move to Charleston in one year, buy a house, and go to MUSC.
Providing the housing market improves, I need some suggestions or playful prodding from those with experience with either program. I'm a sucker for used car salespeople, so, give me some input- I'm far too indecisive to make the decision on my own.
you can use any calculator you want, but I lived in both places and have been active in both real estate markets....trust me, Charleston is more expensive, unless you live 30-40 minutes away...but why move there if you can't be near downtown or the beaches?
As far as salary goes, as an RN I was making $32.50/hr +shift diff as unit based temp...no sick leave/vacations, health insurance, but did have 401k, not sure what salary is in Richmond. As a crna, at MUSC I think they start at about 113k/yr. Only a handful of other hospitals in the area to choose from.
Richmond has many more hospitals, which may increase the starting salary range.
schwizzle
ps I'd focus on getting into a program first and worry about the move later...
Thanks schway or schwizzle... Your "P.S." has provided me great redirection to the central task at hand... "getting into a program." My focus for Charleston was never the beach, rather the education. Location is a secondary perk. :yelclap:
You are now an SRNA at MCV? When did you matriculate? In what part of town have you settled? Maybe you are privy to a cheaper section of Richmond than I have lived for 20 years? PM me and perhaps we can further discuss your experiences.
just trying to help you out, Reggie. There are many things to take into consideration when deciding where to attend school, it's just a matter as to what is most important to you. If buying a home and getting a top notch education is a priority, then I'd have to say VCU is your best bet. If the need for you and your partner to move is greater, then Charleston is a great place indeed.
My wife and I bought a home for $250k in a great, safe neighborhood just north of the city. There are plenty of homes for sale here and you get MUCH more house here than in Charleston...townhouses behind my house in Charleston were going for $450k, on a busy street.
Hopefully I have been able to shed a little light on my knowledge of the Lowcountry and best of luck to you in your future endeavors and pursuit of admission into the anesthesia program of your choice....
schway
26 Posts
celam,
you can use any calculator you want, but I lived in both places and have been active in both real estate markets....trust me, Charleston is more expensive, unless you live 30-40 minutes away...but why move there if you can't be near downtown or the beaches?
As far as salary goes, as an RN I was making $32.50/hr +shift diff as unit based temp...no sick leave/vacations, health insurance, but did have 401k, not sure what salary is in Richmond. As a crna, at MUSC I think they start at about 113k/yr. Only a handful of other hospitals in the area to choose from.
Richmond has many more hospitals, which may increase the starting salary range.
schwizzle
ps I'd focus on getting into a program first and worry about the move later...