Need help- thinking of moving to Dallas area

RN1989 · May 31, 2008

I don't live in Mesquite but I have worked there and do drive through there often on my way to other parts of the city. It is probably cheaper to live there than in other parts of Dallas but I wouldn't live there.

The hospitals there are in trouble which may be an indication of the area. There are two hospitals in Mesquite owned by the same company. They decided to combine facilities and turn one of the hospitals into a womens' health hospital and the other one into a general care hospital. Now the one hospital housing the ob/women's health is closing down because it is losing money. Most of the patients that I saw when I worked in Mesquite did not have insurance and many were illegal. Areas with a large amt of working poor often tend to have higher crime rates.

The drive from there to Dallas isn't far, however I30 is the main route to Baylor and it is always a mess during peak times. Unless you learn all of the backways on the surface streets you could be spending a lot of time in traffic if you work day shift.

I have not found that many facilities do the 8 hr shifts anymore. Costs them too much because then they have to hire more staff and pay more taxes and insurance on them.

I found that the DFW area is much more expensive to live but the salaries were lower than what I was accustomed to in Central TX. I don't know what the salary is for someone with only a couple of years experience but when they told me what they wanted to pay me.....I laughed and signed on to other agency and private work. The Commuter reports that NHs pay well in her experience.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 31, 2008

I have heard that the suburbs north of Dallas, located in Collin County, are nice, clean, and safe for single women with children. In addition, people generally have good things to say regarding the schools in this area.

The main cities in this area being described are Plano, Frisco, Allen, and McKinney. Since these places have local hospitals, you can avoid a daily commute into Dallas.

The prevailing pay rate for an RN-BSN with 2 years of experience in the DFW area hospitals is $24.50 to $25 hourly; this does not include differentials for off-shifts. You could earn more if you worked for an LTAC hospital such as Kindred or Lifecare. You could also earn more money if you worked for a rehabilitation hospital such as Healthsouth or Regency. Many nursing homes would be willing to pay you in the high $20s per hour.

sjt9721, BSN, RN · May 31, 2008

Collin County is booming, that's for sure. Commute to "big" Baylor for now, then transfer up to Baylor McKinney when it opens in 2009ish.

chako · Jun 2, 2008

Hello,my future co-workers

I am moving to Dallas, too. I am in Rhode Island (the smallest state). I am very exited about it. I am looking for the hospital to work at, now. Is there any suggestion, Dallas nurses?

My husband job will be in Garland. We are looking for the house in area, too.

I will appreciate any and all information I can get!

Thanks,

Chako

redranger · Jun 2, 2008

Cities not to live in Dallas County:

Irving, Mesquite, Garland

Lots of crime, Lots of Illegal Aliens, Nasty looking cities that are only destin to get worse.

Plano, Frisco, Allen - Is where a lot of people have moved,and tends to be new and clean and a good place to live and raise kids.

chako · Jun 2, 2008

Thank you for the info, redranger.

What do you think of Rowlett, near the lake?

Thanks again.

Chako

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 2, 2008

Thank you for the info, redranger.
What do you think of Rowlett, near the lake?
Thanks again.
Chako

Rowlett is an upscale bedroom community, with a desirable location on Ray Hubbard Lake. It is a suburb where upper middle-class people live to avoid the perceived "problems" of the big city. Virtually any suburb located north of Dallas will turn out to be a winner.

chako · Jun 2, 2008

Thanks, thecommuter,

I will keep it in mind!

Chako

svanek · Jun 2, 2008

I am a nurse working downtown, my husband is a police officer and we have two children. I would suggest picking where you live based upon the school district. I would avoid Dallas, Garland, Mesquite, Irving, Grand Prairie, Rowlett and any area South of Dallas unless you are willing to pay for private schooling. I would suggest...Plano, Wylie, Lewisville and Allen. You would have to commute unless you took a job in one of the hospitals closer to you. I, however, could never dream of working somewhere else. If you will be working shift work, the traffic is easier during those odd hours. Most hospitals now offer assistance, if not free, rail passes.

chako · Jun 2, 2008

Thanks for your infos.

We do not have kids; so schools do not matter but safety does.

How far is Garland from Plano(my hasband will be working there)? How is housing marcket in Plano and the areas you suggest?

If you can give me more informations I will very much appreciate it.

Chako

vamedic4, EMT-P · Jun 2, 2008

Don't rule out the northern area of the 'Plex...Lewisville and Carrollton are great cities to live in, too. I have a 26 mile commute to work (nights) but it's straight down the interstate and I can be there in less than 30 minutes. In Lewisville there is very little crime, I feel safe walking at all times of the day or night. It's also not terribly expensive, as some other areas have become.

Best of luck in your search.

vamedic4