Neuro RN moving to Denver to become NP

Published

Hello,

New to the site, first post. So I'm a neuro/trauma RN with just under three years RN experience, just under two years acute care experience. I'm one semester into my Acute Care NP master's program and intend on moving out to the gorgeous mountains ASAP but I at least have to finish my NP degree first, in about 15 months.

So my question is, should I move out there and start working as an RN right after school and just take my NP boards there or wait until I pass them and go straight to working as an NP, which could be months and months after school is done, but at a much higher income. I was told we may not be able to sit for boards until November of 2017 but we're done with school in mid-April. Currently I'm making just over $29/hr, and from what I've heard pay is lower out in Denver while cost of living I know is insanely expensive compared to Michigan. By the time school is done as an RN I'll be between $30-31/hr due to raise structure at my current hospital. But I'm dying to get out there asap. With experience, what should I expect in terms of pay? Most posts I've seen so far in this regard are either older or for new grads so that's why I'm asking.

If I'm going to take a huge hit, I might as well stay here, but if it's comparable I'd like to get my life started out there. But if the pay gap is too large, it would be better to stay here and save money as I know with NP pay I'll be okay to move out there. I know it's early to ask this question, but a lot is involved with this decision and timing is a factor. Thank you in advance for responses!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Huh. I went from Neuro/trauma in MI to Denver last year. I may know you!

I would suggest going ahead and moving. I was making $33/hr in Med/Surg as agency.

With three years experience in ICU, you should be able to get at least as much. More if you go the agency route.

You'll like it there in the summer. It's gorgeous and not too hot. Winter sucks, but not as bad as MI. Traffic is terrible, but the people are friendly.

I kinda miss it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
Huh. I went from Neuro/trauma in MI to Denver last year. I may know you!.

How did I not know you live in Denver?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

OP, is your NP program online? If so, I would recommend either moving here ASAP and working as an RN and creating a network/contacts, or waiting until you're totally done. The reason being, there are a lot of NP programs out here, and unless you are going to school at one of the local universities, it's REALLY hard to find an NP preceptor, unless you already have contacts in the community.

With regards to pay, when I moved out here in 2010, with just under 5 years of nursing experience, I started out making about $28-29/hour.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
How did I not know you live in Denver?

I did an "in and out." I'm in Phoenix now. You answered some questions for me when I first moved, though, so thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion