New graduate nurse, new job, HELP

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I'm a new graduate nurse and am moving to Louisiana which has a poor health care quality. I'm excited because I got into the specialty I wanted (pediatric ED). Many students in my nursing school chose to stay in the area because the hospital quality is great (CT and MA). I have no desire to stay right now and really just want to experience something new. However, I am worried that if I ever chose to move back to MA I would have trouble getting a job at a hospital because the hospital quality isn't as great in LA, has anyone experienced an issue getting a nursing job based on previous hospital experience? I don't want to hinder my education as a new nurse or future opportunities.

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I think the Louisiana nurses here might take umbrage to your notion that the quality of health care in their state is sub-standard.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I'll bet hospitals in Louisiana would disagree with you!! I think you're reading too much into what you are concerned about. I started as a GN in a pediatric ER. The critical thinking skills, independence, and confidence I gained during that time has been invaluable to me...go for it - and congratulations for enduring nursing school!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
2 minutes ago, Wuzzie said:

I think the Louisiana nurses here might take umbrage to your notion that the quality of health care in their state is sub-standard.

HAHA - we were saying the same thing at the same time!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Oh yea, of course you'll need to learn to eat fried gator tail, shrimp gumbo, boudin, and raw oysters, and become a New Orleans Saints fan or they'll kick you out of the state.

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Geaux Tigers!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
7 minutes ago, Wuzzie said:

Geaux Tigers!

I bet those Tigers are looking to settle a grudge with A&M next year...I'm not gonna miss that one!

OH yea, smiles and medicine, Louisiana loves their football. Just ask Terry Bradshaw or Phil Robertson.

Welcome to AN!!

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@Wuzzie @OldDude Thank you! I am NOT trying to belittle the nurses there at all or question their experience or education. I just have never been outside of the northeast and when I told people where I was moving I got a lot of mixed responses (which made me a little upset). I am very honored and excited to have gotten this job and I'm sure it will be an amazing experience. I've just been reading into the public health statistics and state ratings of quality of care (which I probably shouldn't read into) just nervous for the move I think. But very excited thank you again.

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Specializes in Palliative, Onc, Med-Surg, Home Hospice.
38 minutes ago, OldDude said:

I bet those Tigers are looking to settle a grudge with A&M next year...I'm not gonna miss that one!

OH yea, smiles and medicine, Louisiana loves their football. Just ask Terry Bradshaw or Phil Robertson.

Welcome to AN!!

I love Terry Bradshaw! Part of the Steele Curtain. Go Stillers!

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Learn to love these and yes you gotta suck da head.

crawfish.jpg

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Specializes in Community Health, Med/Surg, ICU Stepdown.

I don't think nurses in certain states provide worse care than others but having worked in both Arkansas and California I know there are factors that influence the quality of care that patients get. Nurse/patient ratios, funding, poverty, the education system, access to care, food access and quality all affect health outcomes. It is really sad how huge the health discrepancies are. I think it will be a great experience to travel to a new area and learn the specific health challenges of that population. For me it greatly increased my knowledge and empathy. Congrats on getting a job in your dream specialty! good luck!

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9 hours ago, smiles and medicine said:

@Wuzzie @OldDude Thank you! I am NOT trying to belittle the nurses there at all or question their experience or education. I just have never been outside of the northeast and when I told people where I was moving I got a lot of mixed responses (which made me a little upset). I am very honored and excited to have gotten this job and I'm sure it will be an amazing experience. I've just been reading into the public health statistics and state ratings of quality of care (which I probably shouldn't read into) just nervous for the move I think. But very excited thank you again.

Quite frankly the people you told who reacted negatively should be relieved that you’re bringing some high falutin’ NE culture to the poor, low-quality state of Louisiana.

Sarcasm aside, go into your new situation with an open mind and open heart, and embrace the culture. Bring back some wisdom for those who doubted you. Who knows, give it a chance and you might enjoy Louisiana so much you never bother going back to prove the doubters wrong.

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