Nursing in the Carolinas and GA

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Hi Everyone!

My wife and I are considering a move from NYC to the south. We are focusing on the I-85 corridor from Charlotte to northeast GA. We both have our BSN and several years med-surg experience, early 30's, and planing to start a family. From what I heard and read we can expect to make around $25/hr with 3 weeks vacation with sicktime/holidays included. Coming from a union making low $40's/hr with 5 weeks vacation + sicktime + holidays/personal days a nursing career in the south doesn't seem like a good deal. I understand cost of living is lower but when we visit, except for housing, prices are not much different.

Is the grass really greener down south? I would like to read your experiences, especially if you made the move.

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The grass is not necessarily greener. For me its the entertainment that keeps me out here because the pay is pretty low compared to the West, where I'm from. Like you said the cost of living mess is bs unless you are purchasing a home. Northeast GA medical center seems to pay decently compared to some of the other hospital systems so you may be able to get $30-35hr based off of your experience, then there is Kaiser , they are unionized, so you should have a better shot at getting a pay rate, closer to what you're used to. Other than that the Northside Hospital Health system pays a little bit better than others as well.

Good luck with wherever you all end up.

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Some hospitals in my area of NC are paying up to $40/hr. for per diem nurses, and $39/hr. for float pool nurses. As for vacation, it is accrued through work hours, not given in week long increments. Yes, we do have a shoddy deal compared to unionized hospitals, I'm not going to sugar coat it for you. I've never worked anywhere but down south, though, so I can't personally compare the two. As for if it's "worth it" or not, well that depends. What are your reasons for considering a move down here in the first place?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I just moved to NE Georgia, and it was a raise for me, coming from coastal GA. But I took a different kind of position, too. I wouldn't say the grass is greener, but it is green more months of the year than in NYC. :D I love living in the south! I will be fine if I don't see snow for many, many years. I love it. Beats the hustle and bustle of the NE, in my opinion — I lived near DC for decades.

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Thanks for the comments everyone! Didn't expect them so quickly.

Keep them coming!

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Here in nyc to live in a good neighborhood and own a decent (2000sq feet) house overtime is a must! Im looking for a life where I can own a home and work a 40hr week. Our family is in ny and we prefer to be close but if the south has a better life to offer I think they will falloW.

NYC lifestyle is way too busy for me. Neighboring states have options but my wife hates snow.

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Specializes in ICU.

We get more than 3 weeks of vacation where I am. I get 8 hours every two weeks now (about 210 hours per year), but it's based on hours worked so I've been earning more than that with overtime. The most senior employees earn almost 11 hours every two weeks.

I'm living on just my money, I have a nice car and own my own home, and even without working overtime I have some money left over. With a second income earner in the family, you will be able to do very well. Neither of you will have to work overtime to live well in NC unless you just want an outrageous house or something. I have coworkers that are really struggling, but they are the type that buy well above their means.

I don't live or work in Charlotte, but I've just got to say that I really love it there. If I want to take a day trip type of vacation, Charlotte's usually where I go. It is much more expensive than the rest of NC but I'd say it's worth it. There are two major hospital systems in Charlotte. I actually work for both of those health systems in other cities, and I can tell you one is vastly superior to the other in terms of benefits and computer systems. PM me if you're interested.

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Specializes in telemetry, med-surg, home health, psych.

Coastal Ga pay is lower as I moved here many years ago from Baltimore

But I absolutely love the area, coast and slower paced lifestyle.

Less $$ but less stress. í ½í¸Š Works for me

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