Nursing in PA

[mek50]

Hello everyone:

I am a RN currently employed in ME but am seriously considering relocation to Pennsylvania very soon. Since this forum was created I've been wanting to get on-line and talk to any nurses in or around the Philadelphia area. Can you tell me what the nursing is like? Are most nurses satisfied with the facilities that they are employed with. I am presently working with a recruiter for positions available in LTC. I've had a good response so far and will be travelling to Philadelphia at the beginning of Sept. for some interviews. I'm looking at areas close to Philadelphia such as Bala Cyrwyd, Springfield, Lancaster, Ardmore. If anyone is employed in these areas or is working in LTC in any of these areas, please contact me so we can discuss nursing in PA and how much you are enjoying your job at the facility that you are employed at. Thanks!

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

Mek50,

I love Philly and I hope you will too! Unfortunately I don't know much about LTC facilities in the area, just hospitals. I can answer general questions you have though about the area, like housing or fun things to do. Good luck in your search!

[mek50]

Hi EmeraldNYL:

Thanks for your reply. There are lots of questions I have to ask you about the area. What is housing like? Is it expensive to buy/rent? What percent are the taxes? Is the cost of living very high? What are the average wages like for RNs? ME underpays their nurses and in a situation like mine, I'm getting paid the same hourly wage as our LPNs. Can you send me an address for a tourist bureau so I might write for some local information in or around Philly? I appreciate any help you can give me. Sorry about all the questions, but I want to find out all I can before we make our trip there. I'll look forward to hearing from you again.

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

Mek50,

You have a PM. :)

[mek50]

Hi EmeraldNYL:

I don't know all the short forms or e-mail lingo...so can I ask what PM means?

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

A PM is a Private Message. Click on nursing discussion board, and then click on Private Messages.

[mek50]

Hi Nikki:

I got the private message. Thanks for all the information. My husband and I weren't surprised about the cost of living in the city. We are not fond of city living and would prefer to look in areas outside of Philly. The names of the places that you sent will come in handy. It will give us an opportunity to check them out. One recruiter told me that there are opportunities for LTC just outside of Philly. I will check out that website for more information. I'll let you know how I do. By the way how long have you lived in PA? What area of nursing do you wish to specialize in?

Marilyn

[EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN]

I've lived in PA my whole life. I lived in York ( a nice quiet suburban town an hour south of Harrisburg) until I came to Philly for college. I plan on staying in Philly as I like the city much better. I'll be starting my new job in an ICU in a month. Good luck job hunting!

[mek50]

I'll keep in touch and let you know how I make out with the job interviews. I missed a recruiter's call as I was very late coming home from work today, but I e-mailed him about a certain position and am hoping to get an interview when I'm in the city at the beginning of Sept. Good luck in the ICU. I'll be interested in hearing how you do in this area of nursing.

[pixiel]

I work at a hospital in Philly suburbs and don't know too much about LTC either. Good Luck to you!!!!! I hope you enjoy your visit

[mek50]

Thanks Pixiel. I'm sure we will enjoy our visit although we will be attempting to accomplish alot in a few days. I'm arranging some interviews through recruiters. The jobs are out there, just need to find a good one. What area of nursing do you work in and how long have you been doing that type of nursing? I love talking to fellow nurses.

[pixiel]

Med-Surg for 3 years. Before that I was a nurses aid (while in nursing school) who floated the entire hospital for 2 years. Nothing too exciting but I love it!