NYC to Texas...Is it a good career move for a nurse?

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I am interested in moving to Houston or Dallas TX for a better quality of life. Living in NYC is great bc there's always something to do and there is always opportunity to make money as an Rn. However the cost of living is high for single person, the rental properties are small and sometimes dilapidated. I became interested in Texas after researching and discovering that it's one of the best environments for Nurses to flourish. The cost of living is low and Rn salary is pretty decent. Does anyone have further insight on prospects for Rn's in Texas? Thanks for your contribution.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

As a native Texan, my responses are definitely biased. But hey, some of my best friends are ex-Yankees. I love your little city and visit whenever I can. I say "little", because, in terms of what I am used to it is a small geographic area that is very easy to navigate. I never get lost, even on the subway. I love all the 'stuff' in NYC. So I do have a basis for comparison.

I strongly urge you to actually visit your preferred re-location area before making any decisions. Our two areas are very different - in so many ways. For instance, do you rely on public transportation??? Not happening here. I guess it's possible to live without a care, but I don't know anyone who has actually done it. Are you used to a union environment? Again, not happening. Our political landscape is bizarre - and offers an never ending comedy of the absurd. Houston is (as analyzed in the last US census) the most diverse city in the US. Very laid back and accommodating - nothing surprises us.

Our Nurse Practice Act is much stronger than other states. We have a legal 'nurse-patient duty' that was established as a result of case law in 1983. We have very well-defined scopes of practice & our BON is (in)famous for enforcement. Our population is growing faster than our infrastructure. Hospitals are being built to keep up with the surge, so there is also a continuous job growth.

But again - take the time to actually visit and see what we're like before making any life-changing decisions. I'd hate for you to be miserable.

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