Possible move to PA-advice please?

[lupin]

Hello, I am an RN currently residing in TN but looking to move back up north, possibly to the Lehigh or Lancaster area on PA. I'm looking to get any advice about where to apply for a good job with benefits, good pay, and a flexible schedule, plus to see how PA nurses feel about your jobs there and how your nurses' union support is. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Lupin

[k.morris]

I live in South Jersey about 5 mins outside of Philadelphia and the job market is soooo tight here. I have applied to so many jobs and hardly any are hiring New Nurses right now. I love the are though, liking living here wise, but apply and see what you can get before you make the move. Goodluck!!!!!....just keep looking and keep all options open.

[Keri8680, BSN, RN]

I moved out to the Pittsburgh area this past month and Pitt seems to have RN job openings. I'm a new grad and had 2 job offers back when I interviewed with UPMC. It may be a better job market out here than eastern PA.

[LiferRN, RN]

Hi,

I would definitely secure a position before you make a move unless you can live without the income for a period of time. You also mentioned unions, there are very few hospitals in PA that are union affiliated and the ones that are, aren't necessarily the ones with great reputations. I live in the Lehigh Valley and work in one of the big hospitals here. We were just informed that there will be no merit raises or bonuses this year and maybe next. Any vacated positions must be evaluated by top management prior to being posted and there have been some layoffs and eliminated positions. So, it's not impossible to find a job, but it's certainly not like ''the old days'' when you could pretty much move into any town and start working immediately.

Good luck!