jules_08

Hello Sue, me and my husband are both RN's and native Texans. We live in a midsize town (appx 65,000) residents. I love Texas, the weather is the pitts sometimes, weather changes from sunny to t-storms and back to sunny within the same day, humidity--horrible for your hair, but I would not move anywhere else. We have done lots of traveling, but Texas has so much to offer. Beginning pay for an RN is around 23-27 depending on the facility and of course shift diff. I used to work at UTMB as a new grad, starts at around 22.50 this was 3 years ago, the medical center (Houston) pays around 23-25, new grad but if you have experience and are flexible you can work PRN or agency for around 30-35. I'm sure pay varies, I'm just giving numbers I know of. (I recently went to a job fair with a co-worker.) Cost of living is affordable I'm sure compared to NYC. I live about 1 hr south of Houston and for $155,000 we have a two story 4 bdrm historic home. Rent for a 2 bdrm apt is around 600-785. Gas is around $3.40. Housing is more expensive once you get into the bigger cities such as Austin and Houston, but thats where you'll get the most experience work wise. I personally have not seen a difference in adn vs. bsn pay, there has not been an incentive for higher education unless you are thinking management. Hope I have been helpful, will warn you, it may be a culture shock, we went to NYC last Feb and it was different than laid back Texas. If you do decide on the move, welcome! Ya'll will enjoy it here.