Uptownurse

Is anyone here aware of any programs or companies/health care systems that offer help with student loan repayment? I'm a master's-level nurse, currently working full-time, but just barely earning enough to cover my payments on loans from graduate school. I know that I can request to temporarily lower my monthly payments, but I am already worried about how long it might take me to pay them off, plus, I would like to back to school for an NP, and that would mean that I'd have to take out even more loans. I live in Massachusetts, but I am considering going back to IL at the end of the year. Any suggestions? Thanks! Diana

Hi MA nurses. I am currently in-between jobs. At my previous job, I didn't need to have my own malpractice insurance policy; I was automatically covered by the hospital. I just got a paper in the mail from NSO--the organization through which I had my malpractice insurance when I was a student. They are offering a malpractice insurance policy for $107/year. Should I go ahead and pay for my own policy, or wait until I find a new position? Is it problematic to be uncovered while I am applying to jobs, but not working? Thanks. Diana

Hi All. I am applying for reciprocity so that I can practice in another state; I'm planning on moving out of IL. I sent my request for license verification to the department of professional regulation about two weeks ago. I haven't heard anything yet. I have been trying to call the IDPR to check on the status of my request, but I am never able to get through! I was given a few alternate numbers to try, but I can't get through on any of them, either. I have already sent in the paperwork for the new state, so I am just waiting for the license verification from IL. Has anyone else here in IL applied for reciprocity in another state? If so, how long did it take for IL to send license verification to the new state? On another note, is there any kind of consensus on the best states for nursing jobs right now? I actually got a job fairly quickly here in IL after nursing school, but when I realized how much I hated it, and tried to find something else, I couldn't get anything. I am planning to move to MA, and I have heard mixed things about the job market there. It seems, though, that when I have asked RN's about good states for jobs, I hear discouraging reports about every place! Is *any* state good for RN jobs at the moment?

Hi Everyone! I am planning to relocate, and I am in the process of transferring my RN license to the new state. I will moving from IL to MA. How long should I expect the process to take? Also, will most (or any) places allow me to apply for jobs while I am in the process of having my license transferred, i.e. eligible to apply for jobs in MA before my licensure there is official? I know that when I was applying for my first job here in IL, every position I looked at listed "current licensure in the state of Illinois" as a requirement for consideration. Thanks!