Mike3217

I also should clarify that when I say money doesn't matter to me, that is within reason. I forget how in the US you negotiate a salary (in Canada 98% of RN jobs are for the government, and are standardized rates of pay between 35-50/hr). Keeping this in mind, I would realistically want $35 starting with the potential for growth, but would not work for less than $30; I noticed that the jobs typically pay closer to $50, so I wonder if being flexible with salary would help in the job market.

Hey guys, I have a few general questions about working in Hawaii. Like many others, I vacationed to Hawaii a couple years ago and fell in love with the place. I contacted one of the major hospitals in Maui and was told that there are essentially no jobs available due to a large number of staff being layed off, and the need to rehire these staff before hiring new ones. This was in January 2012, while the US was in a big recession still; I've waited patiently two and a half years later and I figured I would do some more research to look into the viability. My current plan is to stay in Canada for another year so I can save (I already payed for Hockey and my snowboarding season pass :) ), and then move to Hawaii some time in the summer of 2015. I currently have enough money saved to last up to two years (about 60-80k by next year, not sure if that is realistic for cost of living in Hawaii) plus some incoming cash flow from renting my home. I was thinking of going down there and studying for my NCLEX (if I haven't written it already by then) and then to start applying in person to all of the hospitals. I figured I would rent and then once I got a position, I would buy a home and likely stay there for a very long time. I also have a dog and cat that would need to come over. What I am essentially asking is: How tough is it to get a job right now? I know as a Canadian applying online I will likely get ignored, but I was wondering if anyone has had luck this way in the past? Also, for the people who live in Hawaii, has it been tough getting your foot in the door? I have about 3.5 years experience, almost all of it in various mental health positions (in patient and psych emerg) and 6 months NICU; I want to continue working in MH ideally, but worse case scenario would take a med position if nothing was available. I do not care about what island, and would be willing to move; however, I would prefer to live in Maui. I realistically could afford to live without working for quite a while, but I would likely not be the content with lazing around at the beach for more than a few months. I assume it would be very expensive to bring my stuff and pets over, so I don't want to move here and then leave a year later with my tail between my legs as it would be way cheaper to just do a one year trip (although a one year vacation doesn't sound so bad). I would much rather get a job within the first couple months and spend the rest of the money on a nice boat or larger down payment. I really haven't heard much about the demand for nurses right now in the US, especially in the most desirable places like Hawaii. I live in Alberta, and it's hard to not get hired anywhere you apply as we have a huge demand. Can anyone help me out with some of my questions? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Also, any advice would be appreciated as well. Thanks.