Nurse.Elle

Long story short, I have only been a RN for two years and I currently work as a float pool nurse (ICU/ED) in the south suburbs of Chicago. My fiancé was offered a position in south Florida and so far he LOVES this new job so I agreed to move there. I had no problem getting call backs and interviews but unbeknownst to me, the pay for RNs in that area is just ridiculous! My current base salary is 74k, and I was offered $24/Hr (about 40k yr) for ED in south Florida. Given, I was expecting to be paid less than my current salary because float pool nurses are paid a little more than regular staff nurses, but 30k less?!?! OMG!!! After further research I now realize that unfortunately that's just how it is down there. So now I am feeling extremely guilty because I do not want to leave my job to work for such a pay cut while doing the same job I'm already doing and still having the same amount of stress and responsibilities. So I guess my question is, does anyone know how to earn more money down there without having to work 3 jobs lol. No but seriously, any secrets or pointers? Any health systems that pay more? And lastly, just a FYI, the cost of living in south Florida is just about identical to Chicago's south suburbs. Rent, groceries, gas... the same. I would hate for him to have to leave the job he loves, I just can't see myself taking such a pay cut

I apologize for any misspelled words and punctuation, I am still really excited and I'm also typing this on a tablet so it won't be long. Ok, I'm writing this is hopes that it will land in the lap of a person who really needs some encouragement after failing the NCLEX RN. I took my first nclex on Dec 17 2015, just about 10 days after graduation, and failed with only 103 questions. I was so down, disappointed, and literally disgusted with myself. I even fell into a situational depression state where I didn't want to talk, eat, or even get out of bed. However, once I realized that feeling sorry for myself wasn't helping, I pulled myself together and went to Barnes and Noble and purchased the two best things that ever happened to me. 1. NCLEX-RN cram 4th edition, 2. Prioritization, Delegation, and Management of Care for the NCLEX-RN (Hargrove-Huttel, Colgrove). I read them both cover to cover and answered literally every last question. Once I read about a topic in NCLEX Cram, I would then answer questions related to that particularly topic in the PDM book. That worked really well for me. Today, I sat for the exam again, exactly 45 days from my first attempt and passed with 84 questions. This time around, I was more confident and prepared. I knew I was getting the questions right. When the computer shut off, I burst into tears because I knew I had passed. I went into the parking lot and tried the PVT and this time (unlike the first time) I got the "good" pop up. I started screaming to the top of my lungs "THANK YOU JESUS, THANK YOU JESUS" lol, I'm sure people thought I was crazy. So if you weren't successful the first time around, it is ok! Find what works for you and stick to it. In my opinion, I think its best to stick to just one or two pieces of study material so you won't feel all over the place. The first time I did Kaplan which was not best for me, but doesn't mean its not a good program. My log-in is good until April 1st and I'll email it to the first person who asks for it, maybe it will be helpful. Failing NCLEX was one of the worst feelings in my life, but passing was one of the best. So while you're studying think about how good it will feel to see your name with RN behind it, let that motivate you. Don't be intimated by a failure, dont doubt yourself, do what works for you, pray, and never give up! YOU WILL PASS NCLEX!