question on hospitals in texas

[CheleRN]

I am currently thinking about relocating to texas and i was trying to get an ideal how the following hospitals are:

Odessa Regional Medical Center in Odessa, Tx, Southwest General Hospital in San Antonio, Tx and Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur, Tx. I was also trying to find out what is the starting wage for a new grad RN with 6 years of LPN experience.

[MissPiggy]

Odessa Regional Medical Center - here's my impression only so take it for what it's worth...Staff is very cliquish - the pay is about average but the cost of living is better than most other states. No idea as to how much your experience is worth. I worked there for a very brief time and only in one unit, so don't take my word as gospel.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

Stay away from any hospital that is a "for profit" hospital.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

liltwinklestar,

You didn't indicate where you are currently living, & I really don't want to make any assumptions. However, I would advise you to really take a close look at the areas you are inquiring about. Odessa is a pretty desolate area of the state. Nice town with terrific people, but if your tastes run more to hills, trees and greenery -- it may not be your cup of tea. Hey - flames pleeze, I am speaking from experience here.

Port Arthur is a very economically depressed area. Very industrial. Just sayin'...

San Antonio is a perennial favorite of most out-of-staters. It's a great place to live with lots of housing options.

[Argo]

south west general in SA is on a very bad side of town. I know many people that work there and it pays well but is understaffed and has lots of problems like theft in the parking lots.....

[CheleRN]

In Port Arthur what do you mean by economically depressed. Have alot of business left the are or is it a late blooming community. How are the nursing jobs in this area for RN's.