Question for TN nurses out there

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Specializes in Critical Care/Flight RN, ER..

I am presently a flight nurse in another state. I have ER/ICU background. I have my CEN, BSN and numerous certifications. I really am considering moving to TN. I don't want another job as a flight nurse. I really want to go back to ER or even possibly teaching, management etc... I'm not really sure. Anyway, all of this rambling is because I have never moved out of state before. I plan to spend some time in the next year or so traveling to some of the areas that I am interested in (around Knoxville/ Chattanooga/Cleveland). I have some friends around the area. Unfortunately, none of them are in the healthcare field. They can give me advice on the areas, but not about the job market specifically that I am looking for. I don't really know how to go about doing this. Do I apply for a TN license first, then find a job, then move. I don't know how I would decide a job based on what I read online. I can't imagine driving down to TN to check out every area and hospital to make my decision. Does anyone have any good advice? Websites that let you know employee satisfaction? Everything that I find on the internet is junk. I don't feel comfortable applying to a lot of different places online, submitting my social security number and other private information. I really wish I could apply the old fashioned way. I absolutely will not move until I find a secure job that pays a decent wage. Are there hospitals that have a reputation as paying better than others? I worked very hard to get where I am at and I feel like I am going backwards. I don't want to lose any senority that I have established. Also, I know the job market is no better in TN they my home state and the pay rate is a lot less. (I am from up north). I understand the probability that I will be taking a huge paycut. Anyone who has ever moved, any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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I have heard that the pay in Knoxville is decent but the further northeast from there the worse the pay. I don't know of anyway of knowing the average salary unless you actually talk to some potential employers. Good luck!

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I am in a nursing student from around the Knoxville/Sevierville area. I don't have experience in the job market, but I have lived here my whole life and can tell you what I've heard. Le Conte Medical Center in Sevierville is a new hospital (about 1 yr old), and I volunteered in the labor and delivery unit while in high school and it is a great atmosphere. I have also heard that Baptist hospital in Knoxville is a great place to work, but I have never been inside or know anyone who works there.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Flight RN, ER..

Thank you guys! I appreciate your input. I'm still trying to figure things out.

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why do you want to move. I admire you as a flight nurse and experienced senior nurse because i am still a pre-nursing student even though i am not young :( But i suggest you look into the market first.

maybe you can post your resume online for a while and wait for recuiter to call you . As you are so experienced you should get a lot of calls from them so you can have a general idea of how the market goes down there.

My boy friend is down there in TN and i am considering moving there and have education there and start working there. I have visited several times in TN and i like the living environment there. Family is the major most reason for me to move there even though through this form i found out the pay there is not as decent as the north ,maybe half the rate of NYC, but the housing is really cheap there and life style is much more relaxed ,nature and laid back.

Good luck and hope you can find your dreams here :)

I am presently a flight nurse in another state. I have ER/ICU background. I have my CEN, BSN and numerous certifications. I really am considering moving to TN. I don't want another job as a flight nurse. I really want to go back to ER or even possibly teaching, management etc... I'm not really sure. Anyway, all of this rambling is because I have never moved out of state before. I plan to spend some time in the next year or so traveling to some of the areas that I am interested in (around Knoxville/ Chattanooga/Cleveland). I have some friends around the area. Unfortunately, none of them are in the healthcare field. They can give me advice on the areas, but not about the job market specifically that I am looking for. I don't really know how to go about doing this. Do I apply for a TN license first, then find a job, then move. I don't know how I would decide a job based on what I read online. I can't imagine driving down to TN to check out every area and hospital to make my decision. Does anyone have any good advice? Websites that let you know employee satisfaction? Everything that I find on the internet is junk. I don't feel comfortable applying to a lot of different places online, submitting my social security number and other private information. I really wish I could apply the old fashioned way. I absolutely will not move until I find a secure job that pays a decent wage. Are there hospitals that have a reputation as paying better than others? I worked very hard to get where I am at and I feel like I am going backwards. I don't want to lose any senority that I have established. Also, I know the job market is no better in TN they my home state and the pay rate is a lot less. (I am from up north). I understand the probability that I will be taking a huge paycut. Anyone who has ever moved, any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
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