Questions about Texas

[jojoca]

I am orinigally from texas (houston, port lavaca). I moved to michigan and received my adn and then a bsn from university of phoenix. That being said, my husband and I are extremely ready to move back to texas (and the water/warm weather) next year. I really want to move back to the coastal area (corpus christi, victoria, etc) but am also thinking the hill country (san antonio, austin). Here are my questions:

1. As of right now I make $24/hr on an ortho unit in a large hospital (Henry Ford Hospital-900 bed, trauma 1). What can I expect for pay in the areas I listed? I know that there will be a pay decrease because the cost of living is lower.....I just have no idea as to what people are making down there.

2. What are some patient-nurse ratios in that area? I am use to 6/7 patients on midnight shift (we do not utilize LVN's, IV team, etc). Pretty much do everything.

3. My husband and I are very family oriented. Which areas have great school systems and are family oriented? We are open to placing our children into private/catholic schools, so if anyone has any experience with either I would love information as to where they rate, cost of tutition, etc.

4. What are some job options for BSN besides bedside nursing?

I think that is it. I already know house prices for the different areas. Just need information on jobs and if there are plenty of them. When I shop around for job listings there are never any payrates-just based on experience (which I will have two years in when I move back down). Any information will be greatly apprieciated!!