Questions about Texas!

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Hi all,

I live in the northeast and am getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of jobs! I am not sure if Texas is any better, but I have always had the desire to go down and check it out, for a possible move in the future.

I was just wondering, what is the job market like as far as Children's Hospitals go?

Is there a good area to visit that would be tourist friendly AND have some children's hospitals in the area?

What is RN pay like (I have eight years of experience)?

Is the cost of living high?

Any other information is great, and thanks!

Annie

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I am originally from southern CA and have been here in TX since 2005. Cost of living is low to moderate in the region where I live (Dallas/Fort Worth, TX). Gas is $1.40/gallon, rents start at about $600 monthly for a 1 bedroom apartment, and decent houses start at about $120,000.

With 8 years of experience, I expect the local hospital systems to offer you in the low to mid $30s per hour. The major children's hospitals around here are Children's Medical Center of Dallas, Cooks Children's Medical Center, the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, and Medical City Children's Hospital.

PM me if you want suggestions of tourist-friendly areas.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Here ya go... check this out. Wallethub's "best places for nurses". Texas is #2 when it comes to opportunities for nurses. There is a wide variation in salary across the state. In general, Houston salaries are highest, followed by DFW. Austin is surprisingly low ... due to a number of factors, including the fact that there are fewer jobs in that area. With specialty experience you shouldn't have any problems locating a job - if you are certified, it's even better.

Texas has the most stringent Nurse Practice Act in the US. We have mandatory peer review (since 1984). We also have 'safe harbor' protection for nurses. Because of our difference - anyone seeking licensure in TX is required to complete a course in Texas Jurisprudence... it's online at the Tx-BON site.

Keep in mind that there is no state income tax. You won't have to deal with union dues. You can ditch most of your winter clothing. Houston climate is considered 'tropical'... we may get the occasional freeze, but it rarely lasts more than 6 hours or so. DFW & northern parts of the state do have 'ice storms' to deal with.

Are you hankering for the beach? Want to learn to sail - or live on a sailboat? You may want to consider the Nassau Bay / Clear Lake area south of Houston. Housing costs are a bit lower in Houston than DFW but Houston apartment rents have taken a huge leap in the last couple of years... probably still less than you're used to.

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