Relocating to Arizona

Do you have a lot of money?? If not, then I'd save Sedona for vacations. It's beautiful-and expensive!

I've lived in Az all my life, and I say Yuma is too hot. And desolate. And miserable. But that's just my personal opinion of the place.

That leaves you Tucson!

Most of the hospitals have good new grad programs and there is always a need for nurses.

Yes, exactly what cardiacRN said! And yes, there is definitely a need here in Tucson. My husband is from Mass too and in fact we may be moving there at some point in the next few years. I hear it's difficult for a new grad with an ADN to find a position there but hopefully if I get a year or two under my belt, it won't be too difficult.

Good luck!

What do you think about Pheonix? I am single and will be working as a nurse, would that help with expenses in Sedona. Putting things into perspective, I have lived in Boston and that is quite expensive. Tucson is less hot then Yuma? Is this all year round? Here in MA I can't do activities outside from October/November until April/May (its miserable). I'm also considering San Diego area.

I was thinking of looking into Tucson Medical Center.

As for MA getting a job, it will not be a problem for you once you have a few years experience as long as you have the med/surg experience - you can name your job here.

Thanks so much for your help!

Phoenix is a fine place too.

Yes, just about everywhere on the planet is less hot than Yuma! As far as the southwest Az is concerned, Yuma is the hottest, Phx less hot than Yuma, Tucson less hot than Phx.

Sedona is just way, way to expensive! Seriously! Save it for vacations.

TMC? :barf01:

Look into Carondelet or UMC.

I live in Yuma, don't mind it much to tell you the truth. I relocated here from Connecticut upon graduation last yr. I bought a house and the city has grown much and still is.

Pay is decent. Yes, it's hot.

Thanks Jesse RN, I just finished applying to Yuma regional. I found an article that states they have a 9-3 program (9 months on, and 3 months off), they pay up to $10,000 in relocation expenses, and claim to be a good emloyer. I guess my concern is, I'm young and single, I don't want to be isolated from life and the city.I have read $22-$25/hour for new grad pay? What kind of commitment are the hospitals looking for with relocation assistance and bonuses.

Thanks!!

CardiacRN,

What about UPH?? They have an add here too. TMC is offering $8,000 in relocation and $5,000 bonus. I just applied to Mayo clinic in Pheonix, but that is probably hard to get into huh?

Thanks!

Isn't UPH the newly revamped Kino hospital? If so, I have some friends who've had clinical rotations through there and they are still definitely working out some major kinks. It used to be a pretty scary hospital when it was Kino.

Thanks Jesse RN, I just finished applying to Yuma regional. I found an article that states they have a 9-3 program (9 months on, and 3 months off), they pay up to $10,000 in relocation expenses, and claim to be a good emloyer. I guess my concern is, I'm young and single, I don't want to be isolated from life and the city.I have read $22-$25/hour for new grad pay? What kind of commitment are the hospitals looking for with relocation assistance and bonuses.

Thanks!!

A couple of hospitals in town also have the 9/3 month program.

And if you're scared of isolation, then Yuma isn't for you. Sure, it's closer to Cali..but it's in the middle of BFE.

If you like big cities, then I'd say for for Phx. Tucson is smaller and has enough to do, but not like phx.

Oh, and 22 is low, low new grad pay.

This is the first I've heard of the 9 months on/3 months off thing. How does that work?

You work 4 -12hr shifts per week for 9 months and get paid for working 3 shifts (no overtime for that 4th shift). Then in the summer, you take 3 months off with pay (all the 4th shifts saved up).

Thanks Jesse RN, I just finished applying to Yuma regional. I found an article that states they have a 9-3 program (9 months on, and 3 months off), they pay up to $10,000 in relocation expenses, and claim to be a good emloyer. I guess my concern is, I'm young and single, I don't want to be isolated from life and the city.I have read $22-$25/hour for new grad pay? What kind of commitment are the hospitals looking for with relocation assistance and bonuses.

Thanks!!

Yes, they have that program called seasonal. Also another one called WOW (work only weekends) and you get paid more. The relocation allowance is true, but with a 2 yr contract. The hospital also has an apartment complex where the traveler's and seasonal nurses stay. I lived there for a few months and it was nice. You just pay the taxes.

They pay for your student loans (300 a month), and pay for your schooling to further your education.

New grad pay is $26.45 plus night and weekend differential. Night life here is usually a 15 minute drive away to either San Luis Mexico or "Los Algodones". I'm 26, btw.