Relocating for the elusive first RN job

[sbostonRN]

I am graduating in May with my ASN from a school in Massachusetts. I've lived in the Boston area all my life, and my husband has too. We rent an apartment and don't have any kids. I've heard how tough the job market is, especially in the Boston area. Is it really as bad as it is portrayed to be?

I just went on a fantastic interview at a world-renowned hospital. The big problem is that my husband doesn't want to move. He has a good job and we have a lot of family in this area (There is no family in the "new area"). But the opportunity would be amazing and it would open doors for me for the rest of my career.

I'm so conflicted. I haven't been offered the job yet but the interview went really well so I have high hopes for it. If I am offered it, should I be grateful and accept it? Or hold out for something in the Boston area where we'd both prefer to stay (but may have more limited options)? Has anyone been in this situation before?

[Harrychandler]

I was born and raised in Baltimore and if I was you, I would stay the heck away from that city. I moved to Washington State last June and glad I did. Since I lived in Bmore for 40 years I think I can bad mouth it. First of all the crime rate is astronomical! The city has a total of 10 correctional institutes in the middle of the city. All are overcrowded cause they can't keep up with the criminals. They even have a brand new juvenile prison, not a detention center, but a prison for kids. The city is segregated still and is the most racist city I have ever been in. This racism goes all around it is in the black communities as well as the white communities. People are rude and angry on most days and I have seen more times than not, people getting beat up on MTA buses just for accidently bumping into someone. The educational system is one of the worst in the nation. The cost of living is also high. A decent apartment in a decent neighborhood (very few) is going to cost at least 2000 a month. Baltimore is a hole in the Earth. But on a lighter note Hopkins would be a good place to work. I have nurse friends who work for Hopkins and some love it and others hate it. Baltimore does have some great food and a lot of culture and history. I just wish Hopkins would start expanding nationwide.

[madwife2002, BSN, RN]

I relocated 3000 miles for a job twice!

The second time was the hardest because I felt I had been lied to but almost 2 years on it has been the best decision ever and I am still in the job we moved for.

My husband was out of work for 6 months, it was very hard for him to find a job but he did and has been there over a year and loves it!

So I say you only live once, go for it but it wont be easy change never is!

[Kevin RN08]

Another thing to consider is he remains in Boston while you essentially commute. If you have a 3x12 schedule, find a coworker to rent a room from work your three days and then go home.

[Kevin RN08]

I just looked it's about a 7 hr train ride with a price tag of $90-180 ... work nights and that's good sleep time. Though it would be like working 1 shift for free (travel costs).