Relocating for first RN Job!

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Hi everyone. In about one week I'm going to be moving 6 hours from home to a little town in the southern tier NY/PA area for my first RN job in an adult med/surg unit. I'm very nervous about moving away by myself without my boyfriend, friends or family. Also, I'm nervous about starting my first RN job. It's been over a year since I graduated and stepped foot in a hospital wearing scrubs. On top of all that. I've decided to apply to MSN programs online to keep me busy while I'm out there. I'm just really nervous about all the changes coming my way. Has anyone done anything like this before? I could use some advice or words of encouragement.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.
On top of all that. I've decided to apply to MSN programs online to keep me busy while I'm out there. I'm just really nervous about all the changes coming my way. H

Thanks!

You will have enough going on being a new RN. I will be officially an RN for 1 yr on the 25th but did not start working until mid-july. I would not even think about applying for an MSN right now.

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Hey! I'm still in nursing school so I can't tell you from first-hand experience but I have a friend who relocated to Texas (we're from Jersey) and while she was nervous at first, she absolutely LOVES it.

I think after you get over your intial shock of being away from family and friends, you'll get so immersed in your job, it will kinda ease the transition (or make it worse! lol). But, I think you are courageous for moving and getting that almighty first job.

If possible, maybe you can schedule your days close so that you can go home often to visit without taking days off. I dunno.

Anyway, congrats and good luck!

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Congratulations on landing your first nursing job and for having the courage to pick up and move. Do you have a place yet? I too am a new grad May 09 and no job yet. I am also thinking about relocating but it is a bit harder for me as I have a school age child. I know that I can still do it but it is harder. I say go for it and be confident. Tell yourself everyday that this is a key factor in changing your life. You will gain experience as a nurse and proceed in any direction you want from there. Also, start the job first and see how it is going before you enroll in any online classes. You need to adjust to your new role. Most online schools accept applications on a rolling basis so you can always start the following semester. If you do decide to go ahead with the classes right away then start slow and work your way up. Congrats once again and good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in NICU/Neonatal Step-Down.

Hey Danielle,

We are a lot alike,i moved pretty much exactly 6 hours from home for my first job! No friends,no family and no boyfriend for the first 2 months. I cried,i sat and watched too much Tv, i turned to junk food. But here I am, 6 1/2 months later and still standing. I told myself I would do this at least a year before I went back home and I'm gonna do it.

I personally moved to work NICU after 7 months of searching in my homestate as a new grad with no luck. Its hard, and if you want that experience sometimes we need to make hard decisions. I have grown up and become a better person in my opinion and know that having experience will open MANY doors for you after that first year (or even 6 months)

Be strong, do it to better yourself and know you can always go home! If you need support or a listening ear feel free to PM or email me :)

PS-I definately concur with the NO MORE school right now. You will have enough on your mind.

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Hi All, if you don't mind me asking where did you guys relocate to? I too am a "New RN" not so much new grad because I graduated in 2007 but I just got my license in Jan. I landed a home health position here in Tampa, FL but I haven't been able to get in at a hospital yet and was wondering if i should try or how do i go about relocating. I love home health but i need some hospital experience and I need some health insurance too. It is so crazy how there are thousands of jobs online but none of them want you if you don't have at least a year experience. Thanks for any help or advice!

Latoya, RN

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If you are a "new grad" with no experience I would highly recommend getting into a hospital if you have the opportunity and if that is what you want to do. Its great that you already have some experience and that will definitely help you get a job. I am relocating for a job in New York (rural). Its an RN position on an adult med/surg floor in a regional medical center. While its not my "dream job" I know that working in a hospital on a unit like this will open many doors to me in the future. My concern is that working in home health, while it is RN experience, probably wont open many doors for you. But still, its experience. If you are interested in relocating I would start looking in rural areas. Big cities tend to have fierce competition for new grad jobs and its all based on who you know. I found that the smaller hospitals in less urban areas tend to have smaller applicant pools and you are more likely to get an interview.

I am from Massachusetts and I had interviews in NY, DC, and VT (3).

Good luck with everything!

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Danielle..that's great that you got a job in NY! I live in upsate NY and have applied at almost every hospital in the area with no luck. I have been an LPN also for the last 14 yrs and was hoping that would help me but no luck and I'm getting so frustrated!! Any advice?

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Specializes in CTICU/CVICU.

Danielle, how's the new job going?? And how are you enjoying your new area?

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