Relocating for a job

[Schmoo1022]

Hello,

I was just wondering, I know many nurses are having trouble finding jobs ( me included). Would you relocate? I mean pack up your family and sell your home for a job somewhere else? I don't mean just on a whim, after research of course. How long should one keep looking for a job and not be working? I would move in a heartbeat. I love the idea of being in a new place. On the other hand, my husband hates the idea, doesn't want to leave our house or our state. I was just wondering how many people do it.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I moved to Texas in late 2005, almost immediately after completing an LPN/LVN program in southern California. Prior to this move, I had been living in California since birth. At that time I was a single 24 year old female with no children. Much research and planning went into my relocation efforts. I had to find a city and state that offered abundant nursing jobs, competitive pay rates, low cost of living, educational advancement, and cheap property. Keep in mind that I knew no one in the city where I ended up settling.

I had sold my house in California at the height of the real estate boom in 2005 and walked away with a six-figure profit after having owned the property for slightly longer than 1 year. Texas was one of those states where I could find a newly constructed house with good square footage for less than $100,000.

So far, I have been pleased with the move. I don't want to speak too soon, but I have been faring much better economically than many of my LVN/LPN counterparts who still remain in California.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

We are thinking about moving to the GA state. We are worried though. I am glad to hear there are positive relocating stories. Any advice in terms of what to make sure you do prior to, or how to make the transition?

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

We are thinking about moving to the GA state. We are worried though. I am glad to hear there are positive relocating stories. Any advice in terms of what to make sure you do prior to, or how to make the transition?

My advice, from reading here so much, make sure GA is hiring! Don't make the move I've seen other do, which is just pick up their kids & life, move to another State, THEN find out they aren't hiring here either, now they can't afford to move somewhere that is hiring. Sounds like you have a 2nd person involved in your decision. If they work, can they get work also and if not, are you happy living on your income alone. Each State has it's own section on this site where you can inquire. But don't just go on word of mouth, check the hospital websites and at least see if they are hiring for your experience level.

By the way, I love GA, my dad's from there and I cherish my visits to see his family there.