Relocating from New Orleans, LA

[shawn_ICU-RN-BSN]

Hi all,

New to the forum. A co-worker of mine uses the site religiously, and he urged me to check it out to have all of my "nursing woes" answered!!! :)

I am a RN-BSN with 1-2 years adult critical care experience that is looking to move out of hurricane alley and trade it in for some finer living. My wife and I are considering the Hot Springs/Little Rock area as one of three options to relocate (Dallas/Ft. Worth & Nashville are two other options). I was hoping to find out from some of you in the area how you like it.

My salary is $21.50 c benefits, $27.50 s benefits. I receive a $3/hr. ICU diff, and other diffs are $3/$4/$5 (e/n/w). Could you tell me how far off this is with your salaries?

Thanks a ton! Our heads are spinning with so many questions, and we aren't sure where to find out all of the answers!!!

[MissAnthrope]

Welcome to the boards! I am in Northwest Arkansas (beautiful place, BTW - hint, hint!!) but know a bit about LR/Hot Springs area. There are a lot of hospitals in LR - major one is University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) which is the local teaching hospital/feeder for the med school there. From what I hear its great and if furthering your education is a goal, or for your spouse/kids if you have any, after a few years of service you get super cheap (almost nothing) tuition rates at the U of A in LR. I'm not sure where they stand on it but last I heard they were working (beginning stages) towards magnet status. It is a huge hospital in a very urban area so being critical care I'm sure there would be the standard rates of trauma and neurosurg. Arkansas Children's is also in LR and consistently recognized in the top ten Children's Hospitals nationwide, even internationally. Having done clinicals there and knowing people who have worked there, they wouldn't be anywhere else. My son was a patient there as well and let me tell you I don't think I could dream up a better hospital. As for salary, I know that up here in NW Arkansas my crit. care salary was pretty comparable to yours, with benefits. I believe LR pays a bit more due to the cost of living differences.

I'd say LR was comparable in demographic with the other two cities you mention, in my opinion crime is nowhere near as bad as Dallas, but they have their problems like any other large urban area. I'd also say in my opinion that real estate is a bit more affordable in LR as well. Hot Springs used to be known simply as "the old folks home" in that it was a retirement community for the most part, but that is changing. It is a beautiful place, very scenic and laid back.

Don't blame you for wanting to leave Hurricane Alley, LOL. Best of Luck with whatever your decision!