RN with huge medical debt, looking for high paying work

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Hey all, I was a member here on allnurses before and received a lot of great advice that led me to getting a job with Johns Hopkins Hospital. Back then I was in it for all the right reasons, and still feel like I am, but money has become a serious issue. . . 2 weeks before I was supposed to leave for Johns Hopkins, I was run over by a very careless, and very unisured truck driver. The bills were tremendous, and I've not worked in three years second to being bedridden for 5 months, and a host of long lasting injuries sustained in the wreck. Still, I went back to school and got a degree in Health Administration (graduated with highest honors) and already have a couple of years of Med/Surg experience as an RN. I'd like to pay off my medical /school debts, which are huge and then go into LTC. So. . . is kind of like I'm a new grad again, but I am looking to totally maximize my earnings potential by moving the WHERE EVER I CAN MAKE THE MOST MONEY IN A reasonably SAFE ENVIRONMENT. I'm single, very mobile, and have been rehabed enough to handle anything but Med/Surg again. Any suggestions. . . Are there some cities that are just paying that much more than others? Is the Middle East still worth it? I'm thinking travel nursing, but I need experience in a specialty area first right? Any suggestions? Please/thank you. . . (PS, I'm about 100% healthy again, and stopped whining about my accident before I even left my house/hospital bed I was stuck in there. . . so, I'm READY TO WORK, and I have a great attitude...) I was looking at LTC in Texas, but at $18/HR I can't even pay rent/bills! LTC is my long-term goal though. . . someday I would like to build my own nursing home that utilizes the Eden Alternative Principles. Thanks again. R.

Stay out of the middle east, at least for now. Current tensions way too high. I would have liked to travel there, but not now (or ever if tensions do not reduce). Really, its too bad, since that area is such an interesting part of our world. BUT, too many people hate Americans and it is not worth it!!!!!

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Specializes in Cardiac.
Okay then. Please free not to specifically ask a question about an area of the world that is currently embroiled in turmoil and of which a significant portion is either at war with or close allies of a country at war with the United States and then cry foul when that fact is addressed in assessing whether it is still ''worth it'' to travel there. Your claim that you wish only to ''help people in need no matter where they are'' is in total contradiction of your original post in which you emphasized your need to make immediate cash, and plenty of it.

Well said.

I guess I don't understand what would make it "not worth it" in the OPs eyes if her total and complete compassion (something that we obviously don't have) blinds the hatred which is happening right now. Just because one might feel safe in that area of the world, doesn't mean that kidnappings aren't still happening. People always say they like Americans, but the truth is they don't.

And no one said that the US ins't safe either-but it's been a while since I've heard of a beheading around here lately.

How about talking with a financial advisor? Doesn't that seem a little more appropriate?

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Specializes in Public Health, DEI.
Well said.

I guess I don't understand what would make it "not worth it" in the OPs eyes if her total and complete compassion (something that we obviously don't have) blinds the hatred which is happening right now. Just because one might feel safe in that area of the world, doesn't mean that kidnappings aren't still happening. People always say they like Americans, but the truth is they don't.

And no one said that the US ins't safe either-but it's been a while since I've heard of a beheading around here lately.quote]

Yes, I agree. I assumed the question about the Middle East was aimed at soliciting opinions about whether the rewards were ''still worth'' the risks. Don't you just hate when you solicit opinions and then hear ones that aren't at all what you wanted to hear? My remark about the Middle East have nothing at all to do with my political outlook. It was a factual observation of the current climate in which Americans find themselves. I have no argument with those who feel a calling to provide care there. Nor do I believe that those considering the area unsafe are lacking in compassion.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I guess everyone is blind and missed my post about making the debt go away instead of just trying to make more money. Also if the other driver was at fault technically its that persons debt not the original posters. Anyway thats how most the states I live in look at it as far as driver responsability laws.

I did have further questions though, where is the OP's insurance company in all this. Her uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage should be taking care of part of said dept as well. Even better reason for others to look at their coverages. Again like my prior post and for others education consult an attorney if you have not done so.

RJ

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I bet you could make a lot of money working at a LTC. At the lifecare center of richland in Richland, Washington they are always hiring RN's and LPN'S. I've never worked at that place but I hear they offer both RN's and LPN's lots and lots of overtime so that would bring in extra money too. They also offer sign-on bonuses. I think it's $2,000 for RN's and $1,000 for LPN's.

Best of luck.

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.

According to a google search I just did, RN's can work as civilian contractors in Iraq and earn 200k per year. The first 80k is tax free. Personally, I'd declare bankruptcy before risking my life. But there's the info. Dangerzonejobs.com has more information in general.

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Specializes in ER, HH, CTICU, corrections, cardiology, hospice.

FYI dangerzonejobs.com costs $49 to join, YIKES!!

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Specializes in Ortho, Med surg and L&D.
how high?

back on page 2 there is a thread "What is ur 2 week pay" with lots of answers

I've seen ads for RNs in Phoenix Arizona for $90,000.

WOWIE,

I need to go and read that thread.

Gen

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Specializes in Acute Care Psych, DNP Student.
FYI dangerzonejobs.com costs $49 to join, YIKES!!

Yikes indeed. I read several articles, but I didn't see that it costs to join the site. So nevermind about that.

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According to a google search I just did, RN's can work as civilian contractors in Iraq and earn 200k per year. The first 80k is tax free. Personally, I'd declare bankruptcy before risking my life. But there's the info. Dangerzonejobs.com has more information in general.

I'd go back to Saudi Arabia in a heartbeat and never be afraid, but there is no way anyone could lure me to Iraq. Now, IMHO, that is for those with suicide ideation. Wonder how many American nurses actually take jobs there?

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I'd go back to Saudi Arabia in a heartbeat and never be afraid, but there is no way anyone could lure me to Iraq. Now, IMHO, that is for those with suicide ideation. Wonder how many American nurses actually take jobs there?

There are also jobs available in places like the United Arab Emirates (Dubai), Oman, Kuwait that are relatively safe, if one wants other options than Saudi Arabia.

Oh, and BTW, rjflyn - I read both your posts and thought they contained excellent questions and advice. That would definately be worth looking into if the OP hasn't already done that. :yelclap:

:)
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I guess everyone is blind and missed my post about making the debt go away instead of just trying to make more money. Also if the other driver was at fault technically its that persons debt not the original posters. Anyway thats how most the states I live in look at it as far as driver responsability laws.

I did have further questions though, where is the OP's insurance company in all this. Her uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage should be taking care of part of said dept as well. Even better reason for others to look at their coverages. Again like my prior post and for others education consult an attorney if you have not done so.

RJ

I believe UM only helps with damage to the car, not medical bills and the like. Atleast that's what our insurance co. says:(

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