Should I move halfway across the country to start my career?

[Swgfan]

Hello,

I graduate in August here in Louisiana and I need to start deciding on where I want to start my career. Many of my fellow students are graduating and immediately moving to Dallas and Houston Texas because the hospital recruiters there are very persuasive in our area. They come here to the job fairs and offer things like $3000 sign on bonuses, pay to move to Texas, free daycare for your children, etc. While the 2 major hospitals here where I live can't fill all their positions.

The problem with Louisiana is that they just don't pay very well for most professions. The 2 hospitals here, Rapides Regional and Christus St. Frances Cabrini, pay from what I understand around $18/19 for new grad nurses. You do get some extra for working nights/weekends but that's still low compared to the $24-28 per hour some of the recruiters are offering, plus the sign on bonuses, the free day care, tuition reimbursement, etc.

Would love to stay in Louisiana but I worked my butt off for years to get a degree that would allow me to make better money to give my family the things they need and provide a better life. I am in the top of my class, Deans list/Presidents list etc. I also plan on going back to college after a year of working at a hospital. Thinking of possible CRNA. Again, I'm in it to help people but also for the plain old money. I know that sounds bad as most nurses are compassionate first and money second, but I study hard and work hard to get top grades because I do want to make top dollar one day.

I'm considering a move to Florida immediately out of school because of the sheer amount of nursing jobs there. I need ICU experience as well as some med/surge to be able to get into a good CRNA program later on. I need to also pay my family bills and maintain a decent quality of life in the meantime. I work as a caregiver while going to school, taking care of mentally handicapped kids in a group home. I make $15 an hour right now, so you can see how disappointed I am to find out after 4 years of college that the hospitals here don't wanna pay much more than that.

I am willing to move almost anywhere to secure a great job as a new grad. I know a lot of new grads are having a hard time finding a job, but I think most are not as willing to move or relocate anywhere like I am. What part of the country would you recommend I look at? Is Florida as a good stepping stone? I would move to any state except California, New York, or Jersey.

[klone, MSN, RN]

I don't think anyone can answer that question but you. A lot depends on what kind of ties you have currently where you are. You mentioned family - are you referring to your parents, or a husband and children? No idea how old you are or what your life situation is. Since the hospitals in your area appear desperate, according to what you wrote, you may easily be able to find a critical care position like ICU. That may not be the case elsewhere. You also have to ask yourself - in this job market, what is wrong with these hospitals in Texas and wherever that they're offering huge sign on bonuses and perks to relocate? I bet the work environment sucks horribly. The devil you know vs. the devil you dont....

[PaxRN]

I graduated from the panhandle in Florida a couple years ago. First job offer was $18.50 as a new grad, right about what your area offers. I ended up moving so had to turn the job down. I moved to Eastern NC and was hired as a new grad for $21.10. Excellent move for me! Great hospital with lots of learning opportunity. Submit applications and see what bites you get. Personally, I would take whatever acute care hospital job comes along to get that initial experience so you're more marketable. Good luck!

[generalRN2008]

Texas and more west pay significant more and cost less to live. I moved out east for other reasons and now suffer financially. West coast is different with a much different business model than east coast.

[xoxJanexoxDoexox]

I wouldn't head down to Florida. A lot of us are struggling to find jobs. If you do end up down here avoid central Florida (Tampa/Orlando) and Miami. We do have a lot of hospitals but we also have a TON of nursing schools. I know North Dakota has a lot of oppertunities but the living conditions are harsh. Are you willing to do a new grad program and sign a contract?

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

I can't speak for Houston but here in DFW if a hospital is recruiting in Louisiana and offering sign on bonus to new grads you need to be very very wary as to why. There is an overabundance of new grads here. If they are having to go out of state to recruit there is a reason why and not one they will be proud of.