To Move or Not to Move?

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

I'm at a crossroads and I'm really not sure what to do. Actually, I'm pretty sure what I want to do, but I'm scared and want some advice.

I currently live in Reno, NV. I'm a newer nurse, approaching my 1 year mark as a RN in January. I work in an 18 bed medical and surgical ICU. There's another 26 bed trauma ICU and a 38 bed cardiac ICU/cardiac surgery unit, so I don't have a lot of experience with trauma or major cardiac problems. I absolutely love where I work. I am starting to feel confident in my skills as a nurse and I have great support from management and peers.

I moved to Reno over 11 years ago. I'm starting to really think that Reno isn't the place for me. Although my mother lives here now also, she's nearing retirement age and talks often of moving away once she retires. The rest of my family lives in the Tri-Cities in WA state and I'm really considering moving back there. My partner would go with me.

The pros:

Similar salary - in fact, I'd be making a bit more in Eastern WA than I do here. Plus the benefits are pretty amazing. I read through the contract between the union and the hospital and I'm pretty impressed. They will pay to relocate me (up to one month's salary), so there would be no costs to me for moving out of state.

Lower cost of living! Median home price in Reno is $299,900. In Pasco, WA the median price is $159,900, in Kennewick it's $186,000 and in Richland, WA it is $235,000. If I move there, we'd probably just rent a room from a close friend for $500/mo, utilities included, and just bust out some debt and save $$ for a down payment on a house someday.

My partner would go with me, so that $500/mo rent would be split into $250/each. I can't say enough how much debt I could pay off. I have about $25k in debt from student loans and credit that I used while I was in nursing school to maintain my mortgage and whatnot while I wasn't working for over 2 years. Right now my household expenses (home and utilities) are about $1300/mo and I bring home around $3500/mo after taxes.

Most of my family lives there: my father, multiple aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, nephews, niece, grandmother, etc. I miss them and my dad and grandmother aren't in the best of health...I feel like I need to be closer to them.

Since I was born and raised up there, I already have friends that live there.

I like the area! It's right on the Columbia River and I miss boating and fishing.

The cons:

I'd be leaving a really great job where I am challenged on a daily basis for the unknown. The hospital there has a ICU that has plans on expanding to 20 beds total...much smaller facility than I'm used to. I'm really scared that once I get there, I may not like the unit that I'm working in or I just don't fit into the culture there. This is probably just my nerves speaking...I don't have problems getting along with people. It's just that this would be only the 2nd place I've ever worked as a RN and it's scary!

Taking advantage of their relocation package will probably mean that I have to commit to working there for who knows how long.

I'd be leaving my mother. She lives in Reno and would be sad if I left, but I think she'd understand. Plus, she talks about moving out of Reno and retiring on the OR coast someday anyhow...

I can't really think of any other cons....

So, my plan is to tour the hospital up there and maybe even interview for a position there the week of 10/27 since I'm going up there to visit and check things out more.

I don't really see any reason not to go besides leaving my mom and my nerves about whether or not I'll like the ICU there...hopefully my nerves will be calmed down after I see the unit.

I'm apprehensive about only having 1 year of experience and changing to a unit that has a slightly different patient population than I'm used to. Hearts and trauma would be new to me. I hope they're willing to train me a touch :)

After writing all that out, I guess I've pretty much made my mind up! I could use any advice you nurses have about relocating, or words of encouragement in general!

Thanks!!

[akanini, MSN, RN]

I know what you mean about your mom. The pros seem to outweigh the cons. I would do it and tell your mother to follow as soon as she could.

[CABG patch kid, BSN, RN]

It seems like something that you've been thinking about for awhile, and you have way more pros than cons. Of course, no one can tell you what the right decision is, but it sounds like you've already made it. Good luck!

[JBudd, MSN]

Sounds like the only thing holding you back is nervousness. You've talked yourself into it! Getting out from under that much debt would be a huge relief for me.

Adventure! Go for it! Leave on good terms with your current job so that if it all blows up the door will still be open, but don't be afraid of change just because it is change.

Mantra: this is good this is good this is good this is good:D:D

[daisydoll]

I say go for it! Sounds like this new job and area will be more than worth it and you won't be alone, your partner and family will be there. I would check out the unit where you are planning to work and maybe shadow one of the nurses to get a good feel for it. You will gain some great experience and will probably not regret it. And you said your mom is planning to move out of there soon anyway so I see no reason to stay!! Good luck with the move!

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

Just an update!

I interviewed on Monday afternoon and the phone call that woke me up Tuesday morning was a job offer! I haven't officially said yes yet but I think I will...