Two interviews next week. Texas or California? Please help me.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

Dallas has hot weather, but Palm Springs broils with the 120-degree weather during the summer months because it is smack-dab in the middle of the desert. As far as the weather is concerned, you have the choice between hot (Dallas) and absolute hottest (Palm Springs).

UT Southwestern nurses are considered employees of the state of Texas because this is a teaching hospital, so your health insurance will be free and your retirement account will be partially funded by the state. I am not sure if Eisenhower Medical Center is a state-owned facility.

The hospital in California will probably offer you more money, but the cost of living is higher and you will have to pay state taxes on your income. Texas has no state income tax and a lower cost of living.

With that being said, I was born and raised in California and would return in a heartbeat if I could find a job there. Many nurses would envy the fact that you have two job offers.

sarahneeyah · Jun 30, 2011

Dallas has hot weather, but Palm Springs broils with the 120-degree weather during the summer months because it is smack-dab in the middle of the desert. As far as the weather is concerned, you have the choice between hot (Dallas) and absolute hottest (Palm Springs).
UT Southwestern nurses are considered employees of the state of Texas because this is a teaching hospital, so your health insurance will be free and your retirement account will be partially funded by the state. I am not sure if Eisenhower Medical Center is a state-owned facility.
The hospital in California will probably offer you more money, but the cost of living is higher and you will have to pay state taxes on your income. Texas has no state income tax and a lower cost of living.
With that being said, I was born and raised in California and would return in a heartbeat if I could find a job there. Many nurses would envy the fact that you have two job offers.

Thank you so much for responding. I feel fortunate indeed, but I have been searching for a while. The problem is that as an experience nurse, I was having a hard time finding a hospital who is willing to train me in icu. It is hard to gain experience unless one is given a chance. I am trying to decide if Texas or Cali is a better fit for me. I will know when i get there.

happy place · Jun 30, 2011

I lived in both Texas and Cali and would move back to Cali in a heartbeat as well. We visited Palm Springs quite a bit because we had a friend who owned a condo there.

Palm Springs resembles a resort town and is out in the middle of nowhere, but it is also a small town compared to Dallas. It also gets very hot there in the summers but it is a dry heat. I wouldnt think you would have much of a commute.

Do you plan on staying long term? Do you have kids? What are your hobbies and interests? That will help narrow it down better.

Do you know which hospital is better to work at?

sarahneeyah · Jun 30, 2011

I lived in both Texas and Cali and would move back to Cali in a heartbeat as well. We visited Palm Springs quite a bit because we had a friend who owned a condo there.
Palm Springs resembles a resort town and is out in the middle of nowhere, but it is also a small town compared to Dallas. It also gets very hot there in the summers but it is a dry heat. I wouldnt think you would have much of a commute.
Do you plan on staying long term? Do you have kids? What are your hobbies and interests? That will help narrow it down better.
Do you know which hospital is better to work at?

Hi Happy Place,

I saw pictures of Palm Spring, the area looks like a post card. Both hospitals seems to be great, except that UT of S in Dallas is a teaching hospital. I will probably stay in the area I relocate to so I can complete grad school. I am married and I have a four year old daughter. My husband is excited about the change. I just hope someone offer me a position sooner than later. :yeah: