Weekend programs

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I'm currently working a weekend only program. I'm a first year Rn so my base rate of pay is fairly low. The great thing about the weekend program is that the hourly rate is not based on your experience level. I'm able to make $40 an hour working 7a-7:30p on Saturday and Sunday. The program is also benefitted so I am able to provide health benefits for my family. There is also plenty of time for me to pick up extra time during the week through the hospitals pool program. I can earn $38 dollars an hour during the week this way. Needless to say, I am very happy with my compensation. Now here comes the rub. My wife and I have 4 school aged children. We are in a fairly small home and would like to sell our home and purchase a 5 bedroom house.

In the philadelphia suburbs, a house like that in a good school district will run $400,000 and up. I just don't want to pay that much for a house. We'd like to relocate to a warmer climate. There are beautiful houses in the Southeast that meet our needs for under $250,000. Unfortunately the pay for nurses is at least 25% less than what I'm making now. Does anyone know of an area that has good schools, affordable housing, and good weekend and pool rates for an RN? Warm weather a plus. I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Thanx!!

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Specializes in CV Surgery Step-down.

Come on down to NC! We moved here from Philly 7 years ago. We live about 30 min from Raleigh in a town called Clayton. Tons of transplants live here. I'm still a student, but there are so many opportunities at so many hospitals. Duke and UNC hospitals are in driving distance. We also have Wake Med and Rex Healthcare which are excellent (Wake for heart, Rex for cancer). Check out the NC discussion board.

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I've taken a look at Florida, NC, SC, and the Atlanta area. Very nice places to live. Good schools, beautiful affordable homes, and there are some very nice hospitals. The problem is the pay rate. I would be taking a 25% pay cut down there. I just can't afford to do that. The cost of living isn't that much lower.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... In the philadelphia suburbs, a house like that in a good school district will run $400,000 and up...

You've likely already considered this but just wanted to double-check. Have you pondered commuting into Philly from the western suburbs?

Know you can get a great home for $200K west of Pottstown. Depending on weekend traffic (big IF there), travel time would be around an hour.

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Specializes in Rehab, Step-down,Tele,Hospice.

I know for a fact that the agency nurses here in Jacksonville Fl (where the superbowl was hosted from this past year) make $35-40.00 an hour. I know b/c I just spoke to an agency that offered me that amount.

Not so sure about the schools but the houses are affordable, and the weather is nice most of the time.

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It depends where you go, in Tampa area you can still get a nice home under $200k. (I bought a 3/2 for $142k). Lakeland Regional offers a weekender program and the cost of living there is still pretty low.

I've taken a look at Florida, NC, SC, and the Atlanta area. Very nice places to live. Good schools, beautiful affordable homes, and there are some very nice hospitals. The problem is the pay rate. I would be taking a 25% pay cut down there. I just can't afford to do that. The cost of living isn't that much lower.
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Thanx to all. I'll look into your suggestions.

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Specializes in ICU, CCU, Trauma, neuro, Geriatrics.

Pittsburgh area, north of the city....North allegheny schools considered a prep school by most 4 year colleges. Cost is little considering the school you are using. I have an apartment in Wexford that is little but gives my daughter the edge she will need.

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

At West Penn/Allegheny Health System in Pittsburgh, they have weekend programs. They call it "lifestyle choice" option. I'm not sure the compensation is high as whet you're getting in Philly, but I think it's comparable and housing is definitely cheaper.

http://www.prudentialpreferred.com/property/index.cfm?fuseaction=propertylist&area=NWA,NAL,WAL,EAL,SAL&type=res-res

Hope this helps!

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The housing market is still booming here in Florida. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a decent 5 bedroom for under $300K in Clearwater/St. Petersburg. Hell, the 3 BR's in my neighborhood in Clearwater are going for $260K+. It's crazy! Great if you already own, but hell if you're looking to buy.

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I'll look into the Pittsburgh area. Thanx

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My wife and I have heard a lot of positives regarding the Phoenix/Scottsdale area..Any one having any info or comments regarding salaries, area, schools, etc.. would be most appreciated. -Thanx!

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