What's the Best Place for an RN to Move to?

enuf_already · Oct 1, 2015

If you are looking for acute care peds, then you may be somewhat limited where you go because many areas do not have pediatric facilities.

Teaching is another profession that in some areas, even with a master's and experience, jobs are hard to find.

I have no suggestions but wish you luck finding an area where you both can be employed and happy.

bunnysanford · Oct 1, 2015

Alright, so here's the deal: the boyfriend and I are thinking it's time to leave Denver. Housing prices are starting to sky rocket like crazy which is great for anyone who already has a house but a teacher and a nurse (with loads of debt from school) can't afford to buy a house.
I have 2 years of pediatric home care experience and I'm about to enter the realm of pediatric acute care. The boyfriend has been teaching middle school science for over a year now. We are not in a rush to move as I'd personally like to know what we're getting ourselves into before we move (plus at least another year of experience couldn't hurt). That being said, the move is coming. The question is: Where?
So go: who lives in the best place ever for a nurse and why?

As far as housing prices go, I would suggest where I live (Pittsburgh, PA). Take a look at the real estate, especially if you like older homes. I got a well-cared-for but old 5-bedroom house in a decent location for under $80K last year, and that's not an unusual price.

There are two large hospital systems in Pittsburgh: UPMC and Allegheny Health Network. Children's Hospital falls under the UPMC umbrella. I loved my clinical rotation there -- it's a fantastic hospital. I put in several applications, but I'm a new-grad ADN, and may have to try again later once I have some experience. As far as smaller agencies and hospitals, I know they're out there, but Children's would be the place to start looking.

As far as teaching at the middle-school level, I don't know (my wife teaches English at the community college). There is a lot of tech and science stuff building up (Google has a complex here, for example), so I would hope that our schools would promote the sciences accordingly. If not, there are other places to get science-y jobs that would be good places to work.

I like it here. The cost of living is low enough, the city has a lot of great places to go, and tons of history. If you want to get away for cheap, there are tons of other cities within driving distance for a day or weekend-long trip, and lots of outdoors places (if that's more your speed) really close by. We get a good bit less snow than Denver, but still some. Feel free to PM me if you'd like, or ask here if you have any questions.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Oct 1, 2015

Indiana has low cost of living and low taxes. But we have awful weather in the northern parts.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Oct 1, 2015

I second Indiana. Indianapolis has TWO children's hospitals- one of which bears the name of a certain quarterback you stole from us......

I live in a suburb and paid $126k for my 10 year old, 1600 SF home in a town with great schools and low crime. 25 minute commute- most of it interstate. Vibrant downtown, good local universities and culture.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 1, 2015

Here ya go - WalletHub's analysis is based on actual data instead of individual opinions. It's a great resource.

bunnysanford · Oct 1, 2015

Here ya go - WalletHub's analysis is based on actual data instead of individual opinions. It's a great resource.

That is so interesting! I love Pittsburgh, but I feel like I have another city left in me, someday. I will keep this link in mind.

PMFB-RN, RN · Oct 2, 2015

I have looked into this extensively. The best place is the area around Minneapolis MN. Second is Madison Wisconsin.

Minneapolis is a cool city with a very vibrant cultural scene. Cost of living is very reasonable and RN pay is quite high. If you are willing to live a little ways outside the city the cost of living can be VERY reasonable. Heavy union state and none of my nursing students have had any trouble getting acute care jobs.

PLENTY of regular staff RNs in my hospital making will into the six figures without OT.

MemoryRevenge · Oct 14, 2015

Thanks for all the input! We have been considering Indiana and Minnesota due to their location near the Great Lakes. I would've never thought of Pittsburgh though... Hm.... Interesting. Some trips will have to be in order.

Again, thank you all!

MemoryRevenge · Oct 14, 2015

I second Indiana. Indianapolis has TWO children's hospitals- one of which bears the name of a certain quarterback you stole from us......

We didn't steal him.... We just saw an opportunity and took it. Hehe