Where is the best state to move to in the SE?

JDCitizen · Jul 18, 2008

My husband has been offered a new job he can't refuse and we are moving from Indiana to the Southeast. We can choose which state we want to live in and I am looking for input on the best statefor a FNP to practice in. My choices are Georgia, Alabama, North or South Carolina. I currently practice in a single physician office in neurology and hate to think about changing jobs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have my master's, and am certified with the AANP. Thanks

Very interesting question....

I am in Georgia and we are basically under the board of medicines thumb (AKA MAG or Medical Association of Georgia)... The only limits I have are with mental health medications and narcotics (and with that said I have never run into a problem with that). I do have oversight and I know there is a review of my records. I have been asked all of three times what my train of thought was with a diagnosis / treatment and after those discussions nothing was changed. Now my consults / referrals happen much more often but since it's for my patients wellbeing Ill err on the side of safety.

I have friends that work VA, private hospitals, community hospitals, and doctors' offices. Iv heard good and bad but it all seems to boil down to boss, fellow providers and patient population (almost the same thing I would say about my RN days).

I have always been led to believe the further South the more restrictive the requirements for oversight. I am curious to see responses to your question. I would also hope you fill us in on how the license application process goes.

Anyway best wishes!

lsutigerrn · Aug 26, 2008

Alabama is extremely restrictive and we are currently one of the 2 lowest states regarding restrictions on NPs. We are all hoping these restrictions will change in the near future and legislation has been written. ASNA is waiting to submit the legislation to the legislators.

Alabama isn't a bad place to practice, just archaic in comparison to many other states.

hospicenp · Aug 28, 2008

Of your choices, North Carolina is the best. It's still restrictive, but you do have more autonomy than the other states. I lived in NC for 18 years (Winston-Salem and Greensboro) and found an interesting culture there. There are more universities per capita but a really high black illiteracy. The nursing community is very active at the national level for both NCNA/ANA and Sigma Theta Tau. There are lots of opportunities for arts and music. It can also be a socially closed society. I think you'd find a niche but you have to be patient. South Carolina never got over the Civil War and the good ole boy club is supreme. Alabama is even worse. Georgia is somewhat better at least in Atlanta but the rest of the state has the attitude that only MDs know anything. NPs are either female and therefore inferior or else male in a female role and therefore really inferior. JD Citizen, have I missed anything?

ANPFNPGNP · Sep 9, 2008

My husband has been offered a new job he can't refuse and we are moving from Indiana to the Southeast. We can choose which state we want to live in and I am looking for input on the best statefor a FNP to practice in. My choices are Georgia, Alabama, North or South Carolina. I currently practice in a single physician office in neurology and hate to think about changing jobs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have my master's, and am certified with the AANP. Thanks

Is TN considered the Southeast?? I need to get my map out! I went to school there and I don't believe they are very restrictive. In fact, their NP's can even prescribe Schedule II's and you won't find that in many states. I believe NP's can own their own practices there, but there is still some physician oversite involved.