Where in the US do they need RNs really bad?

HarryTheCat, MSN, RN · Jan 16, 2016

I'd be a bit cautious about moving to the oil patch right now. They're predicting a bottoming out of the price of oil at around 20 bucks a barrel, and a lot of those oil operations may be forced to shut down. It just costs too much to pull it out of the ground right now versus what you can sell it for. We may see a significant outmigration from those "boom" areas in the near future, and that doesn't bode well for job stability.

jobellestarr · Jan 17, 2016

I work for IHS and it is absolutely worth it. The pay is good. And as a 50y/ o, it might be a really good fit for you. If you work until age 62 and have 5 years of service, you will get a pension and you can keep your insurance at retirement. If you live on a reservation, the housing is provided for a nominal rent and you can deduct the rent from your taxes as it is forced housing meaning there is no other place to live. I like ed on the Navojo reservation for 8 years and now work in a metro area IHS hospital. The patients are wonderful!

jobellestarr · Jan 17, 2016

So that everyone understands where I am coming from,, It took a looong time to get through school, it took a looong time to pass the test...But. I DID. Regardless of how many times they tried to kick me out and throw me to the side with lame excuses. I have been recently working as a post-acute care/ Rehabilitation Nurse in a SNF. But when I started this quest it was not where I thought I would end up. Although learning from LPNs with 10 times the experience and knowledge is not a bad thing, I just keep thinking that is just the begining of my path. I won't lie I am pretty old to be a brand new nurse (50) but unlike my fellow aged friends I plan to live to well past the average. and experiencing all that I can in my second Half century... the difference is That I really want to make a difference.
So if there is someone out there that is working in the IHS (remember I said this has always been on my heart to do) Please make it known to me that this is a path worth taking.

Hi,

I responded to your IHS post. Please, look through the other posts as I didn't respond to you directly. Ask away if you have more questions.

cooper.casey198 · Jan 17, 2016

Personally, I do not mind if they have no experience! Nurses allow me to do my job, however, nurse practitioners and/or physician's assisants get in the way if me say moving patients thru a busy ER or making sure their hypocritical white coat is the cleanest amongst the MD's DO's! i have yet to meet a patient whom wants a diagnosis from one as well!!

cooper.casey198 · Jan 17, 2016

Sorry to bother you, however, do you have your BSN? It's not that you are not desirable, its you haven't met the atmosphere so to speak! Are you in Southern California? What is your current wage and you don't have to answer that if you want to forgo that one! Maybe In should ask you what do you feel you should be making wheather it's part-time or full-time salary. When i'm not in the OR and at my office i'm allowed two nurses on my payroll at $51,700/year plus a 4% bonus at the end of the year which is a lump sum but don't forget to raise your current salary 4% as well! If you'd like to talk with me or ask any questions don't hesitate!

Libby1987 · Jan 17, 2016

Anyone who calls North Fresno; with their respectable university, huge established and respectable multi faceted hospital systems, hobby farms, day trip access to mountains and coast, one of the best schools districts in the state (CUSD), low COL with decent wages, boating in non drought years, spacious ranch homes with every other backyard with a pool and tons of trees an armpit lives a charmed life.

It's not my choice but sheesh, an armpit?

cranvo9 · Jan 19, 2016

Can anyone work for IHS? I am currently a FT med surg RN for 4 years. I have an ADN, looking to go back to school. I would like to find out more about this. We have to live on the reservation, something I think would be very culturalistic, I would really enjoy. Jobellestarr, can you tell me more about this opportunity and benefits. You are currently working in the ED?

jobellestarr · Jan 24, 2016

Hi. I lived on the rez for 8 years. Sorry about the typo. I currently work in the float pool (and ED!) but my background is M/S and ICU. Yes, anyone can work for IHS. 4 years of M/S is great. I enjoyed living on the rez and miss it. It has taken me awhile to get used to living back in civilization. When I first moved back (July) and I saw the freeway signs that said "watch for sweepers" I saw "watch for shepherds." I like the watch for shepherds better! You can find the job postings on USAJOBS. It's usually easier to get hired if you go as a traveler first. Housing is provided and you pay a nominal rent, which you deduct on your taxes. Excellent federal retirement benefits that you can look at on OPM.

nrsadvocate · Jan 28, 2016

Can you please disclose what hospital is offering that sign on bonus? Thank you!

sjalv · Jan 28, 2016

I wanted to add that I did a winter externship in the ER of an IHS hospital and it was a great experience. Of course it varies from unit to unit and hospital to hospital but everyone I worked with, from the nurses to the physicians, were great. The patients were mostly pleasant (but again, that varies no matter where you are). I didn't get benefits as I wasn't a full time employee / just a student extern, but from what the nurses told me, they cannot be beat. If there were an IHS hospital near me that had a high acuity ICU like I need for CRNA school, I'd work there in a heartbeat.

wolf9653 · Jan 28, 2016

Need to know spanish I guess?

BSN only? Then they must not need RNs really bad.

cranvo9 · Jan 28, 2016

Thank you Jobell for your response!, Just a quick question. what do you mean its easier to get a position if Im a traveler? Do you mean working for a travel company first, Or do you mean working as a travel nurse with IHS? I've read it's easier to get a position with the IHS compared to to the VA and then transfer to the VA if one desires. i bet the pt mentality is completely opposite when comparing the IHS to the VA though. Also, what is an OPM?