Who Knows Something About Galveston?

LilRedRN1973 · Nov 7, 2003

The only thing I can tell you about Texas in general is the cost of living is CHEAP!! Now, I moved about 9 years ago, so it's changed a little, but it's still a hell of a lot cheaper than where I'm at now. Galveston is nice, except when hurricane season is raging. And during Spring Break and Mardi Gras....ROFL. I'm not sure about the pay there, but have heard that nurses get paid pretty decently in Houston and that's not far from Galveston. Good luck if you decide to move to the friendship state....I miss it sometimes!

Bailarina · Nov 8, 2003

I have a friend that was researching jobs in Galveston vs. Houston, and Galveston was starting GN's out around $13/hr where as Houston was starting at around $22/ hr. It may be different for experienced nurses though.

avigail · Nov 10, 2003

UTMB has alot of educational opportunities integrated with nursing in the hospital. I almost went to NP school there because of their work/school program. I don't know about pay issues in detail but I know that the benefits are the same as those who teach in state universities, i.e., very good, including the Teacher's retirement plan. Of course, UTMB lists pay ranges for all positions on their web site, http://www.utmb.edu. They do not appear to be noncompetitive with other hospitals.

Galveston is great if you like water activities: swimming, fishing, boating. The city of galveston has a web site as well:http://www.cityofgalveston.org or http://www.galveston.com. I know the weather is fairly mild year round. There are some interesting historical places to visit. And, if you get bored, Houston is only a short drive away.

Aurora · Nov 10, 2003

Thank you to everyone. Still not sure whether I will get the contract, but I think I'll go, if I do.

mybuddycat · Jan 7, 2004

I am actually applying for a postion at Shriners. I love galveston. It is a great town. I will be moving from Fort Worth. I think that maybe you should visit first if you have never been. I go down there at least every 2 to 3 months. There are a lot of tourist from Spring break to Fall. Then during the winter it slows down. Lots of retired people live there. I could go on and on. If you have any more questions let me know. Who knows we may work together one day.

Dplear · Jan 7, 2004

I live in Houston and all I can say about galveston is HIGH CRIME RATES!!!! There are alot of EXTREMELY poor living there. they have slum areas and alot of gang violence and alot of robberies...be careful esp at night.

Dave

Aurora · Jan 9, 2004

Actually, the moment has passed. Not sure I would ever want to be a nurse in Texas. Thanks for your reply!

ImaStork · Jan 24, 2004

Originally posted by Aurora
Actually, the moment has passed. Not sure I would ever want to be a nurse in Texas. Thanks for your reply!

Now you have went and hurt my feelings. I have been a nurse in Texas for 25 years and could not imagine being a nurse anywhere else. There are good and bad places to work as well as good and bad doctors and co-workers. The pay is great in some places and lousy in others. I bet the same could be said for any other state.

Aurora · Jan 25, 2004

I'm sorry to have hurt your feelings. I'm sure there are good and bad places to work as a nurse in Texas. I've heard Austin is pretty decent. I was actually speaking mainly in the context of correctional nursing.

Poppy_Petal · Jan 26, 2004

I love Galveston!! There is a lot of crime here but it is the poverty that is most disturbing. I think you'll find that it is where you live and who you associate with that makes the difference. I feel very safe where I am (close to the Strand and the hospitals). Jobs don't pay as well as in Houston but the cost of living is lower and the beach is right here. Lots of people commute to Clear Lake and Houston.

I am also hoping for a little advice. I am getting my prereqs out of the way but still haven't decided between an ADN at Galveston College or a BSN at UTMB. I would also like to know if anyone has any information about Shriner's Burn (working conditions, pay, etc.)

Thank you in advance for your time.

Ananda

shirleyTX · Jan 28, 2004

Well I am attending UT SOn in galveston and feel at home. I've grown up in this area and volunteered at UTMB when I was in my teens. UTMB just increased nurses salaries to be more competitive with houston. I believe but not sure but I think it was for new grads with BSN it was 40,000. That sounds really high, but you can look on there website and it should say. I live in texas city which is @ 15mn away. Crime to me is the same there, in Texas City, and else where. It's not as bad as a big city. Houston. given the size it much more worse than Galveston. My husband and I used to live on the water on the west side and it was very quite. Homes are alittle more pricey on the water but it is very quite.My husband works at Shriners and LOVES it. He's been there since he graduated PT school so it's been @ 7 yrs. They also pay pretty good. Galveston is really quite small. It has alot of old victorian homes, some in great condition, some run down. Yes, they have the poorer sides but who cares. Galveston if nice and historic. Big beautiful churches, victorian homes that are amazing and of course our little gulf. I like galveston, I like the diversity, and I love UTMB. You will see more there, becasue of the location (close to Mexico) then you will at a little hospital elsewhere. Galveston's great. I've lived there, going to school there, and was born there... Galveston is nice if you don;t like big cities, it's slower paced, but like the uniquiness of a historic city.