Wondering Where In the U.S. I Should Work??

[PianoGirl20]

Hi everyone,

I'm about to graduate in May 2010. I'm going to school in Pittsburgh and am from Ohio. Basically, I'm single, able to move wherever I want/wherever there is a job, so I've been considering a pretty random assortment of places for work. I think I'd like to start in med-surg (potentially interested in ED or some type of OB-maybe high risk-in the future and would ultimately like to be a nurse practitioner) because I'd like to feel that I'd mastered my nursing "basics". However, that being said, I don't want to be on one of those terrible med-surg units with insanse nurse-patient ratios, poor new-grad orientation programs and unsupportive coworkers. Since I'd love to move to someplace new and interesting if possible following graduation, I've been (sort of) considering the following places:

UMC Tuscon-sounds like a quality hospital with good nurse-pt. ratios and a fairly interesting area with a variety of grad programs at U of A

Fletcher-Allan Health Care Center (Burlington, Vt.)-looks like a beautiful area with good quality of life/various cultural/outdoors attractions and a potentially solid working environment

Georgetown University Hospital-sounds like they have good new-grad orientation programs and have read positive things about them on this site. Am wondering if downside is lack of affordable housing in the area?

Geisinger (N.E. PA)-Have read numerous times on AN that this is a great place to work-downside is that it seems to be in the absolute middle of nowhere with nothing to do.

I know that this is a very, very random list of "potentials." But as I said, this would be the perfect time in my life to make a move to someplace new. If anyone would have any words of wisdom about any of these places, I'd really appreciate it. I don't have a particularly specific list of criteria for places to move, other than what I mentioned above about quality hospitals, except that they not be prohibitively expensive on a new grad salary, sickeningly humid, or have an absolute lack of cultural/recreational/outdoors activities. Having nearby grad schools would be ideal. So, finally, if anyone can suggest any other places in the U.S. that would seem like possibilities for a new grad with a case of wanderlust like me, I'd be grateful!

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

You're in one of the places that has the best specialties and job market at the moment :). Maybe get some experience here in Pgh and then move on?

[smn2010, BSN, RN]

if relocation will not be an issue, try reviewing this website by city-data.com

http://www.city-data.com/forum/ you will be able to find out a wealth of information about various cities/towns by just reading the threads/posts. you will even find threads about particular hospitals (umc in tucson). many people inquire about what city is best compared to another within states (i.e., tucson versus phoenix, pittsburgh vs philly, georgetown vs northern va....). you may find these threads within each state, just read carefully. the individuals who post provide their honest opinions about cities, activities, things to do, etc. this may help you to determine if someone of your age/background, etc. will enjoy the city since you may not know too much about it prior to relocation. you will even see photos that have been submitted (tucson photos are beautiful!!!) to help you get an idea of what the area is like. even housing information is provided (i.e. best neighborhoods, worst neighborhoods, best schools...). once you begin to review the site, you may wish to become a member and make your own inquiries.

relocating can be scary...yet so much fun...if you like change and adventure. the city-data website made my relocation so much easire after reading the opinions of others and making my own inquires on the site.

you are definitely giving yourself more than enough time to find out about other cities, other hospitals. so that is a good thing! i am sure the job market for new grads will be turned around by the time you graduation. i hope so, at least.

good luck!

[UVA Grad Nursing]

I would encourage you to apply to all of these places if they appeal to you. Hospitals receive many more applications than they have spaces -- getting hired at any place is not assured. I have a friend at Georgetown, and they have turned away hundreds of applicants this year.

Use a simular strategy when you applied for college the first time. Take a roadtrip if possible, see the facilities, and see what the cities are like. Then if you receive more than one job offer --- you've got a choice to make.

All of the facilities you mention are good hospitals. You would have different experiences (and different living conditions) in each place.

Good luck