New nursing grad (Wichita, Kansas City, Olathe: rent, home, movies)

[msutherl]

I'm graduating from nursing school this December and starting to look for jobs. I go to school at the University of Iowa, and am originally from Des Moines, IA. I'm looking to branch out and live away from home for a while and am looking into Chicago, Minneapolis, and Kansas City. I'm 24 and single, and looking for a place where it would be easy to meet new people. Also I want to move to a place where there is a lot to do and you cannot get bored.

I think I want to work in labor and delievery, but also like the NICU and the emergency department. I don't really know that much about the hospitals in Kansas City and want to make sure that I am not looking into a hospital that is in a bad part of the city. Also I don't know much about the cost of living in Kansas City, and the salaries of a starting RN with a BSN.

Please give me some insight into Kansas City and a nursing career for a new grad. Any other information you might have for someone who is "leaving the nest" for the first time, I would greatly appreciate it. I just had a mental breakdown today and feel like I really need to start making some decisions, and get off the fence.

Thanks so much,
Megan

[rasperin]

Hi megan! I'm not a nurse but a lot of my friends mothers are. All I can say is they tend to have troubles financially keeping up with rent around the JoCo area (~700dollars a month, though 1 bedroom in Olathe you can get away with 500 less then that you will be living in little mexico). So as far as nursing careers I can't see you making too terribly much. Just about enough to live off.

As far as things to do here, growing up I have a negative bias view, you really have the option of going to the movies, to the bars in wesport, and well there really isn't much. Wesport is pretty fun but there really isn't much to do.

[2005hawk]

Megan,

You might post this question on the Kansas City section of the Missouri boards. That section includes the entire Kansas City metro area (including the Kansas suburbs).

I dont know much about your career except to say that there seems to be plenty of nursing jobs here, as I am sure there are almost anywhere. Kansas City has plenty to do in my opinion. If you're willing to meet new people, see new places and go out in new areas, there is plenty in the KC area to keep you entertained. There are many people from Iowa in KC as well, so you will likely feel very comfortable.

[jsbuck]

Have you considered Wichita? I have friends (married couple) each nursing grads and the jobs seem quite plentiful. Many hospitals, city-like atmosphere. Not too far from Tulsa or KC, Lawrence. I visited there last March and was surprised at the growth and in conversation they (my friends and parents) spoke as if Wichita was becoming the next big medical hub in teh midwest. Just a thought. Happy hunting.