New nursing grad

[sfw1979]

Originally Posted by 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, or 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, and the salaries of a starting RN with a BSN.

Please give me some insight into Minneapolis 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

have you checked out Nursing

[nosredna5]

As a single woman who grew up in the Twin Cities but who has lived in other larger U.S. cities, I have to agree that Minneapolis is so family-focused (and so many folks are married here by the time you hit your early 30s) that Chicago might offer more for the single nurse graduate.

Minneapolis is great but it's easy to feel an outsider here if you're not married with kids. Especially once you get into your 30s. Could be different for you in your 20s, of course. Good luck!