LPN to RN Moving to Dallas TX

Hi Friends,

I need some help please!! I've been working as an LPN in NYC for over a year now (making $25.00 per hour) - I am taking classes with Excelsior College and hope to have my RN by the fall of this year. My boyfriend wants to move to Dallas, TX by February 2015 but I don't know what to ask for as a starting salary for a "new" RN?

If all goes well and I pass my NCLEX by November 2014 - would it matter that I would have only worked as an RN for a few months before going to Dallas, TX? I heard great things about TX and I want to make sure I don't short change myself when I get to TX but I won't be an "experienced" RN either - can someone please help me?

Thank you!
Start wages for a new RN in DFW is $21-24/hr generally. Keep in mind though the cost of living here is a fraction of what you pay there. My 2000 sq foot house would be well into the 2 million dollar range up there. I paid $152,000 for it here.New grad jobs here are very difficult to find. There are a ton of schools here churning out new grads every 4-6 months. Not all of them get jobs. Hospitals here will not hire a new grad outside of an internship. Those happen twice year with starting dates in January and June respectively and hiring for those happens one to three months ahead of that time (in other words, before graduation takes place). Also most of the hospitals here will only hire BSN graduates. You did not mention which type of degree you are pursuing. I am not sure why but most of the hospitals also will not "count" your LPN experience as nursing experience. Getting your foot in the door for many of these internships is more about who you know than anything else. Very political healthcare system in DFW.Hope this gives you some info. I think the job market here is friendlier than NYC in general, but it is still very tight.
Thanks not.done.yet!! your information was helpful but would I still be considered a "new" nurse considering I am a working LPN in a hospital now? I don't any "credit" or consideration for time worked?
Quote from ineedachange1would I still be considered a "new" nurse considering I am a working LPN in a hospital now? I don't any "credit" or consideration for time worked?