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Hi all! I've been reading this message board for quite some time and feel as I already know the "regulars"!
Recently, I've been offered a position as a dialysis RN in STX for a period of 13 weeks from a travelling company. I am ecstatic!
My husband is less than enthused. He loves the idea of spending 13 weeks in STX, but is one of those "glass half empty" kind of guys.
also we would be travelling with a 5 yr old and a 10 yr old. His main concern is the cost of just getting down there ( the company does not offer air reimbursement for family) in addition to buying or renting a car, cost of housing, groceries, etc. I think he's just nervous because it will be radically different from Pa.
I know that the hospital that I would be working from is in the middle of the island. Is this a good area to live? How populated is that area? Or would it be better to live on one side of the island and commute?
If this works out, I could extend my contract indefinitely so I want to make sure I get as much info as possible as a PMV is impossible.
Also, my husband is a painter (houses, not canvas). Is there a need for painters right now.
We probably would not be going until mid-July, so that does give us some time to educate ourselves as much as possible.
Thanks for any info you could provide!!
Theresa
Posted : May 2, 2006 4:58 pm
Sorry for being a naysayer, but I wouldn't even consider moving my family without a PMV.
One option would be to consider this a 13 week vacation of sorts. Bring only your clothes etc., find a short term rental(the hospital should be able to help you) and buy a car that you can sell, if necessary, after 13 weeks. Spend the time deciding if you want to stay.
Moving here is challenging. Moving with school age children is even more so. Have you ever been to STX? The VIs? The Carribbean? I don't know where you live now -- but this is definitely not KANSAS.
Whatever you decide, good luck and look us up when you get here.
Linda J
Posted : May 2, 2006 6:43 pm
Since it's only initially a 13 week contract, that is actually the IDEAL PMV. To have a job to support the cost of being here and living life as a local and not as a vacationer will give you the best exposure to the island possible.
The complication is your children and what you will do for school for them since your 13 weeks will cross from summer into the school year. Private schools here are expensive (and they want you to contract for a full year, not just a quarter) but the public schools are NOT a good choice for children coming from the mainland. You can read a lot more on that subject in past threads on the topic. The option that might work best (if your husband is up for it while you are at the hospital working!) is to home school your children to begin with. There is a network on the island and books and tracking materials are provided. There are discussions about this in past threads on this site, also.
Happy reading! And if you opt to come to STX, know that you will be welcomed and shown around by many of the posters to this board.
Posted : May 3, 2006 3:55 pm
Hi,
How exciting! I too worked on stx last summer for 13 weeks. Which company are you going with? My company provided a great apartment, a car and many contacts onisland that were a great help. If you like you can email or PM me and I can provide some answers for you.
sidnie
Posted : May 3, 2006 5:48 pm
Theresa,
I'm a nurse also and hopefully will be starting to work in the hospital on STX August 1st. I am also going with a travel company to start with. I don't have a job nailed down yet as I just contacted the travel company and got the process in motion a couple of days ago. I do however, already have my VI nursing license. I have a 2 1/2 year old and a 14 year old. My 14 year old is going to stay here in Ohio for the next school year then she is going to come to STX the following school year. I plan to enroll her in private school if at all possible. I know the private schools on the island, ie. Country Day School is about $10,000/year (ouch), but, if she comes down for the 10th grade, I'll figure out a way to swing it because I've heard such negative stories about the public schools. Luckily I'll only have one child in school at a time since the 2 1/2 year old won't start till the 14 year old is out. I have yet to check into the private Catholic Schools...maybe their tuition is less than the 10k. I'd like to find a happy medium, if anyone knows anything about the Catholic schools please let me know. Theresa, please email me, I'd like to discuss children/nursing/schooling etc. with you further. My email is [email protected].
Posted : May 3, 2006 6:18 pm
Howdy, I will be travel nursing June 5, 2006. Are there cars available to buy and then re sell after 13 weeks? thanks
Posted : May 4, 2006 10:12 pm
Topic starter
Thanks to all of you for the great info and well wishes!! I will DEFINITELY be emailing you to talk. I feel like we will have some friends when we get to the island and look forwrd to meeting you.
Thanks again!
Theresa
Posted : May 4, 2006 11:14 pm