Alaska here I come!

CheriLRN · Sep 08, 2009, 09:34 PM

Re: Alaska here I come!

After reading the above responses, i would like to add one more. Interesting irony here. I live in Temecula (just north of San Diego), and have previously worked for 7 yrs. at Palomar (GREAT place to work!). I went to nursing school at University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) and graduated with my BSN in 1993. There were no jobs for us and most of us had to move out of the state to work and i ended up in San Diego. Now it seems it is just the opposite. I did get the chance to visit Bethel during my 3rd yr. at UAA for my community nursing class. I was very fortunate to be able to fly out to St. Mary's and Pitkas Point with an incredible public health nurse for 1 week. She lived in Bethel yr. round. We did get to visit the hospital in Bethel and i just remember a yellow tube (the only way i know how to describe it). Well i just wanted to say 'good luck' and i hope you realize what an invaluable experience you are getting

. The Paiute indians have a very rich gentle culture. You should start a blog of your experience.

smilealot · Sep 08, 2009, 11:53 PM

Re: Alaska here I come!

Originally Posted by thegreenmile

Ive just been submitted today to Alaska, just awaiting the phone interview, but really wondering if now is the time to get my feet wet traveling or if I should wait with the industry and economy not doing so well, maybe I should keep my FT perm position here in MI? Your thoughts?? Please feel free to share about AK with me, it might help me make up my mind.............

I have only experienced the area I am in and I have only been here about two months. I'm in the Yukon Delta region in a "town" called Bethel. Its great! I like it so far but it is very different than anywhere that I know of in the US. It pays well and there is a great need for nurses so there is also opportunity to grow into other positions. Do you have any specific questions? There have only been about 5 sunny days since I have been here. The place I am living has 2 grocery stores. Theres no malls, movie theaters, bowling alleys..... If you like the out doors then this place is a lot of fun! There is the Kuskokwim river, hunting, fishing, berry picking.

thegreenmile · Sep 09, 2009, 03:59 AM

Re: Alaska here I come!

Cheril RN, I know its the chance of a lifetime. I understand the cost of living is very high. My big concern is having another assignment readily available to me upon the end of the contract. Right now, I am the 5th highest senior RN at my facility, enjoying the bennies that come with that to include a pension. Just wondering if I should postpone traveling until the industry turns around?? or be the risk taker. Are you on a travel assignment now?
In regards to your history in AK, it is quite ironic how lifes little twists and turns take place, it sounds as though you have a soft spot in your heart for Alaska.

thegreenmile · Sep 09, 2009, 04:11 AM

Re: Alaska here I come!

smilealot, furnished housing for a temp seems to range from 1000-2400 with the average being 1500 a month. I understand other COL expenses are about double compared to MI. Just hoping the experience is worth the risk right now. I've considered travel nursing for years but havent taken the leap. Just awaiting the interview. Recruiters dont sound too promising for future contracts and the sites blogs make me kind of insecure about it. I'm adventerous and confident but the current state of affairs in our economy is somewhat unnerving. What are you doing about transportation there?

angelluvs · Oct 08, 2009, 02:35 AM

Re: Alaska here I come!

Originally Posted by smilealot

Hello all,

Well I have applied for my licensure in AK and I will be moving out there in about two weeks. I have never been to AK and I have never lived where it went below 50F during mid winter. So needless to say I have no idea what to expect but I am looking forward. I am a new grad and will be working in Bethel. I was wondering if any one had any tips or suggestions about adjusting to AK?

Thanks!

hi smilealot,
im also from ca in san francisco and im a new grad. im so desperate to get a job thats why when i read your post i went to the internet and searched bethel jobs. now, a nurse recruiter is trying to get in touch with me but i'm not 100% sure if im making a smart decision since there is a contract. i need your help since you are already working there. is there any way i can get in touch with you. i just joined this forum today so i have no idea how to send you PM.

smilealot · Oct 11, 2009, 02:55 AM

Re: Alaska here I come!

Originally Posted by CheriLRN

After reading the above responses, i would like to add one more. Interesting irony here. I live in Temecula (just north of San Diego), and have previously worked for 7 yrs. at Palomar (GREAT place to work!). I went to nursing school at University of Alaska, Anchorage (UAA) and graduated with my BSN in 1993. There were no jobs for us and most of us had to move out of the state to work and i ended up in San Diego. Now it seems it is just the opposite. I did get the chance to visit Bethel during my 3rd yr. at UAA for my community nursing class. I was very fortunate to be able to fly out to St. Mary's and Pitkas Point with an incredible public health nurse for 1 week. She lived in Bethel yr. round. We did get to visit the hospital in Bethel and i just remember a yellow tube (the only way i know how to describe it). Well i just wanted to say 'good luck' and i hope you realize what an invaluable experience you are getting . The Paiute indians have a very rich gentle culture. You should start a blog of your experience.

Thats funny! We still get students from UAA and the they have an extension out here (not sure when it was started) It has definitly been an experience for sure! Oh and the "yellow tube" is now painted blue with a few additions but I think I know what you mean! I applied at Palomar but they told me they were not taking new grads any more (-: Cant complain I am glad I came out here!

angelluvs · Oct 11, 2009, 03:25 AM

Re: Alaska here I come!

hi smilealot, thanks for responding. it doesnt allow me to send PM bcoz im a new member. i wanted to send u all my questions. i dont know what to do. is there other way i can send you PM. i just have lots of questions.. but your other posts are helping me decide, you always say you like it there and glad that you came there.

DVarmit · Oct 11, 2009, 08:18 AM

Re: Alaska here I come!

Hi all ! I haven't posted here in a while.......but I relocated to Anchorage last year and the hospital employing me paid the relocation expenses. (Otherwise, we'd never have been able to afford the move ourselves.)
Don't forget the Anchorage hospitals - there are 3 here. We used to use a ton of travel nurses, but we've eliminated almost all of them and hired on permanent staff.

It's beautiful, wonderful area, wonderful people!
Dawn

thegreenmile · Oct 11, 2009, 08:31 AM

Re: Alaska here I come!

Hi Dawn, do you know any RN's or heard any info R/T working at the Anchorage Psychiatric Institute?

angelluvs · Oct 11, 2009, 09:48 PM

Re: Alaska here I come!

hi smilealot, since i can't send you PM i just thought of posting my questions here and you can just PM me your answers.
1. im assuming you work at ykhc, i hope you dont mind sharing how much is the pay for the outpatient?(i need to support my family back home so i want to make sure i will be able to afford living there and still have extra)
2. did they provide training/orientation and for how long?
3. was it hard adjusting to cold? ( im not sure if it is snowing already)
4. is it true that people go all the way to anchorage to shop and stock up foods from costco or safeway?
thank you sooooooo much in advance.

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Alaska here I come!

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