Delta and Montrose Hospitals

I just saw your post and apologize for the late reply. When you say you will graduate in May, I am assuming you mean May 2009? If so, hopefully this reply will still be relevant. I have worked for both Delta and Montrose (currently in Montrose).

DCMH has, by far, the best pay and benefits package of any hospital in a 3 county region (Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties). Delta used to be "the place to work", but recently, politics are becoming quite vicious. That is the reason I left. The work environment became really toxic. Also, there is zero chance of a new grad getting hired in the ER. They likely would start you nights on med/surg.

MMH is currently in a hiring freeze for the ER as they are just now seating a new ER manager and a new CEO will start mid january. I doubt that they would place a new grad in the ER. They are looking for experienced ICU nurses and also placed 2 new grads in the ICU this year. I can't answer for med/surg, although, they always seem short staffed on med/surg. The pay is the lowest of any of the regional hospitals and the benefits package is mediocre.

In all honesty, the best chance for a new grad to be placed in an ER would be at St. Mary's in Grand Junction. They now typically place 2 new grads each semester. This is a new program they started 1 1/2 years ago. They have an outstanding orientation program for new grads (6 months I believe). I was employed by them a few years ago and can tell you that staff is considered disposable. It is a big hospital where you are a number and not a name. Politics and back stabbing are common. They are currently building a new 10 story tower and plan on doubling the size of the ER. I am guessing this will translate into a few new positions opening.

Grand River Hospital in Rifle also hires new grads and puts them through med/surg with rotations into the ER. I can't speak for working conditions as I have not worked there.

If I can answer any more questions, feel free to ask.

if you are willing to go anywhere, have you thought about contacting a recruiter? Post your resume online and they will contact you. They probably could point you in the direction of places where you could easily get hired as a ER nurse.