[WhatNext????]

Hi all
I'm a Michigan RN planning on moving to Chicago in September. I have 2 years of Med-Surg/Oncology experience. I am hoping to get a job in Rush's MICU. I was wondering: 1) How much I can expect to make an hour on night shift? 2) Rush's el stop is off the blue line- would my commute be miserable if I lived off the red or brown line?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

[noviciate]

You can transfer from the Red or Brown lines and take the Blue line downtown. Given Rush's location it would be quicker to change trains rather than take the bus.

To be honest, if you'll be working at night I would seriously consider driving. The neighborhood is rather dark and quiet at the hour you would be going and safety is a concern.

If you want to work at night in the city Northwestern would be a better option. I live in the neighborhood and it is far safer than Rush. Not to mention the nightlife and surrounding schools which heighten activity in the evening. Best of luck!

Novi

[livingthedream]

Not sure about Rush's pay, but Northwestern pays the least to new grads - not sure how it pays to folks with experience.

I would live off of the blue line - it will take some time to transfer trains depending on where you live. And I encourge driving as well if you are going at night. You may want to come to chicago for a weekend and check out the neighborhoods before you decide where you want to live.

The south loop is a hot area right now (although costly to live in) and that would be right around michiagn and roosevelt. From there you can easily take a bus and get to rush. There is lots to do in that area with nice places to eat and such and you are right by the lake.

I will be commuting from the red line to that area, and I am choosing to drive - the commute would be 1.5 hours if I took the red to the blue and then went to work. That would be 1.5 hours EACH WAY. If I drive, it is less than 30 min.

Good luck

[jbeau]

Rush is right near the IMD Blue line stop and that area has UIC near it and is ALWAYS busy; safety is NOT a concern. People that don't live south of downtown always get scared.

Taking the train and living on the red line would be easy and quick. Take the red line south to Jackson and just walk the tunnel over to the blue line. Easy peasy. Enjoy!

[noviciate]

Safety is a relative thing for everyone. It has been suggested that a visit would be best to determine if she would feel comfortable in the neighborhood in the evening.

I have lived Downtown, South Loop, and now the Gold Coast for the past nineteen years and take public transportation. I think I'm qualified to offer an opinion on these areas.

Feel free to pm me if you have additional questions. Good luck.

Novi

[livingthedream]

I agree with novi - safety is a relative thing. I live in an area that many are scared to visit me in - but I am comfortable in it. I have lived in this city all of my life, and I would not feel 100% at any L stop in the middle of the night. I know many women that have been mugged all over the city - some of them in the "nicest" parts.

And depending on WHERE you live on the red line - it could take a LONG time to get to Jackson to change to the blue. Right now they are doing the construction at Fullerton and Belmont on the southbound RED. I live north of those stops - So for me to get into the loop - it can take well up to an hour. Unless I go at rush hour when they speed things up for office workers- between 7am and 8am - which I usually have to be at a job before that...

I would say, spend a weekend, check it out. See what other folks up here have to say -and do what you feel comfortable doing.

Good luck!

[healthyhere]

Im originally from the burbs northwest of Detroit and have lived in Chicago for two years now. Safety should be a concern WHEREVER you live, in whatever city (not just chicago) but especially when taking public transportation.
I lived in an "up and coming" neighborhood when i first moved to chicago cuz i wanted to be right off the blue line as well... i paid a premium and my luxury suv was vandalized 3 times in a matter of two months and a girl was raped under the train stop i used all the time!
My solution - i moved and always carried by pepperspray. LOL
My point - It doesnt matter how nice and "upcoming" the area, you need to research first and see what YOU are comfortable with.
I moved from Bucktown/Wickerpark even though its an area that everyone told me to live cuz it is hip- I realized I prefer the Gold Coast cuz its like my home town back in michigan.
Basicly, like my, you're going to have to see what YOU like. Safety is relative and you have to treat every area as if the boogy man could be waiting for you in a dark alley after 9pm... carry pepperspray. LOL

My advice - Get a temporary rental for a month and get familiar with the area and others before signing a lease or buying a place. (look on craigslist - there is temp places available all over the city)
I love where i live now, its in the heart of the city, rooftop pool and views of all of chicago and the red line a block away - AND with a reasonable priced parking garage attached (so i can drive to work if need be).
So take your time, come to chicago and enjoy it while you make your OWN decision on what YOU like.
BEST OF LUCK MY FELLOW MICHIGANDER ;-)

[cookielady,rn]

Average starting pay for 2 yrs experience is 25.50-26.50/hr in the area. I go to grad school at Rush and would never be there after dark. You can park in a garage that has a walk way to the med center, the train stops a couple blocks from the hospital. Cheaper parking is available at Jackson and Paulina, but it's a hike.
A classmate was hed up at gun point near UIC, which is nearby. The cops said it happens a lot. Don't live near UIC/Rush.
Most ICUs at large hospitals require previous ICU experience, so you may want to email and see what their preference is.