Hello I'm a new grad and I've just been hired by OU Medical Center. With the big move fast approaching I still have so many unanswered questioned that I should have probably already researched hahaha. If anyone would be so kind as to help me it would be awesome! I have only been to OKC for my interview once and know absolutely ZERO ppl there, so any info would be hepful.
1. How bad are the tornadoes? I am deathly afraid of storms and hear that OKC is tornado central. So where should I live? and what safety precautions should I look for in an apartment building?
2. How bad are the deer on the roadways?
3. Is OU Medical center esteemed in the OKC community?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Got ya...It's just a little scary knowing I won't have much wiggle room every month ..
Many of the native Oklahomans with whom I attended school actually think $19 to $20 per hour is really good money for a brand new RN. Many of them would kill for a job at University of Oklahoma Medical Center. The mindset is very different down south.
I guess I've got to get used to the Southern Midwest. I see what you're saying about unionized labor...but the funny thing is here up north when you DON'T have a union the pay is much more...I guess I thought since there. Less unions then the pay would be competitive
In a city or state that has lots of unionized hospitals, the nonunion facilities must stay competitive by offering wage grids and pay rates that are similar to or higher than what the union facilities are paying.
Cities and states that have no unionized facilities can pay whatever market forces dictate. Since nurses in OKC will willingly work for $20 per hour, the corporations who run the hospitals do not need to pay one dime more to attract and retain nursing staff.
I actually find the cost of living very cheap here especially if you learn how to budget things. I have a 2 bed 2 bath 2 car garage duplex along with a fenced backyard for $700/mo. It's in a great part of town. My utilities are always decent because I've learned to keep the house a little warmer in the summer and cooler in the winter along with turning off all lights and unplugging things. I have cox tv/Internet, cell phone bill, insurance (car and renters) food, gas and a few other random monthly bills and my monthly total is usually only about $1400. Also remember that the base pay starts at $19... If your working weekends or noc then you get that added shift diff which in some cases can add up to $8/hr. Good luck.
I am so glad I found this post, I am flying out to interview next week, I am a new grad nurse from Washington State, if I do get hired that is a LONG way from home and I would love to network to make some new nursing friends! Anyone know anything about the Cardiac program there? I am so very excited this would be my dream position.
Hey Meganmarie! I actually interviewed for this position in December...OKC seems liks a very unique place, when I say unique I mean very different lol..The mgt for cardiac were very nice, so just be yourself!
This post has been very helpful! I too will be moving to OK from NY in the spring/ summer this year. Kind of excited to see a different pace from the northeast here.
I am assuming the cost of living will be much lower as well have less taxes. Now I have no idea how many taxes they will take from my paycheck, but I know it will be nowhere near the amount taken out in NY. And no inspections?! That is, well, a relief, since I always forget to get my car inspected.
Awesome MeganMarie. Yes I'm definitely going for it. Just neck deep in paperwork right now. I'm trying to get my license endorsed and figure out where to live, and how I'm going to get around haha. I'm actually going over there the end of this month to have my health screening.
Okay T minus one month til Okc and STILL no real prospects for amd apartment...anywhere even kind of affordable with my salary has a waitlist... These apartments are ridic expensive, and this is coming from someone who lives in NYC..A nurse should be able to afford a safe 1 bedroom apartment this is insane..
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
Cities and states that have no unionized facilities can pay whatever market forces dictate. Since nurses in OKC will willingly work for $20 per hour, the corporations who run the hospitals do not need to pay one dime more to attract and retain nursing staff.