Pediatric oncology:Best hospitals to apply in MD or PA

[I<3PedsRN]

Hello Nurses,

Im doing research into hospitals around the Baltimore and Pittsburgh area regarding pediatric oncology and job opportunities. I am a recent diploma graduate, currently working as a peds RN in PA and going for my BSN next fall. I want to specialize in pediatric oncology.

Of course John's hopkins automatically comes to mind. What are your experiences with working there? Any insight would be beneficial. I am not interested in making the top dollar, more so in research opportunities and experiences. My ultimate goal is to become a Nurse Researcher specializing again in Pediatrics.

I have also been looking into Childrens Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Any insight into the job culture, pay, and research opportunities here would be great too. Thanks!

[pghnurse07]

Hi! I work at CHP.

I started a year ago. Starting pay for me (BSN graduate) was around 23/hr. I will be honest and say I am not sure they are hiring diploma nurses at this point. As a magnet hospital, they are seeking to staff mostly BSN nurses. It's worth a try however. CHP is a wonderful hospital that is of course involved in a lot of research due to it's affiliation with UPMC.

[I<3PedsRN]

Hi! I work at CHP.

I started a year ago. Starting pay for me (BSN graduate) was around 23/hr. I will be honest and say I am not sure they are hiring diploma nurses at this point. As a magnet hospital, they are seeking to staff mostly BSN nurses. It's worth a try however. CHP is a wonderful hospital that is of course involved in a lot of research due to it's affiliation with UPMC.

Hi! Thank you for your feedback. I totally understand them not hiring diploma nurses. I am anxious to start my BSN program in the fall. I only have 6 months experience in nursing currently. I would like to have at least one year before I apply anywhere else.

What area pd CHP do you work? What is the nurse to patient ratios? Thanks!

[jlshort06]

I'm interested in this as well. I have been invited to the Open House and would love the opportunity to work there. Any info you have would be greatly appreciated!