Interview for Critical Access Hospital, and where would I live?

Specialties Rural

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I'm a new grad, and I have been looking for smaller rural places to work for. I have a job interview on Thursday. What kind of things are they looking for in candidates at rural hospitals?

Also, whenever I look up these hospitals, my next question is, where would I live? These towns don't seem to have apartments or anything like that.

1 Votes

Browse the local newspaper for houses to rent if you're not wanting to buy. Which rural area are you looking at? You may have a longer commute mileage-wise but it would be faster than in a major city. If you get interviews, ask other employees what options are nearby. Good luck!!

As far as what they're looking for, it's the same as any hospital so just do your best interview!

A lot of small rural towns may not have apartment complexes that would have websites, etc., but there is usually some rental housing. A local realty office or people at the hospital would probably have some helpful recommendations.

Working in a small, rural hospital calls for a lot of flexibility and adaptability. It can be challenging for a new graduate, as you may not have a lot of other nurses around to provide back-up/support (the federal rules for CAH (critical access hospitals) don't even require that they have an RN on-site 24 hrs/day -- however, that doesn't mean that every CAH is staffed that minimally. Many hospitals that qualify and are requlated as CAH look and operate just like "regular" small community hospitals on a day-to-day basis).

I started out my career (back in the Dark Ages) in a small, rural community hospital, and had a great experience. Best wishes for your journey!

1 Votes

If your interview goes well and you are offered the job (crossing my fingers for you), I'm willing to bet they would help you find a place to live. Small towns and small hospitals are like that. Once you're in, you're family.

Kotzebue, Alaska - now that's fairly rural :yes: I think they offer some housing for employees.

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