Johns Hopkins ICU

NedRN · Dec 23, 2015

The immediate area surrounding the hospital is pretty darned scary for those not used to inner city bad neighborhoods (real gangs and housing projects nearby). Row houses dominate the area making for a claustrophobic feeling (no setback between homes and the sidewalk) especially when residents are hanging out on the street. Hopkins actually has guard stations at the ends and middle of the blocks around the hospital for security. Same with the parking garages, and you need ID to enter the hospital. However, many travelers will live in apartment conversions from old factories in Fells Point, perhaps just 10 blocks away. Fells Point is also full of tourists, and clubbers, and many travelers will be spending time there anyway. I'm not sure that suburbanites will exactly describe Fells Point as safe any more than any other area full of bars, but it is certainly very different than the Hopkins neighborhood. Back in the day when most agencies provided housing and it had to not only be safe, but perceived as a safe area, they placed travelers in White Marsh (a suburb perhaps 10 miles away), or even Towson all the way on the other side of Baltimore to the north.

I lived in Baltimore for three years at my first (and only) staff job at University of Maryland which is downtown Baltimore. Hopkins isn't downtown but in a residential neighborhood. I've done two travel assignments at Hopkins. Among local nurses, Hopkins has the reputation for being snooty, and their rep allows them to pay less than other local hospitals. My last assignment there I found out they were heavy users of long contract foreign nurses. I believe most were from India. I had to laugh the first time I went there as the hospital, despite its reputation, was antiquated, both the facility and the equipment. I worked in the operating room and it was pretty dismal with black walls! The second assignment I worked in a new building (only some surgical services were there) and it was similar to any other modern hospital.

One thing for sure, a Hopkins assignment will look great on your resume! You may even have some never before types of patients depending on which ICU you will be working in.

ParalyticAgent · Dec 23, 2015

I just finished a contract at University of Maryland, and I would second Ned's suggestion of Fells Point or Canton for housing. Parking has become quite difficult in both areas, so make sure you ask about that when looking at housing. I used street parking, but often had to walk 6-7 blocks to get home. Bus service was not convenient from where I lived in Canton.

I had a blast in Baltimore. I was there for almost five months and never ran out of things to do. Some of my favorites included the American Visionary Art Museum in Fed Hill, any crab shack (I was partial to Captain James as it was stumbling distance from where I lived), Red Emma's (an anarchist cafe and bookstore), the Baltimore Art Museum, day trips to Washington DC (the MARC is cheap and super convenient), and walking along the harbor. Patterson Park is also absolutely amazing- I spent a lot of time walking through there.

Hopkins uses Epic. The travelers I know who have worked there have enjoyed it.

808dreams · Dec 23, 2015

Thanks for the insider info, I grew up in Maryland and would love to do some travel nursing there now as an adult. I don't really know the Baltimore area at all though, so thanks for this thread and the info on Johns Hopkins