INOVA Fairfax

[piperknitsRN]

Hi: Was just offered a position (travel) at Inova Fairfax on the Cardiac Stepdown unit. Was wondering if any one had any opinions about this hospital system, specific details about the floor, and of course, areas to live in. I hear traffic is awful; would want a place within 5 miles commute, but wondering if it's safe? I currently work in an urban hospital in the middle of a seedy area, woudln't want to live there :).

Thanks!

[dazedandconfused]

Hi~

I can't answer your questions about Fairfax Hospital (I don't work for INOVA;) ) But I have lived her most of my life.

Traffic can be miserable. I drive to Arlington 25 min in the morning and can take me an hour in the afternoon. It just depends on where you are going and time you are going. I have gotten into the habit of allowing extra time to get anywhere. I love living in No Va, and will miss it terribly. My hubby is moving me to NC for a new job opportunity. There is so much to do in Va and of course you have DC.

The hospital is not in a bad area really. It is near Rt 50, 66, and the beltway. I am not sure about a 5 minute commute- maybe a 15

Are you looking for your own housing and getting the supplement or just to give the agency an idea where you want to live? I think employees park offsite and take a shuttle to the hospital, but I am not sure. It is a big campus. As you might know it is the level 1 trauma for NoVa- so you can just imagine.

Hope this helps you a bit.

[lifejourney]

This is just one nurse's opinion...

I began working at Fairfax Hospital in the Heart and Vascular Center in March. I just finished working out a 2 week notice. I worked in the cardiac telemetry unit, and the staffing there was terrible. Most of the nurses on this unit were new nurses with less than one year experience. Many others were travellers. There are several managers, but very little leadership. There has been a lot of turnover in the two months I've been there. I stayed as long as I did because I wondered if I hated it because I was new. I was very surprised that the hospital is a Magnet hospital after I saw the way nurses are treated.

The facility as a whole is somewhat impressive. It's huge, over 900 beds. There is free parking onsite for employees. I don't know what your expectations are. If you've traveled, I'm sure you are used to all kinds of situations. The CV stepdown unit may be run a little differently. You can PM me with questions, if you'd like. Good luck in whatever you decide. BTW, there are apartments on both sides of Fairfax Hospital. On one side is Archstone Fairfax. You can find it at archstoneapartments.com I don't know the name of the other apartments. The rent around this area is high, no matter what. If you are looking for little to no commute time, this may be a good bet.