Advice between Reston hospital Center and Inova Alexhealth plex

[nurseblondie44]

Hello my fellow ER nurses,

I was wondering if someone could please give me their take on INOVA vs Reston Hospital Center. I recently got offered a position in the ED for INOVA Alexandria Healthplex which is a free standing emergency room. I also got an offer for Reston Hospital center Emergency Room. Any advice on which of these places are better to work for? I know Reston will see more sick patients than a free standing ER like INOVA Alexhealthplex. Has anyone worked at either of these places? Is transfering between these institutions easy? What are the pros and cons? Any input on the work environment, managment and patient care would be grealy appreciated. I know INOVA does pay $0.75 cents more but I Do not want to make money my deciding factor. I really want to be in an environment that promotes growth and excellent patient care. I am torn between these two offers. I have never worked in a free standing ER? Is it more like an urgent care? Do the nurse have to manage everything on her own? Do you get to see some sick patients? I know in hospitals you have your techs and anciallry staff. Any input will be appreciated.

[LisaNurse55]

Hi, I'm seeing this late in the game, so maybe you already decided where to work?

Just a few thoughts...I've be a nurse for 20+ years and almost all of them have been in critical care and emergency nursing. I am from NOVA and worked in the ED at Reston...great place to work! For a smaller hospital there is a lot of opportunity to grow and learn and I think you'll be happy there. I have worked at some freestanding EDs and they were just OK...but I prefer to be in the hospital setting, so much opportunity and so many people to collaborate with. I live overseas now (husband was transferred) but I would gladly come back to Reston if we return to NOVA someday. INOVA and Reston are two totally different systems so you can't "transfer" between institutions. I did hear that Reston is opening a free standing ED sometime soon...not sure where or when, but that could be a way to transfer if that's your goal. Good luck with your decision! I think you are correct, 75 cents an hour isn't enough to sway your decision. I miss NOVA but not the traffic!!!!

[nurseblondie44]

Thank you for your response! I chose Reston and so far I love it! I love the staff and people! I am very excited to learn and I completely agree about prefering to work in a hospital setting and my goal is to grow and collaborate! I still do not know what free standing ERs do and without support staff doesnt it get a little crazy to handle everything. What was your experience working in a free standing ER.