Alaska anyone??

allnurses Guide · Dec 5, 2007

Okay, interview is over and it's time to make my choices. A Maj at WHMC who is in charge of perinatal education sat down with me and gave me the rundown on the best locations for OB right now (most deliveries and thus the bes experiences). Alaska (Elmendorf) was one of those hospitals listed. I'm seriously considering putting it as my first choice instead of Lackland. Anyone been to Alaska? I'd like to hear the good, bad, and ugly!

I haven't been there, but I always hear positive things about the base and Anchorage. It is going to be my top choice after school.

You will also get more money if you go to Elmendorf: 1. OCONUS pay & 2. if you change your state residency to Alaska you can also get the annual dividend payment for you and your family.

Good Luck! I think Elmendorf is an awesome choice, especially compared to WHMC. WHMC has a lot to offer professionally, but overall I don't hear that many good things about it.

The Little Greek · Dec 5, 2007

I haven't been there, but I always hear positive things about the base and Anchorage. It is going to be my top choice after school.
You will also get more money if you go to Elmendorf: 1. OCONUS pay & 2. if you change your state residency to Alaska you can also get the annual dividend payment for you and your family.
Good Luck! I think Elmendorf is an awesome choice, especially compared to WHMC. WHMC has a lot to offer professionally, but overall I don't hear that many good things about it.

I'm glad to hear that it's a good choice. I've heard the hospital has been recently renovated--maybe it was just the OB unit, can't remember. Nice to know that more money is involved since it seems a lot more expensive there. If I get it I'll be a little worried about the cold since I've been in Texas for 7 years. I'm also a little concerned about the "days of night" in the winter. Guess that just means there are more "days of light" in the summer. Looks like it would be a fantastic assignment....now I just have to cross my fingers and hold my breath. Thanks for your input wtbcrna!

peeweedelivery · Dec 5, 2007

I'm glad to hear that it's a good choice. I've heard the hospital has been recently renovated--maybe it was just the OB unit, can't remember. Nice to know that more money is involved since it seems a lot more expensive there. If I get it I'll be a little worried about the cold since I've been in Texas for 7 years. I'm also a little concerned about the "days of night" in the winter. Guess that just means there are more "days of light" in the summer. Looks like it would be a fantastic assignment....now I just have to cross my fingers and hold my breath. Thanks for your input wtbcrna!

I live there for almost 7 years, my last child was born there. It WAS GREAT!! I want to go back soooooooooo bad!! Go for it!:trout: The fishing is great too!

Gennaver, MSN · Dec 5, 2007

Okay, interview is over and it's time to make my choices. A Maj at WHMC who is in charge of perinatal education sat down with me and gave me the rundown on the best locations for OB right now (most deliveries and thus the bes experiences). Alaska (Elmendorf) was one of those hospitals listed. I'm seriously considering putting it as my first choice instead of Lackland. Anyone been to Alaska? I'd like to hear the good, bad, and ugly!

Hello,

Just wondering because of BRAC, isn't WHMC's OB eventually goint to be at BAMC by 2011 or 2012 or so? If so, then that may also mean that your choice is the better one!

I'm a new Army nurse and selected Alaska as my number one choice, but, they were only taking one RN out of my OBC class and she had been slotted to go. It worked out really well for me though so I am glad I didn't get my first choice.

Good luck!

Gen

The Little Greek · Dec 5, 2007

Hello,
Just wondering because of BRAC, isn't WHMC's OB eventually goint to be at BAMC by 2011 or 2012 or so? If so, then that may also mean that your choice is the better one!

Yes, Gen, I believe that to be true. No specific date was given, but I was told the WHMC will eventually become clinics. That's going to be one big building of clinics! As for Alaska, I think I'm probably dreaming because I doubt I'll get it, but it sure doesn't hurt to ask. I've been told most people get at least one of their first choices but my recruiter seems to have a track record of her officers not being offered ANYTHING on their list. Omen? I hope not!

Gennaver, MSN · Dec 5, 2007

Yes, Gen, I believe that to be true. No specific date was given, but I was told the WHMC will eventually become clinics. That's going to be one big building of clinics! As for Alaska, I think I'm probably dreaming because I doubt I'll get it, but it sure doesn't hurt to ask. I've been told most people get at least one of their first choices but my recruiter seems to have a track record of her officers not being offered ANYTHING on their list. Omen? I hope not!

I hope it works out for you!

Gen

p.s. maybe you should put everything BUT this on your wish list, in order to keep the record with your recruiter and to really get it?

allnurses Guide · Dec 5, 2007

Hello,
Just wondering because of BRAC, isn't WHMC's OB eventually goint to be at BAMC by 2011 or 2012 or so? If so, then that may also mean that your choice is the better one!
I'm a new Army nurse and selected Alaska as my number one choice, but, they were only taking one RN out of my OBC class and she had been slotted to go. It worked out really well for me though so I am glad I didn't get my first choice.
Good luck!
Gen

The WHMC hospital functions are supposed to move to BAMC by no later than late 2011 according to the information on the web I found. http://www.sanantonio.gov/edd/pdfs/bracpdfs/BRAC%20in%20San%20Antonio--Gen.%20Ervin%20Lessel.pdf