Anchorage Hospitals

[TimeToMoveOn]

I am looking for new city to relocate to and a new hospital to work at. I currently work at a big name trauma/teaching center that is going down hill fast. We haven't had raises in years, they suspended vacation time for several months last year, fired a thousand people and now they have taken away some of our vacation/sick time. And this year we will no longer be able to earn sick/vacation time for hours worked above our FTE. They have increased patient:nurse ratios by 50%. Prices for insurance and parking go up every year (remember - no raises). Their motto is "Do more with less". It is getting unsafe. Everyone is miserable - which makes for a very happy workplace.

I was wondering if the hospitals in your area are going through the same thing. I understand a few belt tightening moves - but I would like a place that still values their employees and the employees still love their work. I can work adult or children's. I just want decent pay, safe pt:nurse ratios, a chance to eat lunch and maybe a break once in awhile. I am also interested in eventually moving up to a unit educator role - so I need a hospital that hasn't done away with their education department. Any suggestions?

Thanks

[dianah, ASN]

Do you wish to remain in Alaska?

You might scroll through the various state forums and get a feel for where you might want to relocate, and how the job market looks there.

Or try usajobs, apply for a position at a VA facility.

https://www.usajobs.gov/

Good luck to you; present position does sound unsafe.

[TimeToMoveOn]

I currently live in the lower 48. I lived in Anchorage as a travel nurse for a year - back in 2005. I really enjoyed Providence Hospital - but that was before the economy tanked. I need to get out of where I am right now - I just don't want to end up in the same horrible work conditions.

[toomuchbaloney]

That is not the current employment situation in AK. This is one of the top 10 states for nursing employment, so I understand.

I would be interested in knowing what hospital you currently work for.

[Luvsexytrstno1]

Has anyone had any experience with Saint Elias?

[duskyjewel]

I'm wondering if the OP lives in Arizona because that sounds a lot like one of our hospital systems here......

[ToniDaTyga]

There's always a nursing job in Alaska. Currently, they are looking for nurses in Nome, Sitka and Wrangell.

[kittyvenven]

The ratio is 1:4, 1:5 the most except on the ortho unit where it's 1:6 at Providence. At the extended are its 1:12 but it's pretty relaxed and they run 8 hour shifts. The transitional care is 1:12 as well and ace both 8 and 12 hour shifts. I don't know about the other hospitals here.