Anchorage

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I've been invited there for a wedding in May this year and I'd like to give going there a shot.

Thing is, as an Aussie (nursing student), I'm wide eyed and bushy tailed when it comes to checking out the bits that travel books don't mention.

Locals, do you have any ideas to give me in relation to decent accommodation (hey, easy on the five star..I'm not Donald Trump's mistress), foods I should try, clothes I should bring (I live in a hot climate), pick up lines I should master..okay, I'm joking about the last one.

But you drink beer there, right? And fight with herds of Moose? Oh hang on, that might be Canada I'm thinkin' of...

Anyway, any ideas would be gratefully recorded in my little black book.

Thanks in advance.

~BB~

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Hi there...I lived in Alaska for a couple of years, but not near Anchorage. However, I visited there a few times. It rains during the summer and even in May - it won't necessarily be warm. Bring your equivalent to a winter coat and then add sweaters so that you can layer things. Make sure you see Denali National Park - its where Mt. McKinley is located. Usually too cloudy to see the mountain, but well worth the trip (its not too far.) You must also get out to the glaciers and there are many tours there or perhaps another wedding guest and you could get together. I lived about 500 miles north of Anchorage in the interior (read very, very, very, very cold (-60 F). I loved it.

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I grew up in Anchorage - lots to see - go climb Flattop for a great view. Definately do Denali - I worked up there in the early 70's. I think the best place to buy souviniers (sp?) is at the local JC Penney - lots of variety both Alaska made and foreign made. Weather is cool and damp usually. For a taste of rowdy night life, check out Chilkoot Charlie's in Spenard. Here is what is said about Alaskan men: the odds are good that the goods are odd! - you can buy a shirt with that printed on it. Have a great time!

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Hello Blackbird:

It most certainly depends on where in Alaska the wedding is to be held. Alaska is so large that in the month of May you can have 5 or 6 different weather conditions.

I live in the Interior where May is wonderful. The -40 F we had this winter is gone. The soil is heating up for the garden to be planted on 1 June. There is nearly 20 hours of daylight (bring your shades). The snow should be gone (depends on amount we get during the winter).

We do have beer here! We do not fight herds of moose although you will see a lot if you get out of the city. I am not sure how or if I can paste pictures on this site. I have one of a yearling moose who raided our bird feeder this winter and slept at the foot of the thermometer post.

In any case, do come and experience our great state.

Charlotte

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Specializes in medsurg.

My family and I will be moving to anchorage Air force base. How is the job situation for ADN nurses and will I be able to start a BSN program with out the resident. requirement. I have down loaded the application and I will/ may need a refresher course but I will need some one to supervise me for 3months. I am hoping to get a freind or fellow nurse to help me out, my experience is 6years medsurg last job 2004. Currently stay at home mom for two boys 2yrs and 11yrs old.

thanks sheila

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I'm and ADN nurse who graduated from the University of Alaska in Anchorage. They also have a BSN program. There are 4 hospitals in Anchorage and surrounding areas: Elmendorf Air Force Base has a hospital - Air Force nurses I believe. Alaska Native Medical Center - managed by the Indian Health Service - serves the native population. Providence Hospital (check their web site for jobs) and Alaska Regional Hospital (they also have a web site - do a google search) I worked at Alaska Regional for about 15 years - the last 4 or so as a nurse. Great place to work.

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Hi not sure if this thread is ongoing. I'm looking for some more info about Alaska Regional. Any help would be appreciated. I've been offered a position I'm just wondering what working conditions are like. If anyone has any specific complaints, compliments or pointers about the hospital they want to share and what the standard is for bonuses. Also wondering about neigborhoods to live in Anchorage any suggestions? Just need apartment in a quiet area. Again any help would be great. Thanks.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
Hi not sure if this thread is ongoing. I'm looking for some more info about Alaska Regional. Any help would be appreciated. I've been offered a position I'm just wondering what working conditions are like. If anyone has any specific complaints, compliments or pointers about the hospital they want to share and what the standard is for bonuses. Also wondering about neigborhoods to live in Anchorage any suggestions? Just need apartment in a quiet area. Again any help would be great. Thanks.

Hi,

I work at Providence here in Anchorage. I was born and raised in anchorage. I have never worked at Regional but I had both my kids there! It's a great hospital (smaller than Prov) and its magna status. They are on computerized charting there. Its a beautiful facility too and recently remodeled. I don't know about the bonuses. Providence has bonuses also and is a wonderful hospital to work at if you are interested. They are also in the process of building a new hospital in the Valley (40-50 minute drive south). And we also have the Alaska Native Hospital which I've heard has the best benefits! As for neighborhoods, stay away from Mt. View or Fairview. They are the lower income neighborhoods, although there are some long time alaskans that live in those neighboorhoods. Airport Heights is the neighborhood next to Regional or anywhere near the university would work! You will love Anchorage! Hope this helps!

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I'm trying to find a travel agency that would send me to Anschorage, Alaska.Does any one know of one that I could contact??? that sends LPNs???

I visited there last christmas for 11 days, I really enjoyed it. I'm from Fl so the weather was somewhat getting use to.

Does anyone know if the hospitals there use LPNs??? any help would be appreciated.

Jonda

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Specializes in ICU/ER/CARDIAC CATH LAB.

If you're travelling with animals ... beware. Anchorage is not an animal friendly town. I took a job in the ER @ Providence and moved there in June. I couldn't even find a hotel (except one really filthy, dank place) that would allow dogs. Couldn't find a decent place to live in either. My boss suggested that I sleep in a tent on the outskirts of town until I found a place! OK - well - I'm a city girl - a tent in the woods just wasn't going to do it for me!

Also - beware of the bloody mosquitoes! They really are big!

On the plus side - summer in Alaska is like being on Prozac for 3 months! I loved it! And the people outside of Anchorage are incredibly nice. I loved the people there and the scenery and the animals...lots of great hiking!

Eilleen.

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If you're looking for a company that does travel nursing. The company I work for Maxim Healthcare does. They're all over the US and do a lot of travel nursing and also homehealth care and overstaffing for local hospitals. They have a need for LPN's and the pay is good too.

M Olsen

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