Anyone from Rio Grande Hospital, McAllen, TX?

Foxfour · Nov 30, 2004

I don't know if you are still interested in McAllen, TX, but I can't begin to tell you how much I HATE it. Unfortunately, I have way too many roots down here I would have to dig up to move (at least for now) but, I will be moving out of here one day. You have to like the culture of the rio grande valley, you also are going to be at a great disadvantage if you are not bilingual, and you better like the flat, treeless, waterless landscape and HOT, humid weather (and you can say goodbye to snow). The cost of living compared to up north is on the low-side, but the pay is also on the lower end. They do offer big bounses at the hospitals here, but your nurse-patient workload is high. If I remember correctly, they (RGRH) wanted to pay me starting out as a new grad 18-18.50/hr. I would never voluntarily move here, but then that's just one person's opinion.

nekhismom · Dec 17, 2004

Moved, hated the job, loved the low cost of living. Nurse to pt. ratios not all that bad, and at times a lot better than previous experiences, esp. in Med/surg areas. Coworkers can be extremely vicious if you are not of the same nationality as they are, and there are many management favorites in the valley. Be very careful of what you choose. The area isn't so bad, summer was hot but not terribly sticky and humid like the U.S. southeast states. Winter weather is lovely, as there is NO SNOW and barely any cold. There are lots of things to do outdoors, plenty of shopping, etc. But crime is HIGH, and there is a lot of nepotism in hiring outside of healthcare. Also, if your skin isn't the "right" color, you may as well forget getting a job. Ditto if you don't speak spanish.

SIgn-on bonuses are large, but not always easily forthcoming and have been known to be withheld for way longer than the contract states, or completely withheld altogether. Just beware. On some units, your performance WILL be judged by heresay from co-workers, not by any tangible or measurable standards. Raises will probably be small, and may not be given on time. And you will be worked many, many days and harshly judged should you fall short of any of your coworkers expectations at any time.

Also, just remember that recruiters get PAID to try to make places sound wonderful. They will tell you anything you want to hear.

Make your own decision. Take the opportunity to work there as a traveler before you commit. 2 or 4 years can be a MISERABLY long time if you end up crying every day because you have to go to work.

nekhismom · Dec 17, 2004

Moved, hated the job, loved the low cost of living. Nurse to pt. ratios not all that bad, and at times a lot better than previous experiences, esp. in Med/surg areas. Coworkers can be extremely vicious if you are not of the same nationality as they are, and there are many management favorites in the valley. Be very careful of what you choose. The area isn't so bad, summer was hot but not terribly sticky and humid like the U.S. southeast states. Winter weather is lovely, as there is NO SNOW and barely any cold. There are lots of things to do outdoors, plenty of shopping, etc. But crime is HIGH, and there is a lot of nepotism in hiring outside of healthcare. Also, if your skin isn't the "right" color, you may as well forget getting a job. Ditto if you don't speak spanish.

SIgn-on bonuses are large, but not always easily forthcoming and have been known to be withheld for way longer than the contract states, or completely withheld altogether. Just beware. On some units, your performance WILL be judged by heresay from co-workers, not by any tangible or measurable standards. Raises will probably be small, and may not be given on time. And you will be worked many, many days and harshly judged should you fall short of any of your coworkers expectations at any time.

Also, just remember that recruiters get PAID to try to make places sound wonderful. They will tell you anything you want to hear.

Make your own decision. Take the opportunity to work there as a traveler before you commit. 2 or 4 years can be a MISERABLY long time if you end up crying every day because you have to go to work.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

I worked at Rio Grande Regional in McAllen. It was the MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE.

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

I worked at Rio Grande Regional in McAllen. It was the MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE.

mattsmom81 · Dec 17, 2004

I don't know what it is about this state but I would guess its the anti union attitude, the employment at will mentality...and the good old boy network all combined to make it a very different place from where I was raised even in my Fort Worth area.

I hear the closer to the border one gets the worse it gets...very corrupt and dangerous to boot. One will of course find some nice people everywhere...but I agree take a travel assignment first before you get stuck somewhere where you'll be unhappy..

mattsmom81 · Dec 17, 2004

I don't know what it is about this state but I would guess its the anti union attitude, the employment at will mentality...and the good old boy network all combined to make it a very different place from where I was raised even in my Fort Worth area.

I hear the closer to the border one gets the worse it gets...very corrupt and dangerous to boot. One will of course find some nice people everywhere...but I agree take a travel assignment first before you get stuck somewhere where you'll be unhappy..