Anyone work at Rush Presbyterian - St. Luke's in Chicago?

[Nursekatydid]

Just wandering, I am relocating to Chicago as a new grad and have taked a real interest in Rush Presbyterian - St. Luke's hospital. I ultimate goal is L/D, but I think I would like to start out on a surgical unit. I would really like to get the $15,000 sign on bonus, but that is for select units. I looked up the different units on their web page and am interested in 9 Kellogg. That sounds like the floor floor I did my externship on here in OH. Do you know if in the past they have had those sign on bonuses for that unit? Also, is there any other surgical unit that would be nice to work on as a new grad? Preferably with sign on bonus option, but I know I need to pick a unit that I would feel comfortable on, not just b/c of the sign on bonus. Thank you all in advance for your suggestions!!!!

[Jolie, BSN]

I started at Rush (now known as Rush University Medical Center) many years ago as a new grad in the Special Care Nursery. We had a close relationship and a great deal of respect for the L&D staff. It's been a long time since I left (not of my choosing, hubby was transferred), but now that I'm back in Chicago, Rush is one of the few facilities I would consider. It continues to have a good reputation among nurses. Some of the good points: an excellent orientation for new grads, good salary and benefits which are comparable with unionized hospitals (without the expense of union dues), collegial relationships between nursing and medicine, many opportunities for growth in all areas (clinical, administration, research, education), generous tuition allowances for continuing education, easy access by car or train. I didn't know how good I had it there until I worked at a few other hospitals where the working conditions were far less desirable.

I would recommend interviewing with more than one unit, as the hiring and staffing policies do vary from unit to unit.

Good luck to you as you make this important decision! Welcome to Chicago!

[mednurse]

I'm here in Chicago, I've also heard great things about Rush. ALSO, if you work 20 hours a week you get the bonus of free tuition there-it's a great school.