Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Sep 20, 2009

I did some clinicals there when I was in LVN school, beautiful hospital, updated equipment. Most of the nurses there seemed to really like their job. Salary isn't the best but benefits are good. And the inland empire is a fairly cheap place to live in regards to cost of living anyway.

Keep in mind the state is broke, and since it's part of government funding, they may be currently frozen to hire even though jobs are posted.

Good luck!

starzburst · Sep 20, 2009

I know of a new grad that just got hired there this week. Colton, where the hospital is located is not really a nice place to live, if you wanted to live close by. There are nicer places to live within 10-15 minutes away from ARMC. Depending on the time of day, traffic can be a problem. They are widening the 215 freeway so hopefully that will help some, and the 10 freeway (which you would use to get to ARMC) can get backed up. However, the commute isn't too bad at the times you would be coming in, either for day or night shift.

SheilaORN · Sep 22, 2009

Thanks guys for your replies.

2busyb · Oct 13, 2009

Starzburst, had the new grad you talked about done her/his clinicals or precept there? I was wondering how it was to get hired there if your an outsider new grad. I interviewed, it seemed to go Ok..(always wish I wouldn't of said this or that you know:brnfrt:) but was told.... a call back could be in 2-3wks. It will be 2weeks tomorrow. I'm sooo anxious.

abbaking · Oct 18, 2009

Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) is the county hospital for san bernardino county. It is a newer facility...Mostly private rooms and undated medical equipment. ARMC is remodeling its 6th floor to for future use as a medical unit - previously it was administration offices.

The 10 freeway is a parking lot and the nearby 210/215 are also congested though not as badly as the 10.

Cost of living in the IE is higher than that of other areas, and with the cost of living increases you'd think the are is better ....NO. Crime is rising, Blight is everywhere and Shopping is so-so. Victoria Gardens in Rancho cucamona is nice but other than that go to LA for upscale stores.

ARMC has job openings but dont expect the "High-end" patients that community hospitals will see. Its is a county run facility....and many patients are either homeless, broke, or ghetto (Inland Empire version of G-H-E-T-T-O).

Dont know about ARMC payscale....heard its better than the state average but less than other facilities in the area.

Good Luck

Snwbdr · Oct 19, 2009

Cost of living in the IE is higher than that of other areas, and with the cost of living increases you'd think the are is better ....NO.

um compared to what? Orange county, LA, or San Diego? The IE is way cheaper to live than any of those places....The only area really in Socal that is cheaper is the high desert (Victorville, hesperia, Apple valley) but there's a reason for that....Colton isn't the greatest area, but areas of Fontana or Rancho Cucamonga are nice.

abbaking · Oct 19, 2009

um compared to what? Orange county, LA, or San Diego? The IE is way cheaper to live than any of those places....The only area really in Socal that is cheaper is the high desert (Victorville, hesperia, Apple valley) but there's a reason for that....Colton isn't the greatest area, but areas of Fontana or Rancho Cucamonga are nice.

Compared to the national average....Cost of living in California is sky high comparred to other major markets in the USA like the Washington D.C./New York/Boston metro areas. Southern California is also plauged with traffic congestion on antiquated traffic networks, smog , pollution, and rapidly spreading gang violence.

If you compare these variables with the national averages and the average cost of living, California is exponentially higher than other markets. By the way, Food prices at the grocery stores are a rip off. I still dont understand the SoCal mentality of Trader Joes.....Organic produce is the same as "REGULAR" produce.

Rancho Cucamona is the OC of the IE...everyone acts better. Fontana is getting nicer but its still gang violence central.

OB6658 · Oct 30, 2009

This is the link to Arrowhead Regional Hospital pay scale. New grads would probably fall under the registered nurse I on the low end of the scale.

Its true county hospitals don't pay as much hourly wage but do pride themselves on the benefit end. Although while Riverside County hospital, pays low also, if you are experienced with BSN, MSN, or certifications, the pay can be up to $50/hr. there, plus their benefits I think are better than Arrowhead.

Anyway, here is a link to Arrowhead. if you want Riverside County, let me know, I'll post.

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sanbernardino/default.cfm?&promotionaljobs=0&transfer=0

OB6658 · Oct 30, 2009

Here's the link to the payscale at Riverside County Hospital. This is all jobs for the county, you have to look under "registered nurse" to get all the levels.

Hope this helps anyone.

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/riverside/default.cfm?action=agencyspecs&agencyID=9

Jerry 75 · Oct 31, 2009

That Riverside Payscale looks very low for level V RN. Why is that? ARe they Unionized? I though as you move North in California the pay scale rises?

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Nov 4, 2009

Not true really. Riverside County encompasses the area directly east of OC and LA, the cost of living is much cheaper and Riverside County is pretty broke, and yes, they have one of the lowest scales in the whole state.

I'm not sure how Riverside hires anyone, I was desperate for a job, and applied, and they called me saying that they only had opportunities in psych? (this was back in march)

I said I'd do whatever and they never even called me back.

Got a job elsewhere for significantly higher pay anyway, thankfully.