Bon Secours v. Sentara v. Obici?

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 10, 2004

It will be interesting to see what people answer. I don't work for any of those institutions, so I can't say ... but I have heard decent things about all of them. Which is the best choice for you might well depend upon what specialty you are interested in. Are you interested in more of a community hospital atmosphere or a teaching hospital environment with residents, fellows, research, conferences, etc.? Are you more interested in a high acuity level patient population or a population of a lower acuity level? Are you interested in a certain type of medical/nursing diagnostic categories that might be more available at one hospital than another?

Since all three hospital systems compete with each other regularly for nurses -- you might find that the pay, benefits, etc. are not all that different. And the particular culture and "climate" of a work environment is often based on the unit itself and the individuals who work there rather than the whole hospital. For example, you might "click" with a particular unit's management team and staff -- but not work well at all with the team on another unit in the same hospital.

Finally, in Hampton Roads the commuting issue is something to consider -- as you well know. Do you have a strong preference about where you would like to live? For example, Obici is a nice hospital -- but if all your friends and family live near the ocean front, you might get tired of driving back and forth. Or working at Virginia Beach General ... or at the new Sentara Careplex in Hampton ... might get tiresome if you want to live on the Virginia/North Carolina border.

Those are just a few thoughts off the top of my head. Good luck with school and with you move to Hampton Roads!

llg

guest22304 · Mar 10, 2004

llg,

Thanks for the input. Yeah, the commute can be tiresome. We were living in Chesapeake before, so we were considering Western Branch or Churchland. Maybe even the peninsula. We're pretty open at this point. I was on sentara.com last night and saw they offer a $2,000 bonus to new nurses who live 75+ miles away who sign with their hosp and relocate. So I may be greedy and hop on that. Otherwise, I will keep my eyes all over this website and keep up to date on what all ya'll think.

Thanks again!

Kbella126

prairiegirl · Mar 10, 2004

Hi. I used to live in Virginia in Suffolk. In my opinion, it depends on where exactly you live. I would not drive from Suffolk to Norfolk every day becasue I would go nuts in all the traffic. But Sentara, I believe is much better than Obici. It is bigger, more specialty areas, and I think better working conditions.

Lisi-LPN · Jul 3, 2004

Hey everybody.
I was living in Hampton Roads and have a few friends working in the healthcare field there. One is at Sentara and loves it. My sister in law works for a private practice. Another friend does home health. I want to start at a hospital.
I'm starting nursing school this year and plan on moving back after I graduate. What medical conglomerate would you say has the best benefits and environment? Any and all input & advice is greatly appreciated !

Hi kbella126-I graduated from Sentara's Nursing School, and even though I wasn't under any kind of contract to work for them, I chose to work there anyway and I thoroughly enjoy it. I work on a unit that challenges me ( Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, and Burns) and the people I work with are wonderful. I would just say that remember there are always going to be ups and downs to everywhere, just keep an open mind and go with your gut instinct!:)

Lisi-LPN · Jul 3, 2004

Hey everybody.
I was living in Hampton Roads and have a few friends working in the healthcare field there. One is at Sentara and loves it. My sister in law works for a private practice. Another friend does home health. I want to start at a hospital.
I'm starting nursing school this year and plan on moving back after I graduate. What medical conglomerate would you say has the best benefits and environment? Any and all input & advice is greatly appreciated !

Hi kbella126-I graduated from Sentara's Nursing School, and even though I wasn't under any kind of contract to work for them, I chose to work there anyway and I thoroughly enjoy it. I work on a unit that challenges me ( Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, and Burns) and the people I work with are wonderful. I would just say that remember there are always going to be ups and downs to everywhere, just keep an open mind and go with your gut instinct!:)

guest22304 · Jul 5, 2004

thanks everybody for your info & opinions, I appreciate it! :)

Vailgang · Dec 15, 2004

I just moved to the area and was wondering if you knew any neurosurgeons that are looking for an office nurse. I have worked for 2 neurosurgeons for almost 4 years and love it. I know that most office jobs are not advertised and that is why I am asking. I am an LPN but just graduated as an RN :balloons: and will take my boards in Janurary.

Thanks,

Jill

LPNSpitz2B · Jan 26, 2005

I live in Virginia Beach, I have worked at Norfolk General (Sentara) for the last 2 years, and I chose to drive an hour each way to school to go to Obici. Obici has a small program that only admits 25 each year. The faculty really cares about you as a person, and clinicals are done in many facilities, not just at Obici. Obici's program is also 1/2 or less the cost of the other programs. I know several people who have either gone to Sentara or Medical Careers Institute and they all say they wish that they had gotten half of the education that I have. I would recommend the program without reservations. I am graduating in 8 days! And I am proud to be a Obici grad!