Chattanooga hospitals/Erlanger Q and interview help

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in ER.

I am graduating from with my BSN at the end of July. I live right smack between Chattanooga and Atlanta, so I am looking at hospitals in both cities. I recently received a request for an interview from Erlanger for an RN position. I know the nurse recruiter told me that the new nurse starting pay was approx. $18; are there any other significant benefits for Chattanooga hospitals or anything I should be aware of? I don't want to base where I choose to work my first job solely on pay, but in Marietta the starting new nurse pay is over $22... And I do have student loans to pay...

Also, any advice on interviewing at Erlanger would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

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I don't, but I live between Chatt and Atl, too! Good luck

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

It's always a good idea to look at the cost of living in each city along with looking at the pay rate- that makes a big difference- see if you can find more info about each city and you'll have a better idea which pay rate is better for you.

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I moved to Chicago from Chattanooga 9 months ago, but I have lived in Chattanooga and surrounding areas all my life and know the area very well. I did my clinicals at Erlanger hospital and worked at Memorial. I can tell you that, at least last year, both Erlanger and Memorial were starting new RNs out at about $18.05/hr. However, several of the hospitals in Georgia were able to pay better-like $22/hr. I think it was Hamilton Medical near Dalton, GA that paid well. However, one of my friends who went to work there said that the nurse to patient ratios were also higher there. It just depends on what you're looking for,what's close to you, etc...Depending on what type of nursing you're wanting to do, you're probably going to get the same type of experiences as a new RN whetever you go..might as well do it where they pay the most. Erlanger is better if you're wanting to get involved in trauma or with babies/NICU, etc. Also Erlanger is a teaching hospital. Memorial is the center for cardiac and oncology excellence. I don't know anything else really about the ones in Marietta.

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Specializes in ER.

Perfectbluebuildings - I am staying where I currently live, so my cost of living will remain what it is now (similar to Chattanooga's), but I will be driving the same distance (and thus losing about $3500 in driving and car costs) whether I choose Atl or Chatt. Thank you for your reply!

Ashrn1- thanks for your reply! I do want to work in ER or Trauma, so that might give Erlanger a slight edge, but I just keep thinking how much $4 extra an hour adds up to! Lots to think about I guess.

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Does anyone know what the hourly night shift differential is for nurses at Erlanger in comparison to day shift?

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