Help need info about Bakersfield!!

tntrn, ASN, RN · Dec 1, 2004

My son lives in Bakersfield and I think his family doctor works out of that Medical Center. I know her also and would be happy to forward your question to her, if you'd like.

babynurselsa, RN · Dec 1, 2004

I worked a travel contract in the NICU there. The ER is a madhouse. Beds in the middle of the halls people lined up in any available space in chairs down the halls. It is a County facility which means it is a poor hospital, not always all the supplies you might think there should be available. About 1/3 to 1/2 of the staff is travlers.

Bakersfield is not a really exciting place but is within a few hours driving distance to things that you might enjoy.

nurse51rn · Dec 7, 2004

I moved out to Bakersfield about 7 mos. ago. There's a saying out here that "you're only 2 hours from anywhere". I know I'm about 2 hrs. from my brother in Ventura. The only hospital I'm familiar with is the Heart Hospital where I work. And yes, the ER's do get crazy around here, but I think that's the same anywhere. The roads are good and the weather is usually pretty good - but we do have a lot of air polution, especially when it is hot. There are loads of restaraunts for every dining taste and to fit every budget. The same for apartments. Bakersfield is like any city, it has both good and bad areas. There are many activities in Bakersfield, and they are published daily and monthly in the paper. I'm still learning my way around, but Bakersfield has a web site: http://www.bakersfield.com (I think). Good luck to you in your new job. :balloons: :balloons:

scotnurse · Dec 11, 2004

Thanks to all who wrote back will let the board know how I get on

Bill:rotfl:

I moved out to Bakersfield about 7 mos. ago. There's a saying out here that "you're only 2 hours from anywhere". I know I'm about 2 hrs. from my brother in Ventura. The only hospital I'm familiar with is the Heart Hospital where I work. And yes, the ER's do get crazy around here, but I think that's the same anywhere. The roads are good and the weather is usually pretty good - but we do have a lot of air polution, especially when it is hot. There are loads of restaraunts for every dining taste and to fit every budget. The same for apartments. Bakersfield is like any city, it has both good and bad areas. There are many activities in Bakersfield, and they are published daily and monthly in the paper. I'm still learning my way around, but Bakersfield has a web site: www.bakersfield.com (I think). Good luck to you in your new job. :balloons: :balloons:

midwife sarah · Dec 20, 2004

Hi Bill, I am also a scot nurse with OGP. Living in London now - hopefully be in US by around April next year. Been interviewed for a L&D post in Sacramento at Mercy General Hospital. Looking to go to California but probably prefer LA or San Fran. Dont know much about Sacramento. Love to know if you have taken up your job. Good Luck anyway, Sarah :)

scotnurse · Dec 21, 2004

Will be taking the ER job in Bakersfield as the climate is good and its 2 hours from most places.

Will probably take 20 months to go round and sightsee everything I want to.

Sort of accepted that my wages will be similar if not less per year on a basic wage than over there set out expecting big wages but will be around £24000 per year and I make more as a Top E and unsocial hours on top of that give me £27000.

Cost of living is high for USA but still slightly less than here.

My interview with recruiter was good and he showed me his work in Florida, nice home, nice weather told me would love it there.

Signed on and went through the whole process only to be told after passing NCLEX that the only very rarley get facilities in Florida they are the exeption rather than the rule and their rate of pay for Florida could be as low as £10 per hour £2 less than here.

But its is a means to an end and after 20 months we can do what we want.

Some good websites are

cnn/money

Bestplaces.com

They both look at crime rates and costs of living in most large towns and can compare two together.

Best of luck Sarah and hope that you find a great job in California

Bill

Hi Bill, I am also a scot nurse with OGP. Living in London now - hopefully be in US by around April next year. Been interviewed for a L&D post in Sacramento at Mercy General Hospital. Looking to go to California but probably prefer LA or San Fran. Dont know much about Sacramento. Love to know if you have taken up your job. Good Luck anyway, Sarah :)

midwife sarah · Dec 21, 2004

I also wanted to go to Florida as my mum and family lives there. OGP also led me to believe I should me able to work in Florida once I passed my NCLEX. However once I passed they told me they have no opportunities in Florida....

Will be taking the ER job in Bakersfield as the climate is good and its 2 hours from most places.
Will probably take 20 months to go round and sightsee everything I want to.
Sort of accepted that my wages will be similar if not less per year on a basic wage than over there set out expecting big wages but will be around £24000 per year and I make more as a Top E and unsocial hours on top of that give me £27000.
Cost of living is high for USA but still slightly less than here.
My interview with recruiter was good and he showed me his work in Florida, nice home, nice weather told me would love it there.
Signed on and went through the whole process only to be told after passing NCLEX that the only very rarley get facilities in Florida they are the exeption rather than the rule and their rate of pay for Florida could be as low as £10 per hour £2 less than here.
But its is a means to an end and after 20 months we can do what we want.
Some good websites are
cnn/money
Bestplaces.com
They both look at crime rates and costs of living in most large towns and can compare two together.
Best of luck Sarah and hope that you find a great job in California
Bill

Mimi2RN, ASN, RN · Dec 21, 2004

I don't know anything about Bakersfield hospitals, but I can tell you that it's horrendously hot in summer, winters aren't bad. You will be a couple of hours from LA, it's worth getting a car, as public transportation is not very good in the US. At least, in CA. $52,000 a year would be your salary, but it would be nice to know what they have promised you as an hourly rate.

tntrn, ASN, RN · Dec 22, 2004

As I mentioned before, my son lives there. He and his wife love it. He works for Ameriquest, and owns and operates a wakeboard school...so on those hot days off, you can go for a wakeboarding lesson! There's a manmade lake about 10 minutes out of town. Good luck!