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I may be moving to the Cedar Rapids area this summer. I'm an RN and have over 25 years of experience. Can anyone give me the low down on the area hospitals? Can anyone give me an opinion as far as which ones are good places to work? What are the salary ranges in the area for my level of experienc? I know every person has an opinion and I would appreciate all of your insights! Thanks!

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I can't help you with salary amounts but I do know that there are 2 excellent hospitals in CR & Iowa City is just down the road with the University hospital, another hospital, and the Veterans Hospital. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a job. Unfortunately, though, Iowa ranks lowest among the states for salary.

Dixie

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Thank you!

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Specializes in Home Health Care.

I don't have any helpful info to contribute, but wanted to give you a welcome to ALLNURSES & IOWA!:welcome:

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Good luck on your boards Tanzanite!

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

Hello!! I live in that area and in Cedar Rapids there are two hospitals...Mercy and St. Lukes. I cannot comment on the pay for someone with your experience but I can tell you...Mercy has all private patient rooms and has more of a home feel to it. St. Lukes is definately more instutional..and has both private and semi-private rooms. They are both not for profit...Mercy is a Catholic hospital and St. Lukes is Methodist. Lukes seems more concerned about the bottom line to me...they charge for everything, whereas Mercy does not. I know that the pay is very comprable between the two. Now if you want to commute like 30 min to Iowa City you could work at the University, the VA or Mercy Iowa City. The big problem with them is that they have horrible parking...and I mean like you at times have to park an hour before your shift just to make it to the hospital on time!! Let me know if you want anymore info or the hospital websites...

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Thank you Calla2114. The tip on parking in Iowa City is just whant I'm looking for from Nurses in the area!

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The big problem with them is that they have horrible parking...and I mean like you at times have to park an hour before your shift just to make it to the hospital on time!! Let me know if you want anymore info or the hospital websites...

Oh, I forgot about that! Last summer my sister was a patient there for several weeks. I spent some time talking with her nurses & one told me that she rented a parking place about 8 blocks away but when there was a football game she didn't get to use it. She had to park elsewhere even though she paid for the spot. Also the parking ramps are owned by the athletic department & they get the revenue from patients parking. It costs over $8 a day. If the 3rd shift nurses want to park in the ramp they can but are charged the same amount.

Dixie

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Specializes in ICU, PACU, Cath Lab.

I am doing my preceptorship at the Universtiy of Iowa right now..you park in the ramp for a shift it will cost you 13 dollars!!!! That is out of control if you ask me!!! And you do pay for the spots in the lots...and most are a lot further than 8 blocks...I know there are a couple that are like 5 miles from the hospital!! I like the U...I am learning alot there...just not sure I could deal with the parking everyday!!!

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Specializes in SICU.

I cannot comment on the CR hospitals, but I have worked at the U of Iowa for 6 years and the pay is the best in the state, not to mention the benefits. With 25yrs of experience, according the the 2005-06 pay scale, your salary will be $55,840-$59,840(BSN) or $55,320(AD). This does not include shift differentials and an extra $1000 if the unit you work on operates 24/7. Visit the university website and review the benefits; they are excellent, especially retirement. There is no onsite parking for day shift, if you work nights, you can park in the ramps for $15/month. During the day you park in a lot .75 miles from the hospital and take a shuttle that comes every 5mins in the morning and every 15min in the evening. Most people walk in good weather. I have personally never had an issue with parking. Good luck

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Thanks for the info Riker3.

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Specializes in Clinical Informatics; ER/Trauma; SANE; L&D.

Can I ask what specialty you are or what you will be looking into? I can answer any questions you might have about Mercy Cedar Rapids.

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