Hi 'all I'm from NY and am possibly moving to eastern TN

tennurse267 · Jan 2, 2004

Hi Jeff,

First, congratulations on your upcoming graduation. I live in the Tri-Cities and work at Johnson City Medical Center. I've only been here about 6 months now (moved from SC). There are 2 major hospital systems here...Mountain States and Wellmont. Mountain States owns most of the facilities in JC and a few small ones in Bristol and Kingsport. Wellmont owns the larger hospital in Kingsport and a few places in Bristol if not mistaken. They are trying to get a permit to build here in JC but as you can imagine they are being fought tooth and nail. The word around here (from real people, not management) is that Wellmont doesn't pay quite as well but I find that hard to believe. I took a $4.00/hr pay cut when I came here and it has really hurt as the cost of living is a little higher here than where I came from.

I work in the OR and I have worked in NICU a little. The work in these areas are not bad except for the call. Some of the floors seem to be a lot better than others. If you come this way I would recommend asking for a side interview (away from the manager) with a few nurses, aids, etc on any particular unit to ask about and get some real info on scheduling, patient load, team work and such. Also be sure to ask about a sign on bonus when you interview...they will not readily tell you they offer one. But think about it before you sign. They asked me for a 2 year commitment for a sign on bonus and with you being new to the area, I would hate to think that you wouldn't like it here then feel stuck because if you leave, they WILL ask for their money back. Anyhow, good luck and feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

Kelley

nekhismom · Jan 13, 2004

Well, I'm originally from the Tri-Cities, and let me tell you, if you are young (under, lets say 35), and don't like NASCAR, this is not a good place to be. There is a small mall in Bristol, and a decent mall in Kingsport and Johnson City. In my opinion, Johnson City does have the most options for younger people. It's not a big area, really, and there isn't a lot of hustle and bustle. I applied with Wellmont, and they offer new grads a very low salary. THey claim it is due to the "low cost of living", but I don't think it's sufficient. I would DEFINATELY advise you to travel to the area and check it out first before agreeing to work here. If you are from a larger area, or like the college scene, the Tri-cities ain't it!

edited to say: I see you are from NY. If you are from a metro area, this will be quite a shock to you! If you are from NYC, the lack of diversity may just shock you too! Believe me, this area is very country if you are from a larger metro area. I personally don't think I could live there again. I do visit frequently, though.