Incoming to Bismarck

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Just accepted a job there. Anything fun I should know?

Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Hi all I just had a phone interview at st.A..the unit manager said she is interested in me and is submitting my app to HR. Is this a definately shoe in..I cldnt tell because the HR email was a bit ambiguous. I'm so excited but I don't want to be disappointed if that's not the case...

most likely. if the unit manager is forwarding your app then that would mean she wants you. they make the ultimate decision.

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Hey there, North Dakota nurses!

I've enjoyed reading the threads re: St. Alexius. I actually had a friend work there for awhile as a newer nurse. Would you say the environment is nurturing to new grads? I know they hire new grads, but for those of you who have worked here as a new nurse, did you think you received adequate orientation for the job. I was born in ND actually, and my very first job as a H.S. senior was in Bismarck. :-)

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology.
Hey there, North Dakota nurses!

I've enjoyed reading the threads re: St. Alexius. I actually had a friend work there for awhile as a newer nurse. Would you say the environment is nurturing to new grads? I know they hire new grads, but for those of you who have worked here as a new nurse, did you think you received adequate orientation for the job. I was born in ND actually, and my very first job as a H.S. senior was in Bismarck. :-)

I would say it is nurturing. Just like any hospital there will be some petty stuff. It is expected no matter what hospital you go in. However, they are fine with me. I feel that if you were originally from the area they will like you even more.

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I was hired at st.A's and so far everyone has been super nice over the phone. I haven't started working there yet..I also got hired at sanford health and I'm debating which one to choose..both places have been unbelievably nice that it's hard for me to have to turn one down they emailed that they are very excited to see me...I'm a new grad and never thought in a million years I wld be the one choosing..I went to school in FL but looking for a hospital that hires new grads is a uphill battle and id rather start working ASAP than waiting for that majical day I get a call back from a hospital down here...I actually received 4 job offers in ND and so far turned two down. The recruiter told me that there is a severe nursing shortage in the state and if a given hospital has enough experienced nurses they will hire a bunch of new grads to train. I am so excited about this opportunity and I'm forever grateful for this state for giving new grad nurses a chance to begin our careers. My biggest issue now is culture and things to do..I'm slightly leaning toward sanford becuz fargo is more multicultural and being from FL I'm exposed to so much different cultures...bismark seems more rural and it doesn't look like there's much to do there...I've never been to ND so I will take further insight if ur willing to shareí ½í¸„

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Good to hear--thanks for all your willingness to help other new grads on this board, Datmurse! Much appreciated, no doubt.

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I was hired at st.A's and so far everyone has been super nice over the phone. I haven't started working there yet..I also got hired at sanford health and I'm debating which one to choose..both places have been unbelievably nice that it's hard for me to have to turn one down they emailed that they are very excited to see me...I'm a new grad and never thought in a million years I wld be the one choosing..I went to school in FL but looking for a hospital that hires new grads is a uphill battle and id rather start working ASAP than waiting for that majical day I get a call back from a hospital down here...I actually received 4 job offers in ND and so far turned two down. The recruiter told me that there is a severe nursing shortage in the state and if a given hospital has enough experienced nurses they will hire a bunch of new grads to train. I am so excited about this opportunity and I'm forever grateful for this state for giving new grad nurses a chance to begin our careers. My biggest issue now is culture and things to do..I'm slightly leaning toward sanford becuz fargo is more multicultural and being from FL I'm exposed to so much different cultures...bismark seems more rural and it doesn't look like there's much to do there...I've never been to ND so I will take further insight if ur willing to share��

Congrats on the multiple job offers--that's great! I guess it's a good sign that you are having trouble choosing between them, too. Yes, that's the thing about North Dakotans. Overall, they are friendly and loyal. I haven't lived in Bismarck for about 19 years, so many things have changed since then I imagine. I moved out of the state my senior year of high school and have only been back to visit since. We have family in Grand Forks and Fargo.

Fargo feels like more of a metro area to me. I'm currently living in a larger mid-western city. If you like diversity, I imagine Fargo would have more of it, though not as diverse as most places in FL, of course. I recently read that Fargo is set to open a new hospital in 2017, so that sounds very promising as well!

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Which state are you in now??...yes I really appreciate how everyone has been so accommodating so it is honestly killing me to have to turn one down. The nurse manager said "us new nurses are doing them a favor" I'm like WTH!!! No u guys are doing us grads a huge favor! I am flying up very soon so once I maneuver around both cities il get a feel for what's more accessible for me as far as work/life balance. Yes I did see that sanford has another facility openin soon and that is a great potential for growth

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Which state are you in now??...yes I really appreciate how everyone has been so accommodating so it is honestly killing me to have to turn one down. The nurse manager said "us new nurses are doing them a favor" I'm like WTH!!! No u guys are doing us grads a huge favor! I am flying up very soon so once I maneuver around both cities il get a feel for what's more accessible for me as far as work/life balance. Yes I did see that sanford has another facility openin soon and that is a great potential for growth

Whats the pay like at both Sanford and St Alexius? Do you know about the shift differentials?

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Which state are you in now??...yes I really appreciate how everyone has been so accommodating so it is honestly killing me to have to turn one down. The nurse manager said "us new nurses are doing them a favor" I'm like WTH!!! No u guys are doing us grads a huge favor! I am flying up very soon so once I maneuver around both cities il get a feel for what's more accessible for me as far as work/life balance. Yes I did see that sanford has another facility openin soon and that is a great potential for growth

I'm in Minnesota right now. It will be interesting to see what the job market is like for new grads in this state in the next few years. We've got lots of nursing programs here. . .

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Sanford pays slightly more $23.80 and shift differentials varies from .50c to $2.00 depending on which shift you work....st A. pays 22.79 with $3 differentials so both r in the same ballpark...cost of living is lower in fargo tho so I guess ur pay would go longer where here

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Sanford pays slightly more $23.80 and shift differentials varies from .50c to $2.00 depending on which shift you work....st A. pays 22.79 with $3 differentials so both r in the same ballpark...cost of living is lower in fargo tho so I guess ur pay would go longer where here

Thank you! The differentials do not look so awesome though. Well it is what it is.

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I agree and I do wish overall the base pay was more but at this point I'm new and more than anything the experience is what I'm seeking so I can move on.

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