Lubbock TX anyone??

PMHNP10 · Dec 16, 2003

Some singer once sang "Happiness is Lubbock in my rearview mirror" :roll

Sorry...I just couldn't resist.

mattsmom81 · Dec 17, 2003

I was thinking the same lyrics...hehe. Sorry I don't know much about Lubbock other than that...:roll

But i betcha someone here does, right gang?? :cool:

CCHP-RN · Dec 18, 2003

I've lived in Lubbock all of my life. I've worked at the two major hospitals in town and definitely prefer University Medical Center over Covenant. I worked at UMC for 8 yrs and Covenant for 9 MONTHS. Of course, since I haven't worked in a hospital in the last 6 years, it might have changed since then.

The problems I had at Covenant consisted of NO team work. Nurses would sit directly in front of the call system and let it ring forever unless it was specifically their patient. Nurse to patient ratio was much higher at Covenant. On days on a neuro floor I had 9 patients. They also had mandatory "floating". Where if your floor didn't need you, they could float you to any floor within the hospital. I worked rehab and had only been there two weeks when they "floated" me to neuro. I hadn't even gotten the system down on rehab much less knew where the neuro floor was. Believe me, it was not a good day!

At UMC, it is the county hospital and is also the teaching hospital for TTUHSC. I loved working with the residents (most of the time). I worked rehab, ortho, and medsurg during my days there. On rehab we had 2 nurses and a aide for 12 patients, which was more than enough. On ortho and med surg, the most I ever had was 7 patients on night shift. On day shift, it was 5 to 6. The only reason I left UMC was to get administrative experience. Other than being a charge nurse, I wasn't given any further opportunity to advance, because "You don't have any experience". I tried to convince them that I have to get an administrative position before I get the experience, but it just wasn't meant to be. (I'm so glad now! I have a great job!)

If you want to know more about the hospitals or other places I might know of, email me.

Now I am working as the Director of Nurses for a correctional health company. We do health care in prisons, jails, juvenile facilities in Texas, NM, and FL.

Hope this helps. Some nurses prefer Covenant over UMC, it just depends on what kind of previous experiences the nurse has had. (and what is important to them)

Texas Native · Dec 24, 2003

This is my first post, so here goes. I've lived in Big Spring and Lubbock both and I think you are in for a treat in Lubbock. Anywhere is better than Big Spring, TX. I also did my LVN clinicals at Covenant and I liked it. I also worked at Covenant after graduation and I was very proud and happy to work there. I do agree that it depends on each persons experience and I never worked at UMC. I hear they have a great NICU internship. FYI: South Plains College out there also has a great RN program. Good Luck!:)

JuicyJem · Jan 7, 2004

Hi SarahCeleste! I have lived in Lubbock for 2 1/2 years. I graduated in December from South Plains ADN program. I will be working at UMC in Peds. I and the majority of those I went to school with would agree that UMC is a far superior hospital. I have done many clinicals at both places and at UMC there is always an abundant number of people who want to help, because it is the teaching hospital for Tech. I decided at the last minute to apply here instead of moving back to Dallas, and everyone from the recruiter to the nurse manager that hired me were absolutely the nicest people I have ever talked to. They have great programs and pay for new grads and there are a variety of areas to learn in. At the risk of sounding cheesy, it is really like a big family. :)

Hope this helps.

Side note - we went to BSSH for 3 days for our psych clinicals. That place is crazy!

purpleyoda · Jan 13, 2004

Originally posted by SarahCeleste
Hey guys! I'm relocating to Lubbock from Big Spring Texas in September/October and I was wondering if there was anyone out there from Lubbock that could give me some job tips or just tips about the scene in general. I'm graduating with my LVN in May and planned on getting up there, working and then trying to finish my RN through the Covenant System....I'd really appreciate any info---Thanks!:kiss

Reply to Lubbock, Texas LVN: It may be too late, since I noticed your date of 10/03, but you really don't want schooling at Covenant. The rats are deserting the ship, so to speak, because Covenant is going down once again. Word is out they are filing bankruptcy AGAIN, and nurses are refusing to work there because of working conditions. I took a travel assignment there, and it's a horror story. Have also worked there PRN, (I am from Lubbock since 1940's). They spend so much $ on PR thay have nothing left to support the hospital itself, and the equipement you work with is ancient. I hope you can switch to Levelland, a very good Assoc. Degree program, or Texas Tech H.S.C., a four year program that gives you credit for your LVN. Besides all that, St. Mary's Hospital, now called Covenant Lakeside, was the best hospital in Lubbock, and they decided to help out Methodist Hospital, now called Covenant, and the end result was totally destroying St. Mary's. It's a real shame, because everyone loved St. Mary's, it was such a pretty, well run hospital, but no more. Covenant took it down, and being a Lubbockite, I feel alot of resentment about that, so I am definitely prejudiced against Covenant. Good Luck anyway, I hope it works for you.

purplesdk · Feb 12, 2004

I agree with purpleyoda! Whatever you do, think about attending TTUHSC for continuing your nursing education. They will work with you, and let you attend part time if you are unable to attend full time. Covenant School will not let you attend part time, and if you have to work and go to school TTUHSC is your best bet. I have found a great many hospitals in this general area are very picky in who they hire. Choose carefully. I would go the Agency Nursing route, it is more flexible and you can fit work around your school. Also keep your eyes open and your mouth quiet and cover your butt at all times.

Good luck to whoever moves here. I wish I could move out!