MD Anderson

(many colleagues who are in MDA education & management positions) MDA is top of the heap when it comes to the nursing environment. They have a unique financial advantage (directly supported by the Tx state budget), so they have never been as vulnerable as most other organizations. They're a pioneer in many areas. When I was working on some data collection for an MSN project, I recall being absolutely blown away by the MDS "normalization" philosophy for Pedi -aimed at creating an family-centered environment where illness was not the focus of a child's life. If this is your specialty I don't think you could do better than MDA.

I'm a teensy bit biased about H-town because it's my home - don't want to live anywhere else. But I am the first to admit that it's not nearly as user-friendly as most other large cities. Very unique on many fronts. Depending on what you're used to, it may be too different for you.

There are a ton of websites with info on Houston... but I would suggest taking a look at Houstonia & Swamplot. They offer a view from the H-town native's perspective. And, yes.... the second site's name is an acknowledgement of the fact a large portion of the first H-town residents were bamboozled by the Allen Brothers, who sold swampland to unsuspecting Yankees.

MDA is a great place to work and retire from. Very competitive wages, annual bonuses, great tuition reimbursement, amazing retirement (financial and health), and a great research facility.

I have a few friends there and they love it.

2 reasons I am not there now (aside from me having not applied), I don't have my BSN (yet), and the drive would kill me.

I currently live 3 miles from where I work. I can not go to a 1+ hour drive each way in traffic, plus pay for parking, gas, wear and tear on my vehicle etc.

Houston is a large and diversified city. Before making any commitments, take a visit here for a few days (in August, so you know what to expect for heat).

Thank you so much for the replies! I've read nothing but good things, but it's nice to get some feedback from natives. I love my hospital, but my health issues need a warm environment. I keep looking at your temps and sighing. Being cold hurts too much now! I'm a little concerned about the humidity factor because weather fronts can make my fibro flare up....but the mild winters would make up for it.

I don't like the urban sprawl, but again...these are things I can deal with if I have an awesome employer. I've lived in Ohio my whole life and I am super done. I want a big change, and my body forced me to get moving on that! I am going to start visiting places in the next year.

Even if I hate your town, at least I'll get some awesome food [emoji4] again, thanks! I appreciate it.

Hi ShantheRN, did you wind up working at MD Anderson? If so, how is it going?