MD Anderson

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jan 20, 2016

(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.

Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

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).

ShantheRN, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2016

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.

blueindigo79 · Sep 15, 2016

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