Mercy Bakersfield Questions

tntrn, ASN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

My son and DIL live in Bakersfield and like it there. My grandson was born at Mercy SW. I can't offer any help about what it is like working there, but I didn't hear any complaints from them about her stay there. If you are getting a contract offer, it might be worth sticking it out, even if you don't care for the area or the hospital, just to have those 2 1/2 years of experience on your resume. Good luck.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

I lived in Bakersfield for two years, from 2003 to 2005. While I liked living there, the city is not the most cosmopolitan or glamorous place. The air quality is among the worst in the nation, the summers exceed 100 degrees, the winters dip below 30 degrees, and the city ranks as one of the least literate places in America. Compared to the rest of California, the people and culture are very conservative. If you are a younger person, there's not a lot to keep you occupied in Bakersfield.

Mercy SW is located in southwest Bakersfield, which is one of the nicer and more desirable parts of town.

**NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN** · Jan 29, 2011

It's hot, and mostly a dirt town. I've never lived there but drove through it a lot of times. Definitely one of the less desirable parts of california, BUT if you have no other job offers...I'd take the job, it'd be excellent experience, you can put in your time and move on.

tempestxoxo · Feb 1, 2011

I live near there and it's not so bad, close to LA and Hollywood so if you like to party then it's perfect! Vegas is a few hours aways if you want a weekend get away. I say take it! Bakersfield is alot better then some of the surrounding areas.

Rxygirlie100 · Feb 8, 2011

Hello KatLynnB07, just curious if you took the position at Mercy Southwest. I too live two hours south of this hospital and have accepted a Versant program position in the family birth center.

Madhel13 · Feb 8, 2011

I am also curious if you took the job. I just accepted one of these new grad jobs at Mercy Southwest and I am from out of the area. It's a bit overwhelming moving to this place with oil being drilled in the parking lots and no vegetarian food to be seen. Does anyone have any insight into the nursing culture here? Friendly and helpful to each other or not so much? Has anyone completed this training program? How did they like it?

To KatlynnB07, I went for it because it seemed like a supportive training environment, and 2.5 years will be a good base of knowledge to build a career on. Will I be seeing you at orientation?

Rxygirlie100 · Feb 9, 2011

Madhel13, what unit are you working in? I am nervous as well but I have heard such great things about the Versant program. I am also relocating, where are you from?

Madhel13 · Feb 9, 2011

I am working in the Family Birth Center and I just moved down here from Sacramento. How about you? where are you working and where are you from?

Rxygirlie100 · Feb 9, 2011

I am also working in the Family Birth Center!!! So you already moved to Bakersfield??? If so, how is everything going?? I live about 2 hours south of the hospital in orange county/la county and am going to be looking this week for a place!!! =)

tntrn, ASN, RN · Feb 9, 2011

Hey, you two, if my son and his wife have another baby, maybe you'll be taking care of them!

Madhel13 · Feb 9, 2011

Yay! I wasn't sure how many people they hired for L&D. Do you know how many of us there will be? Bakersfield is ... ok. I like my apartment. I live in the Cambridge Village apts. They are pretty close to the hospital and I was told the west side was the better side of Bakersfield to live in. I find the town kind of ugly, to be honest. There's no cute older part of town with cafes, etc., but the people seem friendly and it's big enough that you can find whatever you need here. I haven't explored the surrounding area much, but I hear the mountains nearby are great and the ocean is not too far. I recommend these apartments so far. I've only been here a week, but it's cozy. I hope you find something great. BTW my name is Maddy. I am looking forward to meeting you!