MiamiU Health System?

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Hi, everyone!

I have been accepted to the University of Miami's accelerated BSN program. I have also recently been notified that I have been awarded their Accelerated BSN scholarship in which my tuition for the program, as well as fees and books, will be paid for (a total of $41k) provided that I provide the University of Miami Health System/University of Miami Miller School of Medicine 36 months of employment following graduation and licensure. They will choose which hospital/clinic I am to be employed at.

This is a great opportunity, and I am excited about it. However, I am very much out of state (from the Midatlantic region) and the idea of relocating for a commitment of four years is scary. $41k debt is scary too, but I could probably go to school for less in my home state. My question is, then, can anyone speak to working in this health system? I really don't know much about the hospitals or anything at all.

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Specializes in SDU, Tele.

Well, UM is amazing quite frankly IMHO. Best hospital in S.Fl other than Jackson Memorial... UM is tiptop on research and nursing. Awesome doctors. I really don't know any of the technicalities, but I was there for a month with my uncle who had open heart surgery. I saw their cath labs, CVICU, SICU/MICU, etc etc. Its a huge hospital and they have everything down packed.

Buuuut it is expensive, and living here in Miami is VERY expensive. I don't know where you are from but Miami is pretty nuts. You have to know Spanish and you will want to have roommates and live frugally if you can't work.

GL!

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Thanks for the input. I know cities in general are more expensive to live in, but I hadn't thought Miami was that outrageous (not like I am planning to live in SoBe or anything). In fact, I thought FL in general has a much lower cost of living than where I am from and live (NJ). I'll definitely look into this.

As for the Spanish thing, I do speak it and it is one of the reasons I am attracted to Miami.

Also, I noticed UM health system is not listed as a "magnet" hospital by American Nurses Credentialing Center - anyone know how important this is? Also, any more input about UM hospitals/clinics would be greatly appreciated, esp from UM nursing alums (or someone who was also a recipient of the scholarship). Thanks! :)

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Thanks for the input. I know cities in general are more expensive to live in, but I hadn't thought Miami was that outrageous (not like I am planning to live in SoBe or anything). In fact, I thought FL in general has a much lower cost of living than where I am from and live (NJ). I'll definitely look into this.

As for the Spanish thing, I do speak it and it is one of the reasons I am attracted to Miami.

Also, I noticed UM health system is not listed as a "magnet" hospital by American Nurses Credentialing Center - anyone know how important this is? Also, any more input about UM hospitals/clinics would be greatly appreciated, esp from UM nursing alums (or someone who was also a recipient of the scholarship). Thanks! :)

Actually, depending on what type of housing you're looking for, there are some very affordable places to live on South Beach. Lots of older art deco type buildings that are easier on the pocket than many other areas of Miami. It's also a pretty straight shot from there to UM Hospital. It CAN be annoying to live on South Beach during major holidays and events, like Memorial Day or Spring Break, because it gets pretty packed, but the farther north and closer to I-195 you can get, the better off you'll be in terms of traffic.

Florida does have a lower cost of living than many places in the northeast, partly due to housing, but also a number of other factors such as better weather (easier on your clothes, your heater and your car) and no state income tax; on the flipside, salaries aren't as high here as they up are there.

I have an acquaintance that went through the UM program and works there now. I don't speak to her all that often, but when I do she doesn't have any complaints about the system.

I wish you lots of success in the UM program if you end up going with it!

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Hello!

I actually just finished the UM ABSN program in May and I also received the full tuition scholarship. I just passed my NCLEX and start the residency August 1st. Like you, I'm also from far away (Michigan) and I just moved down here to go to school. It's definitely scary moving across the country to a place where you have to spend the next 4 years of your life but I can tell you from personal experience that it's well worth it! South Florida is awesome, and the fact that you don't need to worry about applying for a job is a plus. Overall, I've had some really great clinical experiences at UMH; the nurse managers/directors are nice and many of the nurses are great as well. From the employees I've spoken with they are all pleased with the hospital. They're currently working on re-doing the hospital and the new floors are gorgeous! Best of luck to you in the start of the program and let me know if you have any questions!

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Also, they're working on magnet status. I don't think it's a huge deal that they aren't at that level yet; but they are definitely working to get there.

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iridium54 or Kanders10,

I was wondering if you could provide any more information on the Accelerated BSN Scholarship. I have been searching the web for more information but really haven't found any on the scholarship. Do you know how many people for the summer and fall are awarded the scholarship? Did you have to partake in the interview? If you did, what types of questions did they ask??

Hope to get some good feedback from you, I would appreciate any insight!

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