Moving to El Paso Texas

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My husband is in the military and we just found out we are transferring to El Paso, Texas. Currently, I'm a RN working on an oncology floor in a hospital. I would love any information about the hospitals there, working environment and what kind of pay to expect. I don't necessarily need to stay in oncology. I know this question as been asked before but it's an old thread. Thanks for any insight you may have!!!!

Ps.

I don't speak spanish; is it a requirement??

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El Paso? Hehehehe

It took me a long time to get out of there.

I can't speak to nursing pay and what not but I can to culture.

70-85% of the people ARE Latino. Not speaking Spanish can hinder you but it won't be required at most places.

I suggest learning Spanish.

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Spanish will be helpful. Several options for employment exist in El Paso. You have large facilities such as RE Thomason, Sierra, & Las Palmas. In addition, a large VA hospital (Beaumont) exists. Texas tech med school is transitioning into El Paso, so many teaching opportunities may develop.

However, El Paso is unlike many cities in Texas. The culture is very different from much of Texas. Expect more of a southwest type of living (usually, a bit slower, especially if you are from the East Coast). Anybody who has spent time living in New Mexico knows exactly what I am talking about.

The working environment is on par with most other nursing positions. Staffing issues and working conditions are still problematic. Pay is on par for most nursing positions after considering cost of living. A new pediatric development is in the works, and you may be able to pull in nice wages if you have pedi experience or credentials.

Your husband will be assigned to Fort Bliss?

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Yes, my husband will be on Ft Bliss. Thanks for the reply!

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Like Gila said the culture is different.

William Beaumont is not a VA hospital though. It is under the control of the Department of Defense. But they do employ civilian employees.

Also, if you are interested in teaching UT El Paso has a nursing school as well as El Paso CC.

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Actually the large hospital is William Beaumont Army Medical Center, the VA that is attached is not a "VA hospital", just houses the clinics

Check out William Beaumont Army Medical Center, nice place to work, as is Fort Bliss.

Will you be looking for off-post housing? I live right off the Alabama Gate (here in El Paso) PCS-ed here about one year ago. If you want I can send you some web sites on apartment rentals etc...

athena

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Thanks Athena,

I would like to work @ the base hospital. I've been trying to navigate how to apply to the jobs. Do you work there? We will be looking for off-post housing so any info you will pass my way is greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks again!

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Specializes in OB, NICU, Nursing Education (academic).

Hi Sassye,

I grew up in El Paso, and got my BSN from UTEP......a few (25) years back! My first RN job was at RE Thomason; I believe it is about to undergo a name change.... Thomason is VERY close to the border and Spanish is a definite plus. However, I made it without being fluent.

William Beaumont is the army facility. Though I didn't work there, I did do a number of clinical hours there while a student. LOVED IT! I nearly joined the military because of my positive experiences there.

The above posters are correct about the culture; largely hispanic. El Paso is a very friendly city and is highly supportive of Ft. Bliss. It is listed as one of the 5 safest cities (population >500,000) in the United States. However, the same cannot be said about Juarez; I'd advise avoiding Juarez at this time.

Though I don't live in El Paso now, I do visit fairly frequently, as I have immediate family there. You'll love the weather and the food (the BEST Mexican food on the planet....even better than in Mexico). Good Luck!

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Hello Sassye:

Welcome! I have been in El Paso/Fort Bliss since May last (well, not including the 3.5 months at MAMC) and it is very nice here. Quiet. Weather you can't beat...except for the months of March and April when the winds come tearing down from the Franklin Mountains and rattle all the windows and doors, smile...Still not used to the winds. El Paso is dry, dusty, hot, windy....Did I mention "hot"? Can get really, really hot in the summer times. El Pasoeans tell me that it is a "dry heat", and I reply: "So is my oven"

Okay, as promised here are some web sites about Fort Bliss and house/apartment seeking:

www.bliss.army.mil

www.ahrn.com

www.fortblisshousing.com

Let us know if we can be of more assistance. When do you anticipate your PCS-ing?

athena

Oh and yes I work at William Beaumont AMC....I will ask around for the process of obtaining an employment application for you...I do know that WBAMC hires government and contract nurses (66H and 68WM6) to work the floors and in the unit. We have L&D, combined ICU, PACU, medical and surgical floors, psych unit plus clinics. I don't know the hiring process but I will check it out. I work tonight so give me a few days and I will reply.

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Athena,

Thanks for the links! I just signed up @ the ahrn site.

My husband received the verbal last week and the detailer said that the written orders should follow this week. I'm sure we will arrive during the hottest month!

Thanks again!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
My husband is in the military and we just found out we are transferring to El Paso, Texas. Currently, I'm a RN working on an oncology floor in a hospital. I would love any information about the hospitals there, working environment and what kind of pay to expect. I don't necessarily need to stay in oncology. I know this question as been asked before but it's an old thread. Thanks for any insight you may have!!!!

Ps.

I don't speak spanish; is it a requirement??

So are you going to Ft Bliss LOL Is that the name of it?? I served a year their when my dad went to Sgt, Major academy (although he was Navy) there. I was a teen though that managed to get into a lot of trouble there. I was never allowed to leave base except to go to school, which I would than skip and go to Juarez.

Not going to be safe going to Mexico now though.

Anyway, I don't have any hospital advice for you but good luck in your move. you will adjust to the 117 degree summers :p

I just read the rest of the replies and saw you are going to Ft. Bliss. I wonder how much has changed. I was there in 94/95

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.
El Paso? Hehehehe

It took me a long time to get out of there.

I can't speak to nursing pay and what not but I can to culture.

70-85% of the people ARE Latino. Not speaking Spanish can hinder you but it won't be required at most places.

I suggest learning Spanish.

I would estimate that number is even higher. When I went to HS there I was 1 of only a few white kids, there was always like MAYBE 1 black kid in my class and 2-3 whites and the rest Hispanic. Although I am part Hispanic myself, El Paso was the only place it didn't count apparently LOL You pick up on a lot of words fairly quickly though, maybe learn some basic spanish to help things. I have some very fond memories of ElPaso

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