New position at CHOP's CICU

Toby's mum · Jul 30, 2004

Just looking for a little input.....I have been an ER nurse for about 13 years and am looking for a change of pace. I recently accepted a position in CHOP's Cardiac ICU. It seems pretty intense, but I figured it would be the best place to learn pediatric critical care. Anyone familiar with this unit and CHOP as an employer? Thanks!!

Rmcgrog--CHOPS is #1 in the nation for peds so you are in the perfect place to learn. With your years of experience and ER background, it sounds like you will be a valuable team member. Peds cardiac ICU is where I'd like to end up at some point so I look forward to hearing how it goes. I'm sure you will do extremely well and the change will do you good. I wish you the very best. Sounds like they are lucky to have you on board. Steph

**SKM-NURSIEPOOH, BSN, RN** · Jul 30, 2004

i'm currently not at the main building but work at the s. philly pcc. i'm thinking about transfering over to ed myself because i'm interested in doing critical care/flight nursing & eventually becoming a crna. thing is, i'm sort got used to working day shift & having the weekends off...lol!

as you may already know, chop (children's hospital of philadelphia) received full magnet recognition from ancc & jacho...plus we're listed as the nation's #1 children's hospital in 2003 & again in 2004 by us news & world report. there's a lot of 'long-timers' here...which says a lot about the company. the only down side is that the benefits are expensive as well as city wage taxes. traffic can be a *itch at times around the main campus too....but all-in-all...i luv working for & being a chop nurse.

cheers!

moe

rmcgrog · Jul 31, 2004

Thanks guys for the encouragement and straightforward info. about CHOP. Not really into traveling to Philly, taking a pay cut...they are offering me about $2 less per hour than my current position, paying city wage taxes, and dealing with crazy parking; I just think that it is probably the best place to learn....Thanks Again :)

GottaBeanRN · Aug 4, 2004

HI there,

So funny.. I am also looking into a position at CHOP. I'll be graduating soon and it seems like the best place to learn. I know obviously that the CICU would be intense but why do you think it would be. Just wondering if something was mentioned in an interview etc.

How much are the benefits? and what are city wages? I am from out of the area and I have never heard of that.

Thanks for any input!

ER1010 · Sep 18, 2004

I would kill to shadow any CHOP nurse. If any of you are willing, I would soooo appreciate it!

PM me if you would be willing!

GottaBeanRN · Sep 18, 2004

ER1010,

Just call the nursing recruitment office at CHOP to set up a shadowing day. I recently accepted a position there and they were extremely helpful with that.

rmcgrog · Sep 20, 2004

I would kill to shadow any CHOP nurse. If any of you are willing, I would soooo appreciate it!
PM me if you would be willing!

I just started orientation so I won't be ready to have someone shadow me for quite some time. I have to say I am really impressed with the hospital and the orientation so far. I'm sure you could shadow someone if you call nurse recruitment. Good Luck!

GottaBeanRN · Sep 21, 2004

rmcgrog,

Just wondering if you are a new grad? I will be beginning at CHOP as a new grad in Jan and would love to talk to you to get an insider's view.

Hope to talk to you soon!

rmcgrog · Sep 22, 2004

rmcgrog,
Just wondering if you are a new grad? I will be beginning at CHOP as a new grad in Jan and would love to talk to you to get an insider's view.
Hope to talk to you soon!

Nope, not a new grad. I've been an ER nurse for 12 years. So far everything is great at CHOP. I've been through many orientations as I worked as an agency nurse for a few years, and I believe CHOP's orientation to be the best and most complete orientation I have ever had. Everyone is so nice and so willing to teach. They have a way of presenting the material so it is easy to understand and they don't make you feel stupid at all. They are very proud of their #1 reputation and they want to keep it that way; that includes keeping the staff happy!! Very pro nursing. I really do love it so far. Anyway...the down side.....

You don't get any compenstation for advanced degrees (BSN,MSN) unless you progress through the clinical ladder. Also, I believe their pay scale is a little lower than other area hospitals.....I think new grads start at CHOP at 24.50 while at HUP they start at $26.00.........not really sure about that. You also have to pay city wage tax....yuck....and traffic/parking can be a little crazy. Overall, the good outweighs the bad.

What floor will you be working on?