Newton memorial Hospital, RN salary, work environment

[Fundie]

Does anyone know the current starting salary for a new RN graduate? How is it to work there, and does a new grad. have to start out on a med-surg floor?

Thanks.

[thomk]

I started at Newton Memorial as a new grad in 2007 I previously worked there as a Nurses assistant and then a unit Sec. When I started as a nurse I started at 26.00 an hour. I did the research and that starting salary at the time was within the starting salary for all Hospitals in the area. I continue to work there per diem at this time. I specialized and that is why I moved to another facility. I love working at Newton, because the Nurses are willing to take you under their wing and teach you all they know. Great hospital to learn strong clinical skills. There are exceptional nurses that will even go out of their way to be great mentors. Nurse ratios during the day 1-:4-5 and at night 1: 5-6 on occasion ratios can go higher if nurses call out. Those ratios are for Oncology Med floor and Med Surg floor. I do not know the ratio for telemetry. I noticed recently nursing staff has been good no holes in staffing. At this time a Union is trying to get into the hospital so everyone more or less focused on that.

[momatwork]

Dear New Grad,

It is a very nice hospital to work at. Its unfortunate that this union disruption is around..hopefully they will be defeated.

[Jabber964]

The hospital has definately seen changes in the five years I have been there thus the need for the union. Nurse patient ratios have increased without taking into consideration acuity. Sick time is 3 days/year (much less than other hospitals in the area). I agree that some floors do not seem to have many holes and per diems are being put on call often because of this but other floors have many holes and are being expected to work short often. Pension plan was cut by 40% recently. Health coverage changed to aetna because of the hospital not being able to negotiate with blue cross blue shield. Definately consider your benefits when doing your research. Salary should not be your only criteria. If you are looking for convenience of location then Newton may be for you.

[Lilia7]

Does a new grad have to start out in med surg at this facility or can they start in maternity or NICU? has the salary changed since 2007? based on ur comments sounds like a great place to start off as a new grad.Thanx...just curious.