Nursing in Nashville, TN...Saint Thomas vs Centennial (HCA)

[h.nurse94]

I am moving back home to Middle Tennessee after graduation in May. Right now, I have two offers in Nashville at Saint Thomas Health and TriStar (HCA). There are pros and cons to both and I wanted some input from experienced nurses and nurses that currently work in Nashville.

Saint Thomas has a residency that I have been accepted to. It is a 12-15 week residency in which I will take 3 week rotations through different types of units. At the end, the nurses that I worked with and the nurse managers will meet with the liaison and decide where I am best suited and which units want me to work there. I feel like the residency will be a great opportunity to ease the transition, however that also comes with a two year contract.

Centennial (HCA) doesn't have a residency program, so it would be a direct hire if I got an offer. They don't require a contract though, which is a huge plus. I just don't like the thought of being locked in a contract.

Are there any nurses out there that can tell me their experiences at either facility and what they would recommend to a new grad?

[Compassionate99]

I am a preceptor for a nurse residency program so I can tell you that a residency program will help you find the best fit. Our residents will rotate to different units learning the personality of that area. You will learn more from the staff you work with than the patient population. Without a residency program you are just placed on a unit and you hope and pray that the other nurses are your cup of tea”. Having a good personality fit truly will help that transition from student to bedside nurse.

I am not familiar with the terms of the work agreement but two years in nursing is nothing. You truly do not become comfortable with yourself as a new nurse until the second year.

And the last thing for you to think on…. St Thomas Hospitals are not for profit where Centennial is a for profit. There is a huge difference in the way they manage staff and patients.

Hope this helps

[h.nurse94]

Thank you! It does help. That's what I was leaning toward anyway, but sometimes the weight of the choice gets overwhelming. Hopefully I'll meet you some time in July!

Thanks again!