oakland/berkeley

[carebeth]

hello fellow nurses!!

i am a 25 year old rn from canada. i have passed my nclex, i have received my visa screen certificate...aka pretty well almost ready to move to california.

i have an interview this week with alta bates summit medical center in oakland/berkeley (part of sutter health).

does anyone work there? live there? i would greatly appreciate any info/comments/opinions, (good or not so good)....i have never been to that area and just curious about what nurses have to say about this hospital/city.

thanks. good day

caroline

[Testa Rosa, RN]

Great part of the Bay Area to live--especially if you are into a progressive, liberal, organic foodie laid-back sort of lifestyle--and Alta Bate's is a well respected hospital (had my babies there with the help of a mid-wife). Know that Whole Foods is just down the street, and there's all sorts of lovely walking streets nearby. Berkeley is like a grown up college town with great archetecture--and San Francisco is just a 30 minute Bart ride away. I'm a nursing student, so that's all I can tell you. Know that Alta Bates was in the news for some sort of recertification strife with an agency, but it sounded like paperwork/finacial mishaps to me. Seems like everyone enjoyed working there that worked on me and my babies during my three short visits. Good luck on your interviews. Gracie

[nursemelani]

I grew up in San Jose, and occasionally went to Berkley for day trips. I love the whole hippie culture of Berkley, but it is a VERY expensive place to live. If you can afford it, and your politics are a little left of center, and you enjoy art, music, and nice restaurants, I am sure you would enjoy lving in Berkley.