Pittsburgh Pa hospitals

[ahm5012]

I am looking to move to Pittsburgh and am not sure which hospitals are the best ones to work for. I have 2 years of MS experience and a little over a year of Shock Trauma ICU experience at a level 1 trauma. Im looking to go to another Level 1 ICU and have been looking into UPMC Mercy/Presby or Allegheny General. Does anyone have any experience with or advice about those critical care units? Also, I am curious about the area considering I would be moving there. I am in the very early stages of considering this move and haven't been to visit the hospitals or to check out the area yet and I'd really appreciate any input! Thanks!

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

You might have more luck if you post in the PA forum.

[1NewButterfly]

I work at AGH in one of their ICU's and love the hospital. I believe it is slightly smaller than Mercy but I believe it to be a much better hospital. They were the first Shock 1 Trauma in the city. I am unsure of how Mercy is, but AGH is a teaching hospital. I have found this to be a wonderful thing because everyone from the nurses to the doctors to the resp. therapists are all willing to teach you and help you out. Its a good team where I am at and have learned so much. The majority are young and upbeat and positive about their careers.

Also, UPMC has taken over western PA and seems to have gotten so large that it forgets how to treat employees well. I've heard several bad things about UPMC, which is what drove me to AGH. AGH is also union nursing, so we get more money for OT if that matters to you. Next yr it will be an extra $10 for OT. AGH is getting taken over by Highmark insurance which is a huge plus for them as well, and something to think about in the future. Hope this helps.