JRA

Thank you. I think that I will apply in the spring. I really want to be able to ride my bike to work. It sounds like if people are happy that is good. What about hourly? benefits? have you heard anything about that?

Hey! I am a nurse in Chicago and I have to move to Rochester...long story. I am a transplant med-surg nurse and will have a little over two years experience when I make the move. I don't want to drive. I drive so much here in the city and thought it would be nice to cut down on the commute. Does anybody know anything about Crittenton? Or have other suggustions? Thanks. Jamie

Hello, I am from Marquette, I don't know if you found anything there yet, but wages are LOW. New grads usually start as low as $19/hour at MGH. But cost of living is also low and it is LAID BACK. I live in Chicago now and work of University of Chicago on transplant. I want to move home so bad. good luck! Jamie

totally agree with you....email me privatly if you want a ***** session.

I passed my boards about one month ago and it was the most stressed out i have ever been in my entire life. i took an externship position for 3 months before i took the exam and studied. all i did was take practice exam after practice exam and when i got somthing wrong i looked up the right answer. needless to say i passed and the night before i had like 3 martinis. it is ultimately overrated and I am not a smart student. dont stress out, just learn how to take the test. practice makes perfect. seriously.

Hey, I am a new grad, just passed my boards, and I am off of probationary period at my hospital and I still feel just like you do, and I did, when I was a just starting. Nursing IS stressful. It is not waitressing/bartending. It is HARD. you need to just step up and deal with it. Don't get me wrong, it can be rewarding, but for me, a new grad, I have not seen many rewards. I dont mean to be a debbie downer, but the pay for new grads also sucks. I chose the HIGHEST paying hospital in chicago and I made more as a bartender. I plan on finishing my first year, getting my masters via my hospital pays for 100% and does not require a contract and traveling, but you unfortunatly need that one year expierence before anyone will hire you. sorry for being honest, but me and 30 other new grads I started with feel this way.... good luck

Hey I just graduated and got hired at U of C, Northwestern, and Swedish covenent. I chose U of C because of its diversity and flexible scheduling, not to mention pay and benefits. I really love it there. I am working on 4NW transplant/vascular unit and I have been there for two weeks now. Everyone there is very nice. I wanted to work somewhere where I would be exposed to different cultures and I am very pleased with my decision. If you have ANY questions please contact me any time! Jamie

I just got hired NWMH and U of C and I chose the U of C job because they offered me three 12's and the nurse manager was so nice. They have very good ratings according to US news and World Report and a friend of mine worked there for 7 years before moving and loved it. they are trying to get magnet status and the pay much better. Their nurses are unionized and I am very happy with my decision. I start on June 5th! I am so excited, now I just have to pass my boards!

Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate your time! If anyone else has any other useful information I would still really love to hear your thoughts! Thanks Suebird and Jolie! J.

Hello, I have interviews next week at Northwestern Memorial, U of Chicago, and the Swedish Covenant. Does anyone know anything about these hospitals to sway my decision towards one or the other? I plan on living in Bucktown or Wicker Park area. I am 28 YO and from Michigan. I plan on taking my boards in Illinois at the end of May. I eventually want to get my masters and become a teacher so I want to get a great start at a good hospital. I would appreciate anything that anyone has to say about my move, transportation, the hospitals, apartments with dogs, and Chicago. My two best friends live there so I am familiar with the Cities basics. Thanks for your help! :bowingpur Jamie