OutOfStater

How is everyone liking the program? I live in Alaska and am considering them closely..

Sorry for the much later reply, but may look into Alaska Surgery Center. Google should reveal several others as well.

I believe most AK license transfers are pretty quick, but I am unsure of the details. It's mostly some paperwork and some cash, the licensing board themselves seems pretty on top of it. I'd be shocked if your not making more here (likely considerably more).

Providence or Alaska Native are "the" places to work in town. I can't tell you specifics unit wise (I am just starting to work as a RN in town now myself). Pay for new grads is ~$33 an hour base, so with experience I'd imagine you should be above $35 for sure when you start. Sorry I can't be of more help!

Anyone heard back? Applied back in Dec. and still not heard anything.

The ice isn't as bad usually! It's been a real warm and icy winter so I've heard from family. I'm glad your liking it though! Best of luck as you start and keep us updated!

Congratulations!!! I hope orientation goes well for you! How are you liking AK?

I'd also be curious if anyone knows when SVH posts their new grad jobs!

Yayy!!!! Congratulations!! I'm glad to hear the second interview is a little more laid back. Did they give you a start date? I hear they start pretty far after graduation for most folks.

Awesome!!! Sounds like your first interview (obviously) went well!! Is the second interview via phone as well or do they do Skype or something similiar? Rooting for you!

Sorry I can't help you in the job interview department, but good luck! I'm planning on applying for the same position come summertime! Let us know how it goes!!

I got to UAMS now and you can certainly work, although I would wait until after your first rotation or two. There are multiple opportunities to become involved and line a job up within a NICU if that's your preference. I do feel as though I'll be very prepared, or as prepared as a new grad can be, once I graduate.

Working any job "in town" such as ANC or FAI is likely going to bring your pay down quite a bit in comparison to working somewhere in the bush. The cost of living however, is tremendously cheaper in say, ANC than it is in Bethel or Nome, where gas can go for $10/gal and milk is usually even more. The general rule is the farther from the road system you work, the more your paid and the more it costs to live. (some exceptions for SE such as Sitka, Juneau, Kodiak) Also keep in mind if you look at somewhere rather remote such as Bethel, transportation in and out can be a real issue depending on the weather. Prov. usually starts their staff nurses at $30/hr and goes up depending upon experience, certifications and then they have shift diff. Good luck!

I've never heard of travelers making less in AK than staff nurses. AK has a solid pay rate for staff nurses, but it certainly isn't that large. I can't imagine travelers getting paid less (if you did get paid less as a traveler, it would likely be equivalent to staff pay in a large number of places in the 48)

Sounds good to me! I figured it would be competitive but I'm glad to hear it's not as crazy sounding as applying to some other places. Thanks again!

Thanks for the info PVCCHoo! I was wondering if you have any idea what the new grad market is like in Charlottesville?? Particularly interested in UVA. Thanks!

If you all don't mind my asking how were the interviews? Did you like the hospital?

Just out of curiosity, was the AK relocation package for a floor nurse, or a management position?

Hi ScrubGirl88! I'm from AK, down in the 48 currently for Nursing school. Prov. usually posts to hire a couple times a year or so! The local college graduates 3x a year (May, Aug, Dec.). I'm graduating in May down here and hopefully they will be hiring again around then. (I'm also looking at NICU) If you have any questions about AK feel free to PM me!

I'm currently finishing my first year at UAMS, so if all goes as planned I will graduate next May (16). Our class schedule is usually 2 days a week of class (often 9-12 or 9-2 depending not the day). Additionally there is usually one 12 hour clinical a week. Tests are usually one every 2 weeks on average, sometimes more or less depending on your specific rotation. You usually take 2-3 classes at one time, with one of those being an 8-week specialty rotation. (This equates to having something to study for or test on pretty much all the time). Some of the Jr and more of the Sr nursing students do work. I would say once you get past the first summer it would be feasible. However, I know they are changing how the summer and follow-on semesters works, so that may not hold true after this year.

Good to know! Thanks again for the info! Do you know if any of the hospitals have loan repayment programs or something similar to help with student debt? I'd be completely happy with UT wages if I didn't have to worry as much about loans, but unfortunately they are a reality these days.

Thanks ICUMan for all the info! I had been looking into Utah myself when I graduate, but had heard that jobs were few and far between for new grads. Do they hospitals have a decent offset for nights/weekends?

I don't know anyone who has worked in either place as an RN. But I can tell you living in either will be hugely different from Austin. Both are bush communities that are far off the road system, so any/all transportation in and out is via plane. Prices are incredibly expensive compared to what you will be used to, but it's a trade off for an entirely different style of life. Great caribou hunting out of Kotz and Barrows native community takes their quote of whales most years. Good luck! Both will be an adventure.

Mine came in the mail as well today! See you all in May!!!

Only two weeks left to apply! I am sure they are staying busy with applicants. Good luck on your interview JSummit!