Question about Lehigh Valley Hospital - OR?

[New2ER]

Hi all,

I'm moving to PA in May/June of next year and I'm looking at my options as far as a job. I currently work in a psychiatric emergency room (almost a year), and psych in general for 1.5 years. I'm thinking about trying OR since I liked that during my nursing school rotations (which was only 2 years ago).

LVH offers a 26 week orientation to the OR and then a 2 year commitment to work for them. I made a huge mistake when I moved down to Florida, having signed a two year contract I received substandard training(i.e. 4 weeks in ICU training and then on my own) for ICU/ER and ended up leaving after only 10 months.

I really want to work OR, I enjoy the enviroment and it would give me much greater flexibility to find a job than psych. (Although I do plan on continuing psych as per diem). Can anyone give me some advice about the facility or about signing another contract? I'm very gun shy about signing a contract, but I don't think I'll get OR training without having to sign.

Thanks

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I moved your thread to the PA Forum, the place where you are most likely to get an answer. Good luck to you!

[twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN]

I'm from that area of Pa origionally. LVC is a huge hospital system. And I do believe they pay well for the area. I would personally not be afraid of signing a contract with them. It would be a good way to go. Especially if they aree willing to give you such a good orientation, thats awsome!

Now, I've never worked for them, but have been there with family members and we have nothing but good stuff to say about them.

[CarVsTree]

I have worked for LVH for the past 3 years. I signed a one year contract for my 12 week (yes 12 weeks) med/surg orientation. They are very serious about properly training/orienting new staff. I will begin the Critical Care Course in November and had to re-sign a contract which I have no problem with.

The OR program is a good one, I would not hesitate to sign the contract. Please PM me if you'd like me to recommend you.

Thanks!

[Brian F]

I recently graduated from Nursing school back in August 07 and passed boards on Sept 19th. I chose to start my new (second) career at Lehigh Valley Hospital. I am in their critical care internship for the ER. It is about 6 months training process and then will be on my own. They have great opportunities and room to try out any area you want to. If they see you are not "adapting" to the ER, they will let you transfer into another area of interest to you without penalty. The ER is my passion and the people are great to work with, very helpfull, and friendy. I can not think of any other place to work besides LVH. I have worked in another hospital (Central PA) for almost 5yrs as a CNA before comming to LVH.They are top notch and the biggest hospital in PA! It is a level 1 trauma center with one of 3 (in PA) certified burn center. They employ about 9-10K employees. I will have to sign on for a year after my internship is complete so I will have given them 1.5yrs total, but I plan on staying there much longer. They have awesome opportunities and programs for the nurse and their families. They also offer free healthcare benefits which is an added bonus. They pay a little less than I would have made locally, but the free benefits more than make up for the difference! I am amrried with 3 kids so the benefits are a plus for me! Maybe will see you at LVH sometime! take care and think about all your options before making a decision.

[mummer43, BSN, RN]

Lehigh Valley's training programs really are top notch. I have been in the OR there on numerous occasions, and I considered applying to the OR program. I really love the atmosphere. I am currently in the critical care internship there, and I can't imagine I would receive better training elsewhere.

As mentioned above, the pay is a little lower than some other places, but the free health care should make up for that. It's a good place to work, and I wouldn't hesitate if I were you.