Questions about Barnes Hospital and St. Louis

[kiki9095]

Thanks.

[kiki9095]

Thanks

[bandeapart]

Don't be misled by the "high crime areas." I live in South St. Louis City and everything is nice and quiet, the homes are affordable and have a ton of character and are *unique* (something you can't really say about the pre-fab houses that are going up in subdivisions all over the country), and I've never had any problems with crime, break-ins, or anything. This could very easily turn into a city vs county discussion, and I don't want it to; all I'm saying is don't mark the city off of your list until you check it out. Maplewood has gotten very expensive, and Richmond Heights is out of control in terms of housing costs, but the Holly Hills/Carondelet park area is amazing and beautiful and best of all, affordable.

Lauren (yeah, I have a little too much city pride...)

[wincha]

Don't be misled by the "high crime areas." I live in South St. Louis City and everything is nice and quiet, the homes are affordable and have a ton of character and are *unique* (something you can't really say about the pre-fab houses that are going up in subdivisions all over the country), and I've never had any problems with crime, break-ins, or anything. This could very easily turn into a city vs county discussion, and I don't want it to; all I'm saying is don't mark the city off of your list until you check it out. Maplewood has gotten very expensive, and Richmond Heights is out of control in terms of housing costs, but the Holly Hills/Carondelet park area is amazing and beautiful and best of all, affordable.

Lauren (yeah, I have a little too much city pride...)

I went to nursing school at Barnes. I used to work there years ago. It all depended on what floor you worked on. Some there was great nursing care along with great nurses other floors the nursing care was horrible and you didn't want to follow a nurse like this. I used to float at this hospital for some time. You can make more at SLU hospital. But you'll work harder. My favorite hospital to work at for adult nursing was St. Lukes in Chesterfield. If you work in St. Peters then its not far away. There are areas in West County you can rent and buy a home in. Maryland Heights to begin with. Ballwin, Ellisville is not overpriced. I also lived in South St. Louis when I was in nursing school and did like the area. I would look at more than Barnes unless you want to get trained specifically in ICU. I would stay away from St. Anthony's in South County. Do you want some websites about hospitals?

[wincha]

If you are moving into the St. Louis area, you might want to avoid living in St. Louis county. St. Louis county is either way overpriced or you will end up living in the ghetto. Cities like Creve Couer, Chesterfield, Ballwin, WildWood, Ladue, Frontenac, and Ellisville are all rich areas. The homes there probably start around 350 thousand and go up. Cities like St. Louis city, Maplewood, Florissant, St. John, St. Ann, Jennings, Overland...etc. These are high crime areas.>>>

There is a HUGE difference between Ladue, Frontenac and the others. Plus you can get a home easily in Creve Coeur, Ellisville that is affordable. When you get to Wildwood and Chesterfield it all depends on if you will buy an older home ect.... Also your home price at in West County does go way up. My house has more than doubled in 13 years. Sure St. Peters, St. Charles are more affordable but their housing prices are going up also so you have to move even further out to Wentzville. Thats fine if you don't mind the long drive to Barnes however if you work out there thats better. Plus the schools are crowded and the children go year round in grade school due to lack of space. All depends what you are looking for. St. Louis County has excellent public schools. You will find this in Clayton, Ladue, Creve Coeur, Frontenac, Ballwin, Maryland Heights, Ellisville, Chesterfield, Wildwood. Ladue, Parkway, Clayton, and Rockwood school districts. You will not find this out in St. Charles and beyond and especially not in North St. Louis, South and the city. This has alot to do with the appreciation of your home. You might also consider Fenton which is far West County and is more affordable but then I would stay in the Rockwood school district. jmo

I have lived in South St. Louis(pre kids), Ballwin and Chesterfield.

[wincha]

If you are single you might want to look at the Maryland Heights area for an apartment to begin with. They have nice apartments and its more social for singles there. There are many areas to get an apartment or a starter home. If I was new in the area I would rent first and then buy. Also in South St. Louis you can rent duplexes where you get the upstairs or downstairs. Lots of character in these places. I agree the Holly Hills area is beautiful and affordable.

[PreggersRN, BSN, RN]

I like in South City and my neighborhood is very safe. I have lived here since I attended school at Barnes Jewish college. I have never had any problems. I think it is unfair to say that the whole city of St. Louis is unsafe. I think were you live is a matter of personal preference. There are many affordable, safe places to stay in St. Louis City as well as County.

I work at Barnes and worked there all through nursing school. As a new graduate everyone in St. Louis starts out at around the same pay. It isn't about the hospital its about politics. I enjoy working at Barnes, I do not think that any hospital is a perfect haven. There are some floors that are better than others. There are just some things that you will encounter at all hospitals.

The BJC hospitals pay ok for ME right now. They paid for my ASN program and are paying for my BSN program as well. So to me the benefits that a place offers have to be looked at as well as pay.

I have friends who work at SLU and love it and that is ok, you have to look at the place that works best for you and your needs.