Relocating to NH...advice please

[Becster]

I currently worked in a mixed ICU in Washington state. My husband and I are planning on relocating to New Hampshire to be closer to family - but not too close. I am very interest in Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon. Would you please give me the inside scoop on working there? I recently read articles about the recent layoffs and attempts to unionize so I am a little nervous about the current hospital climate. The article specifically noted a termination of DHMC's patient transport program and I am curious how that is working out.

It appears that DHMC has 3 critical care units. I really love the variety in my current workplace. One day I can recover a post-open heart and the next take care of a septic patient. Is there opportunity to rotate between units? Also, job postings note shift rotation requirements. I'm not a huge fan of night shift. How much of a rotation is required?

Finally, I would love to get some feedback on the best areas to live in the Dartmouth area. We would like to purchase some property without going underwater trying to do this. I would like to keep my commute under 30 minutes each way. It's hard to get a good feel for a community via the internet. Anyone have the skinny on Lyme, Orford or Enfield? It looks like Canaan has a flooding issue. Any information would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[OncologyCat, BSN, RN]

On 8/29/2020 at 2:05 AM, Erindel RN said:

Thank you I appreciate your honest advice.. I am afraid to make the switch. The hospital in Mass that I work for has the same reputation also. I am thinking I should just stay put.. 

Is there any way you can connect to current employees of that hospital? They’ll be a better resource for you in terms of working conditions etc. I’ve only heard from my colleagues who transferred to my hospital and obviously didn’t like Portsmouth Hospital (hence the transfer) so they can be biased. 

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, OncologyCat said:

Is there any way you can connect to current employees of that hospital? They’ll be a better resource for you in terms of working conditions etc. I’ve only heard from my colleagues who transferred to my hospital and obviously didn’t like Portsmouth Hospital (hence the transfer) so they can be biased. 

I unfortunately do not know anyone that works at that hospital.

After looking at the benefits package in detail it is more expensive than my own benefit package where I work now, so I am just going to stay put. I have a bit of a funny feeling about switching anyway so that's kind of telling me to just stay where I am and maybe look for another unit at my hospital to transfer to. 

Thank you for your responses back I appreciate it!

[OncologyCat, BSN, RN]

On 9/1/2020 at 12:52 PM, Erindel RN said:

I unfortunately do not know anyone that works at that hospital.

After looking at the benefits package in detail it is more expensive than my own benefit package where I work now, so I am just going to stay put. I have a bit of a funny feeling about switching anyway so that's kind of telling me to just stay where I am and maybe look for another unit at my hospital to transfer to. 

Thank you for your responses back I appreciate it!

I’m glad you followed your gut intuition! Can’t ignore those feelings especially when you’re a nurse!

I hope everything is working out for you now.

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

1 hour ago, OncologyCat said:

I’m glad you followed your gut intuition! Can’t ignore those feelings especially when you’re a nurse!

I hope everything is working out for you now.

Absolutely... glad I did not switch. Yes, things may be looking better. I just interviewed for an ED Behavioral health RN role that sounds like it would be a good fit at a good hospital. Thanks!