Relocating to Richmond, VA

nursprl · Feb 20, 2006

Hi Lonestar-

I went to nursing school/lived in Richmond during college. Have you talked to your recruiter of the names of the hospitals that are hiring travelers? The big hospital that I know of that does hire travelers is Virginia Commonwealth Univ. Health Systems and I've heard they don't treat travelers well in the PICU. They are given the crummy chronics or the pretty sick vented doubles. I did a rotation in the NICU as a student, but not sure how travelers faired. There are only three PICUs in Richmond, but at least 5-6 NICUs, but don't know for sure if all hire travelers except for the one I mentioned. Three belong w/ the same health care umbrella: Bon Secours (one PICU among the three and very small; I worked there per diem when they opened and don't get the good patients); Chippenham and Johnston-Willis are sister hospitals and PICU is at Chippenham (travelers?..no idea); another hospital that has a NICU is Henrico Doctors Hospitals, but that is an HCA facility (if you've heard anything about them). I hope some of this information helps; names to have in mind when you talk to your recruiter. PM or reply back if you need more information.

nursprl · Feb 20, 2006

Hi I am looking to relocate to the Richmond area, I am coming from Texas. I wanted any personal experiences and/or insight on the local hospitals there. Which ones are the best? Which ones take care of their RNs? Etc...I am currently a pediatric burn ICU RN and I am looking into a transfer to the NICU or PICU. Any info anyone has would be greatly appreciated! So PM me please!!

Hi Lonestar

Here are your choices for hospitals with NICUs and PICUs.

Virginia Commonwealth Univers. Health Systems: Large university hospital w/ 10-12 beds in PICU: not sure how RNs are treated, always busy; NICU busy as well: don't remember how many beds: unit located off L&D (at least it was 6 years ago when I was a student). Hospital location not greatest: near capital grounds though; parking lousy.

Bon Secours Health Systems: 3 hospitals located in Richmond who are part of this system: 1 PICU: only 4 beds, don't take traumas or complicated surgical pts: they go to above hospital (worked there per diem when opened 3 years ago: not able to keep their RNs); NICU is decent.

CJW Medical Center: 2 hospitals in this system; Chippenham Hospital has last PICU in city: 10 beds, OK to RNs I hear; NICUs in both hospitals not too sure about: haven't heard much about them; Johnston-Willis is other facility

Henrico Doctors Hospital: HCA facility; don't know of number of beds; NICU OK when I did rotation through there; have a Progressive Care nursery for NICU grads (or babies who don't need NICU, but can't be in Nursery) next door to NICU

Hope some of this info helps. If you need more info, let me know. Thats all I can recall right now.:roll

lonestarrn · Feb 22, 2006

Hey nursprl,

thanks so much for the info. I really appreciate it. I've been looking online at the hospitals mentioned. I would be moving there to take a permanent position, although being a traveling RN would be fun.

Thanks again,

lonestarrn

nursprl · Feb 23, 2006

Your welcome Lonestar

My first reply didn't get posted immediately and I forgot it wasn't under a travel thread, so you can read I re-addressed the same places in both replies. Let me know where you end up though. I'd like to know. Hope you like Richmond. If you want to know what areas are good places to live, PM me and I can give you some ideas. Good Luck