San Francisco Kaiser/Housing

Published

Specializes in med-surg, psych, ICU, L&D.

A friend and I just accepted an assignment at San Francisco Kaiser. We are planning on being roomates. I wanted to know first about tips on housing inthe area before we accept the housing provided by the company. we are not bringing our cars and we plan to use public transportation. I also wanted to know if anyone has done an assignment there. We are both L&D nurses.

Thanks!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU,Tele. PCU, IMC.

I haven't done an assignment there..I was at the Oakland Kaiser, but of all the ones in the bay area, SF is the most diverse. They recently renovated half the hospital...parking is still a beeyotch, so using pub. transportation is a good idea.

Rent in SF is really expensive, so you might wanna see if you can find something cheaper on CL and take the stipend. There are alot of people that rent out their rooms or house for a ridiculously low amount compared to what you would pay if you were getting it yourself. Even if you aren't taking ur cars, you could still live in the outskirts of the city close to the BART station/bus and take BART into work. Just another idea.

My coworker had his company pay his rent for $3000...they got him a place that was far out from the hospital, in Redwood City area, and then when he was abruptly let go by Kaiser, he had to pay back the company for a portion of that. He lost almost 2 grand because of the unreliability of Kaiser mixed with the expensive housing and commute. You don't have to accept the first place they offer you, do your own scouting...u can actually recommend a place with some agencies. Just make sure it's not your name on the lease.

Once again, subletting or renting from someone else is always my preferred method of accomodation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Hi there! I am curious to know how that assignment went? I am potentially going to San Rafael or San Francisco South Kaiser next week. I am ICU, where did you work and how was it? I hear terrible things about all Kaiser and I did work in one that was very tough!

I would love your thoughts before I accept either. Jobs are tough and I need one but if I have to go through what I went through at another Kaiser, it isn't worth it. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congrats on the assignment, you will LOVE san fran. I was there for 8 months and left at the end of june. I had roommates as well and we had a darn blast! Im jealous of your assignment. Now as far as housing goes there are a lot of housing on craigslist, I would check there. DO NOT get housing in the tenderloin area, this is the worst part of town from what I saw and understood to be true! I however stayed at Fox Plaza on market street. It was bordering tenderloin, however I had no issues what so ever with anything. I saved a lot of money with roommates there. Its decent housing with decent prices and a Great location close to everything. However I'm sure there are other locations of craigslist you may find more appealing. Public transportation around the city is the best you will find no problems there. Try the website 511.org ( I think thats the right website) for transportation schedules etc.. If you are working outside the city transportation is going to be a hassle. Ohhh, have lots of fun, party every day and let everyone know how you like it,. let me know if you have any other ?'s. I'll do my best to help you out! Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Thank you for the information! I lived in SF for over a year, therefore, I know the area very well. I was concerned and actually asking about South San Fran Kaiser facility? The job? The environment? How was the hospital? What unit did you work in and when? Thanks! Lori

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sorry, I worked at stanford in palo alto. I loved it there. however I'm sure you already know about them...Don't know a thing about the Keiser in san fran. Just know I have never heard anything good about any keiser, esp. in cali. However maybe in the city it will be different. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

Thanks again! You are right, most kaiser's are pretty bad and I heard that one was awful...just looking for confirmation before I do an interview..

Up Vote Up Vote ×

hello there-

when did you interview for the job @ san rafael? what agency are you with? have you had a offer. I guess that hospital has a ton of openings.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello-

Curious to find out info on Kaiser in Richmond, Ca.

Supposed to start in the ICU. Any info would be helpful.

Also my recruiter states that Kaiser makes you take a didactic exam???? does anyone know anything about this???

Thank you!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU,Tele. PCU, IMC.

I've never worked at the Richmond Kaiser but I've been a patient there. The nurses are pretty nice for the most part. Not as stuffy as Kaiser SF or Oak in my estimate. Be careful though, cos the hospital isn't located in a great area...almost straight 'hood. During the day it isn't bad, but evenings and nights...be careful. Just be aware of your surroundings and lock your doors when driving at night. About the didactic, I had to take one for Kaiser Oakland and it wasn't too difficult. But that wasn't for ICU so I can't tell you for sure. It covered telemetry, common medications, HIPAA stuff, med admin conversion questions...just general nursing questions. But I don't know what the ICU exam covers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Spiderella,

Thank you for the speedy response, greatly appreciated!!!!! Well that is good news to my ears!!!!

Are you familiar with the oakland/lake merritt area or emeryville areas??? Did the kaiser hosp float you alot? what company did you travel with???

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am first time traveler and I have a 2 mons travel assignment to go to Oakland Keiser. I was thinking of maybe stay in the San Franciso/near the bay area since based on my research it is much safer. What do u guys think? Leaving in 2 wks. Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion