Thinking about moving to Chicago. Where should I work?!

[Mateo22]

Hey everyone,

I'm currently a RN in Ohio and I'm heavily considering moving to Chicago to experience something different/big(ger) city life. Just a little about me, I've worked at a few larger academic medical centers in various places throughout the country with a background in critical care/ICU - more specifically CVICU/CTICU. With that being said I'm wondering which hospital is the best place to work. I know that Northwestern, Rush University, and U of Chicago are the three big healthcare systems in the area - but which is the best of the three to work for?

As far as...:

-Job satisfaction (overall experience I guess?)

-Pay

-Benefits

-Staffing ratios

-Prestige of the institution/where the sickest people are cared for

Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

[adnrnstudent, ASN, RN]

You better take a hard look at the very high cost of living and taxes in Illinois. Check out the 2010 Census and see how Illinois is stagnant in people growth. People moving out it has become so ridiculous here.

As far as pay, all I can say is that new nurses start around $27 and hour. I can't tell you what experienced nurses are pulling.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Those three aren't the big three systems, but are the well known academic institutions. Advocate is 8 or 9 hospitals, over 35,000 employees. Other biggies are Cadence, Presence, Adventist.

[SleeepyRN]

Those three aren't the big three systems, but are the well known academic institutions. Advocate is 8 or 9 hospitals, over 35,000 employees. Other biggies are Cadence, Presence, Adventist.

Yep. Plus the hospitals in those systems are located in the suburbs of Chicago, just FYI if you're looking to work in the city. The 3 hospitals you mentioned are pretty prestigious though and located in the city. I'd apply to all, and if offered an interview, ask the questions that will help you choose.

As far as cost of living, it varies widely. My town, cost is low. 3 miles away, very high. When lookng for a place to live, it can be tricky without actually going there. Some places look really nice but are bad areas. I'd call the local PD and ask about how many and the types of calls they get to the area. My subdivision is great. 6 blocks away.... I STAY away from.