tktime

U.S.A. Virginia

Published

I am a RN who is considering moving to the Virginia Beach area. Can anyone tell me about hospitals there? Nurse to patient ratios for a med surg unit? I plan on contacting a nurse recruiter but its always better to hear it from people that have worked there. If anyone knows the best area to live please let me know. I came from CA to Florida...what a MAJOR difference. In Ca we have mandatory ratios 1:5 for Med Surg. Would love to go back but my husband wants to live on the East coast. So we are looking to compromise. Won't work acute care in my area as the ratios are way to high. So my last 2 yrs have been in hospice. Also if anyone knows of a re entry program would love to hear about it. Thanks for your time.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

welcome to the site, Sorry but can't help with your questions but may be worth checking out the Virginia forum which you can find by clicking the local tab and then United States.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Welcome to Allnurses!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hi,

I can tell you that if you move to Virginia Beach, you will have your pick of jobs. There are two major hospital organizations in the area: Sentara and Bon Secours. While Bon Secours pays more, Sentara has the better work environment. Sentara has 7 hospitals in the area now. I work at Sentara Leigh Hospital on their cardiac unit. The ratio is 1: 6-7 pts. Some units are higher, and some are lower, depending on the level of care. I have found the cost of living to be well within the rate of pay I earn. I work the 3-11pm shift which pays a higher differential than day shift ($8.00 more per hour). The advantage to this area is the beaches year round, lots of fun stuff to do, and Norfolk is fast becoming a really great place to live for the culture. Let me know if you have any specific questions, or who to talk to about jobs. There are also lots of hospice opportunities in this area.

Amy

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Hey Amy thanks for the info. 6-7 sounds like alot I am from Ca where there are mandated ratios, 1:5 on Med/Surg, 1:4 on tele. I would like to get back to the bedside, but don't want to risk my license. Are all shifts 8hr? Do they have 12? Do you know the better areas in Va. My husband and I are trying to plan another trip up there so we can look at property. I have found homes on the internet but that can be deceiving. Its sunny there most of the time, isn't it? Does it snow? Any info you can share is appreciated. Saw you just graduated...Congrats!!!:balloons:

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Help! I am not doing something right. My reply did not link to your reply.

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