University Hospitals Vs. Regular Hospitals?

earthlovers123 · Apr 25, 2005

I am just wondering if there is a difference in working for a Hospital affiliated with a University versus, an ordinary non-university affiliated hospital? What seems to be the pros and cons of each? I am just curious in knowing if there are any differences in work conditions. Thanks.

May be you take some classes

Archangel · Apr 25, 2005

I am just wondering if there is a difference in working for a Hospital affiliated with a University versus, an ordinary non-university affiliated hospital? What seems to be the pros and cons of each? I am just curious in knowing if there are any differences in work conditions. Thanks.

In Canada, University Hospitals received grants and funds for research & development. Evidence practice nursing is usually a strong emphasis. More money usually mean more oppunities to learn cut edge discoveries. Regular hospitals have funding limitations which means their equipment, supplies and areas of speciality is limited. This is probabily the same in the USA.

You need to decide if the hospital you choose would meet your expectations. Do you want to develop your career further; move in other areas of nursing and continue your education - than a University Hospital would meet those needs. If you like the small community hospital and would be equally happy learning to improve only in that environment - apply there. I am sure you can look back at nursing rotation and see the pros and cons. If you can go for an informational interview and talk to the RNs, who work in those facilities. This way you can get a feel of how your personality would match. It also helps in the interview process as well because you made an effort to do some research. I hope this would help you.

SarasotaRN2b · Apr 25, 2005

I believe that University Hospitals are usually affiliated with medical schools, and you will have a house staff that consists of medical students, interns and residents besides attendings. I guess this can be both a pro and a con, depending on the students/medical staff.

A regular hospital, per say, would not be a teaching hospital like that.

Kris