What are the best hospitals to work for in PA?

sunnyjohn · Apr 11, 2005

I'm gonna bump this one 'cause I would like to hear the answer

suzanne4, RN · Apr 11, 2005

Answer is going to be different for each nurse. It depends on specialty that that wish to work in, as well as the management of the unit at that time. The management can play a big role in how the unit is run, so is very important when selecting a facility. Also, depends on the educators in that dept.

You need to interview at a couple of hospitals in the area, even try shadowing a nurse on the unit for a few hours to get a real feel for it, not just the tour with HR. This will help you in your selection.

BabyNurse513 · Apr 11, 2005

I don't know if Philly is an option for you but if you are interested at all in Pediatrics, there is no better hospital then CHOP. I used to work next door at Penn and while I can't speak for each unit, I liked it. They have really good benefits and tuition reimbursement and at the time they had a good starting salary for new grads. When i was a new grad (2001) no hospitals were offering sign on bonuses, I don't know if they are now.

Altra, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2005

In the Pittsburgh area the starting rate is generally $18-$19.00/hr. Benefits are pretty comparable from hospital to hospital, although tuition reimbursement tends to be more generous at university-affiliated hospitals. Sign-on bonuses with 2-3 year commitment requirements are fairly common, though they're not for the eye-popping dollar amounts that are out there in other areas of the country. The cost of living is very reasonable. We have a more stable population here - not a big influx from immigration or other sources.

Pittsburgh's a great city! :)

christel · Jul 15, 2005

Wow... not a big influx of immigration...wow...yeah--sarcasm

sean8d · Jul 28, 2005

I think your payscale will be reflected on the cost of living in the area and how tough it is for the area to recruit and retain nurses. Philly is a higher cost of living, but my cousin works as a pool nurse earning $42-$52/hour! But there's always a catch - no benefits for that job. Her wife is a police officer and he has a great benefits package. Each situation is different. Check out the cost of homes in each area, then check out the hospitals' websites in the area. Nobody, except for a few, want to tell you the salary before you interview.

Good Luck!

I graduate in '06 too!

SerenityR.N., BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2005

I am scheduled to graduate in 2006 also and i have been researching. i live in Delaware County and have been told Crozer is good. They have tuition reimbursement and they also help you to pay some of your loans. They may match what PHEAA pays back (Loan Forgiveness). You may want to try and stay out of the city because you will have to pay city wage tax. Still its best to go to a few hospitals and compare them. You also want to go to a hospital that has a good training program. if you go to http://www.crozer.com they have some info on their. They train their nurses for atleast 12 weeks i believe. i think they also have a program where you get to work in each dept for 6 months so you can get experience. Hope this helps.

I am a Nursing Student who will graduate '06. I was wondering what the hospitals are offering graduate nurses for pay and benefits?
Do any hospitals still offer sign-on bonuses like they used to?
Who has the best benefits package?
Right now I am in in north eastern PA but I would relocate.
Thanks,
Angie