What do you guys think about these locations?

NedRN · Dec 2, 2015

When recruiters run down lists like this, they can just as easily add a relative pay rate. It seems odd not to do so to me.

Might be a good idea to mention your specialty. Opinions on the operating room won't mean much if you are in OB.

ahoppen · Dec 2, 2015

When recruiters run down lists like this, they can just as easily add a relative pay rate. It seems odd not to do so to me.
Might be a good idea to mention your specialty. Opinions on the operating room won't mean much if you are in OB.

Yeah, I don't know. I was surprised she didn't because she said that she would. So far I haven't really found anyone who has consistently answered ALL of my questions in a timely manner. I hope this is an isolated incident because otherwise she seems really nice.

I work Med/Surg-Tele or Step down, depending on where they want me. I've had more experience in Med/Surg.

NedRN · Dec 2, 2015

As it happens, most of those assignments are likely to be within a dollar or two so it doesn't matter that much. Ideally, your recruiter will help you select the best one for a first assignment (like a known traveler friendly hospital), the money should not be a primary consideration. Don't expect great pay in Colorado, it is Midwest like in pay.

SteamboatRN · Dec 2, 2015

I worked at Swedish two summers ago in Women's Surgery/MedSurg. I loved it there! I have heard that recently they've been making some changes though, increasing nurse to patient ratios and taking away a tech. Not sure if that's happening at all HealthOne, HCAs or not. Grand Junction is about 4-5 hours away from the Denver area. So it might just depend on what else you're looking for while on assignment. I'm born and raised in Colorado, so let me know if you have any questions.

Argo · Dec 2, 2015

What is your goal for this assignment? I know all of the areas well but are you wanting to do it for good money, good city experience, good mountain experience, snowboarding/skiing, other variables?

ahoppen · Dec 3, 2015

What is your goal for this assignment? I know all of the areas well but are you wanting to do it for good money, good city experience, good mountain experience, snowboarding/skiing, other variables?

Well, I have a friend who lives in Colorado Springs so I would like to be closer to her (Pueblo), although I wouldn't mind driving to see her on days off. But for me personally, good city and skiing would be nice. I would like to be at a decent hospital as well, as I don't mind commuting for activities. :) I know the money won't be the best, but I bet it'll be better than anything I'll make here in Georgia!

I hope this helps a little bit. At the end of the day I'm traveling for the experience of traveling, sightseeing with my husband, etc. but I would also like to expand my nursing skills so being at a hospital that's hopefully well put together is a plus. I know that won't necessarily always be a reality, though.

NedRN · Dec 3, 2015

You will expand your knowledge base and skills at every single assignment and it will keep you sharp. That is part of the cool thing about traveling, at least for those of us who don't want to (or are afraid of) falling into a dangerous lazy rut.

Argo · Dec 3, 2015

Grand Junction is quite a drive from CS.

Pagosa Springs is a very small mountain town and the hospital is more of a clinic, critical access hospital. Wolf Creek ski area is near by and the town itself is a really nice quaint place.

I'd stay away from Pueblo.

All of the others are Denver metro area. Look them up on Google maps and see what you want to be close to. North Denver is quite a haul from South during rush hour.

ahoppen · Dec 3, 2015

Grand Junction is quite a drive from CS.
Pagosa Springs is a very small mountain town and the hospital is more of a clinic, critical access hospital. Wolf Creek ski area is near by and the town itself is a really nice quaint place.
I'd stay away from Pueblo.
All of the others are Denver metro area. Look them up on Google maps and see what you want to be close to. North Denver is quite a haul from South during rush hour.

Argo, what do you think of Grand Junction? And why stay away from Pueblo? Is it a rough area?

Argo · Dec 3, 2015

It just isnt the best area. Grand junction is a decent town but it is very far from anything and as big as it is, its still a small town. 4-5 hours from either Salt Lake or Denver. About 2 hours from the nearest good ski area, there is a small one within an hour. The hospitals are pretty desparate for staffing, meaning they will be short staffed all the time, I almost went to work there but they would not do 12 hour shifts, they offered a 10k sign on. They also arent what I would call up to date and a place to learn new stuff. You will probably be more skilled than their current staff.

smartassmommy · Dec 4, 2015

If you do pick GJ St. Mary's is nicer than Community. If you are wanting OB it's the only hospital in Junction that does l&d.