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Hi my name isJon and I'm new to the board. It's the usual story, my wife and I are planning a move to the Islands and we have questions. I have read alot of the information on this site but have still have questions. On a few different post it talked about JFL hospital and how bad it was doing. I am a nurse and was wondering if things have changed there. The posts were from 2014. We hope to do a PMV in november of 2016 by me taking a travel position for 3-6 months to see what life is like on the rock as you guys call it.I would love tohere from any nurses out there that may have some advice for me. Thank You in advance.
Posted : June 6, 2015 12:44 am
Here are just 2 of the latest articles on JFL you should read.
The hospital (RLSH) on STT seems to be better run.
Posted : June 6, 2015 2:49 am
Topic starter
Thank you Alanna33 for the articles. It doesn't look good. I think St Thomas might be better for us.
Posted : June 6, 2015 7:45 am
a lot can change in 1 1/2 years also
Posted : June 6, 2015 9:31 am
If you're taking a travel nurse position, you'll be better able to evaluate for yourself what the situation is like. JFL, unfortunately, has had these many issues ongoing for years. That's not to say RLSH is not without any problems but not as severe as JFL.
Speee1dy, you're right! A lot can change and hopefully, it will as STX deserves a well run hospital. Maybe if they replace the present CEO they might get there sooner than later.
Here's another DN article:
http://m.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/luis-has-ct-scanner-for-first-time-since-april-18-1.1891750
Posted : June 6, 2015 10:03 am
Topic starter
You guys are great thanks. Your right a lot can change in a year and a half. We will try it and see what happens. If it's that bad in the hospitals I think we will stay stateside and move to Florida or some other place that's warm. We are hoping it will work out on the islands because we would really like to live in the tropics. As long as we leave N.Y. LOL
Posted : June 7, 2015 5:24 am
Jonrobin,
I am an ICU nurse and have just accepted an offer from JFL on St. Croix. I'll be glad to share what I've learned so far.
JFL pays about $20k/yr more than RLSH, so RLSH is losing nurses to JFL. JFL pushed through a pay increase a few years ago in order to attract and retain nurses, but RLSH has yet to do so. JFL has perpetual issues on the administration level and is also on an improvement plan with CME ranging everywhere from best practices to correct billing (the hospital loses A LOT of money due to poor billing practices). I have an acquaintance who relocated to JFL from Seattle and adores her coworkers.
JFL (and probably RLSH) reimburses $6500 of relocation expenses for RN's.
Neither hospital currently uses travelers. I spoke to travel recruiters a couple of months ago and was told travel agencies won't work with RLSH due to high unpaid bills. And, as I understand it, JFL pushed through the pay increase while at the same time eliminating travelers and it has been a good financial move for them.
I did a PMV a couple of years ago and met with representatives from both hospitals. I can honestly say I have never been welcomed so graciously or treated so kindly. Both gave me an extensive tour of the hospital, and spend about 2 1/2 hours speaking openly about the issues as well as opportunities there.
I hope this helps!
Posted : June 7, 2015 4:17 pm
That is wonderful to hear such a positive experience at JFL.
However, there are traveling nurses still being used, at least by RLSH as I've been contacted about rentals for them, recently, and there's a couple ads on Craig's List right now looking for rentals by traveling nurses.
Posted : June 7, 2015 4:47 pm
Don't give up on the VI without reading some of the good news out of St Thomas:
I can't find the one about the special CMS inspection which the hospital also passed. The leadership is very good and you might find it a good fit. 🙂
Posted : June 7, 2015 4:53 pm
Topic starter
Notthefamousone
Thanks for the information. There are some travel positions sent to me by recruiters but maybe thay are just trying to get me to call them back. I currently work in a small hospital that has money problems as well. What hospital doesn't these days. I think We will have to change the plan if there are no travel positions but that's not a problem. We are committed to at least try to see if we can make it happen. If you don't mind me asking how. Is the pay scale? I know that it's lower on the islands or at least l have been told that it is. Any more info you have will be much appreciated.
Posted : June 7, 2015 4:58 pm
Topic starter
Eastender I won't give up. Thanks for the article
Posted : June 7, 2015 5:08 pm
Jonrobbin, starting salary for new nurses is about 62k, I believe.
Alana, that's new information to me, and I'm happy to hear it. Maybe that means financial things are looking up!
Posted : June 7, 2015 11:48 pm
Topic starter
That's alot more than I thought. Thanks for the information.
Posted : June 8, 2015 9:33 am
I am a Certified Nurse Midwife moving to STX 9/3/2015. I am having a horrible time with the USVI Board of Nursing. They are insisting that I have both a RN license from Florida as well as my ARNP license. I don't know about other states, but in Florida, when you become an ARNP, your RN license is basically part of the ARNP license, as you can't be an ARNP without first being an RN. BUT....the USVI BON is basically refusing to accept my application because I do not have a separate RN license. Has anyone else had this problem with the USVI Board of Nursing? It is so frustrating!
Posted : July 10, 2015 11:48 pm
Also need to consider quality of life. STT is crowded and traffic a nightmare. STX is the largest island, but smaller population that STT. As an ARNP/CNM, I opted for STX after two week-long visits. Also checked out the hospital and found everything to be in good order, renovations were in progress, and it was clean. Everyone was very welcoming and security was very good.
Found STT to be dirty and not as friendly. The STX island people are warm and wonderful!
Posted : July 11, 2015 2:58 am
Florida is becoming really crowded with the northerners leaving the brutal cold! That's one of the many reasons why I'm leaving St. Augustine, Florida for STX! It does get cold here in the winter (relatively speaking). It snowed in Jacksonville this past winter. Not uncommon to be in the low 30s for low temps and highs in the low 50s during the winter.....after you've been here a few years, that becomes darn cold! Water temps dip into the 60s. In STX, water temps are between 80-82 year round! It's all about quality of life!
Posted : July 11, 2015 3:02 am
Also need to consider quality of life. STT is crowded and traffic a nightmare.
.... Found STT to be dirty and not as friendly.
A common and oft-repeated observation from someone whose very short time spent on STT has been confined to the hustle and bustle of the commercial district and the busy main road between town and the East end.
Posted : July 11, 2015 11:28 am
Hello! I am an RN going through some old posts. I am (was) an ICU/ER nurse before taking a few years off with the kiddos. We may relocate there - I was wondering how the position worked out for you? Any thoughts on your experience? Are you still there? Feel free to PM me.
Thanks
Posted : March 10, 2016 4:16 pm
You may have to PM them for a response as haven't seen any current posts or updates from them. Good luck.
Posted : March 10, 2016 4:22 pm
Topic starter
Hi Daval I am going to interview at JFL on April 21st and hopefully start work in May if all goes well. I will let you know how it goes. They have been very nice and wanted me to come down sooner but I cant. The pay is better on STX than STT because they stopped using travelers. The hospital on STT is always looking for nurses. Good luck. We can't wait to get there.
Posted : March 16, 2016 8:14 am
Good luck to you and let us know about your experiences, good or bad.
Posted : March 16, 2016 11:49 am
Topic starter
Thank you Alana. I will post after we get here. Thanks to all that answer all of our questions, it is very helpful.
Posted : March 16, 2016 5:46 pm
