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Can someone help me with my employment situation?

(@josefhodge)
Posts: 13
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hello everybody,

I'm moving to St. Thomas on January 15 2013. I'm a licnsed RN, but I'm not sure if RLS hospital will have positions then. I'm willing to take a job that makes about $1000 per month (which is much less than nurses are paid), but how do you find a job like that, that will start in January?

I'm visiting St. Thomas in mid-August (next month), so if someone can help me figure this out I can try to get some interviews for August. Trouble is, will someone interview me in August to start in January?

I'm interested in specific companies/employers, as well as the general idea of how I will get hired by someone. I'm hoping to be employed by the hospital, and get an interview for next month, but I'd love to get an idea of other employers as well, as to not put all my eggs in one basket.

Can anyone assist me with figuring this one out? Thanks for taking the time to read this!

Joe

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 12:07 am
(@wenchtoo)
Posts: 102
Estimable Member
 

the red hook medical clinic was looking you could call them and see if they still need anyone!

340-775-2302

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 1:00 am
(@josefhodge)
Posts: 13
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks!

I just called and left a message. I figure if they're interested in an interview in August, at least I can do that. That way if they have an open position in January I'd be ready to go. Thanks for the suggestion!

Does anybody else have suggestions? Ideally it's a position as a RN, but I'm open to considering anything and everything. I hold an associate of science degree, and I'm a few credits short of a Bachelor's from Harvard University Extension School.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 1:14 am
(@Linda_J)
Posts: 3919
Famed Member
 

Unless you can nail down a job as an RN while you're on-island in August, the chance of finding other, more general, employment for January is not likely. You will have to come down on faith, find temp housing and start immediately looking for a job, any job, to get started.

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 2:00 am
(@josefhodge)
Posts: 13
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for your viewpoint!

Joe

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 2:22 am
(@alana33)
Posts: 12365
Illustrious Member
 

Why not call the hospital, directly, and ask for their Human Resources Dept.
Someone should be able to tell you how to apply for any open positions and what there is available.

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 2:26 am
(@josefhodge)
Posts: 13
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks Alana.

Yes, I've spoken with their HR, but knowing I won't be available until January, I don't think they're rushing. Perhaps when I tell them about my August visit, they may take me more seriously.

Joe

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 3:37 am
(@ronnie)
Posts: 2259
Noble Member
 

It's not their first rodeo. So many people express the same thing. The proof is in the pudding around here. Most employers like to see that you have moved here. They are inundated with calls and emails from folks wanting to move here. An on island beforehand interview is in your favor. Being an RN is also in your favor.

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 11:52 am
(@Linda_J)
Posts: 3919
Famed Member
 

Ronnie is absolutely correct. Many plan to move to the VI, few actually make the move. As an RN you will get more attention than most, but you still will not be able to nail something down 100% until you are actually living here.

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 12:02 pm
(@the-oldtart)
Posts: 6523
Illustrious Member
 

I'm a little concerned when you say you would take a job which pays $1000/month, and just hope that either that was a typo or you're bringing plenty of money with you. $1K/month will barely pay for just rent and isn't an income you can live on here.

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 12:10 pm
(@Future_Islander)
Posts: 384
Reputable Member
 

Joe:

Have you considered a Travel Nurse position for six months, initially?

Then if things go well you can apply for a permanant position.....while you're on-island.

I agree, the $1,000/month amount would not support you on STT.

F.I.

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 12:18 pm
 piaa
(@piaa)
Posts: 582
Honorable Member
 

I thought he wrote $1,000 per week - I had to go back and read again to see he truly wrote $1,000 per month (lol) and so I have to agree with the previous posters $1,000 per week maybe $1,000 per month unless you have won the lottery no way.

Pia

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 12:38 pm
(@josefhodge)
Posts: 13
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks for your input. Believe me, I've been to the islands dozens of times, so I know $1000 alone wont support me. But I have over $15,000 saved just for the move.

$1000 per month would keep me busy while I look for gainful employment,

Perhaps I should have mentioned that! So for future posters, $1000 per month is perfectly fine, if there is a job like that. I look forward to your replies!

Joe

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 5:34 pm
(@speee1dy)
Posts: 8871
Illustrious Member
 

there seems to always be server jobs and bartender jobs available. i hope you find a good job so you dont have to delve into you stash too much

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 7:46 pm
(@the-oldtart)
Posts: 6523
Illustrious Member
 

there seems to always be server jobs and bartender jobs available. i hope you find a good job so you dont have to delve into you stash too much

True. We usually recommend that someone moving here bring $10K to tide them over (yes, I know, lots of people do it with far less but it's a sensible ballpark figure) because once you've found a place to live the norm upfront is first, last and one month's security deposit which eats up a good portion. Then WAPA (electric) account deposit, cable/satellite, internet, basic home purchases to get set up. Last but not least, purchase of a car because getting around without one gets very old very fast. You can find something pretty decent for $5K and under and then have to get it registered, insured, etc. That $10K gets whittled away very quickly but at least you have the cushion there.

Your success in finding a job right away (if anything in your field doesn't immediately pop up) is purely dependent upon both your ability and flexibility. Your August PMV will give you a better idea on how things work on a day to day basis and maybe you'll luck into something in your field right away. You might also check the University of the Virgin Islands for positions there based on your academic credentials. Good luck!

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 8:36 pm
(@josefhodge)
Posts: 13
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks All !!!

You've all been VERY helpful. This is such a great message board. It's so nice that many of you residents are willing to give a newbie a helping hand!

I'll be sure to keep you posted on the job situation. Hopefully I'll be able to help out other newcomers on here, by the time I get settled on the island.

Cheers!

Joe

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 9:31 pm
(@josefhodge)
Posts: 13
Active Member
Topic starter
 

As for the travel nursing comment.

I think travel nursing is a great idea for most people in my situation. So its a great suggestion. However, I've specialized in travel nursing throughout the US for the past 4 years. It's not the same as 'being one of the group/staff.'

Like I said, I would highly recommend travel nursing to other nurses who have never been to the island, or who are considering long term employment on the island, eventually.

I'm just burnt out on travel nursing, but I think it's quite wise for many other RN's.

Good suggestion!

Joe

 
Posted : July 6, 2012 9:35 pm
(@ChanelCinq)
Posts: 171
Estimable Member
 

As for the travel nursing comment.

I think travel nursing is a great idea for most people in my situation. So its a great suggestion. However, I've specialized in travel nursing throughout the US for the past 4 years. It's not the same as 'being one of the group/staff.'

Like I said, I would highly recommend travel nursing to other nurses who have never been to the island, or who are considering long term employment on the island, eventually.

I'm just burnt out on travel nursing, but I think it's quite wise for many other RN's.

Good suggestion!

Joe

Joe if you have already been doing travel nursing then I think it is the perfect way to get into the hospital. The hospital on STT hires 40% of their RN staff through travel nursing companies. I really think you would not have a problem getting hired direct through the hospital at all. They would love to slash that 40% to zero but they can't get people to stay.

I can understand why they would not want to hire you so far in advance but if they don't then why not go through a travel nursing company and then after 13 weeks get hired directly through the hospital?!

 
Posted : July 21, 2012 8:18 pm
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