For warptman

[Jeff Emler]

Wow....thanks for the post.

You know..if it was just me I might be tempted to go to Bethel. But with my daughter what you have just told me speaks volumes to my sensibility.

I'm not sure how much luck I'll have getting a contract in some of the places you mentioned. It seems to me those places in the summer time would have nurses lining up to work, but I could be wrong.

There is nothing like a first hand account and I thank you from my heart.

Jeff

[Blueberry]

Originally Posted by Jeff Emler

Wow....thanks for the post.

You know..if it was just me I might be tempted to go to Bethel. But with my daughter what you have just told me speaks volumes to my sensibility.

I'm not sure how much luck I'll have getting a contract in some of the places you mentioned. It seems to me those places in the summer time would have nurses lining up to work, but I could be wrong.

There is nothing like a first hand account and I thank you from my heart.

Jeff

I'm feeling kind of bad because I feel like I've just squashed your dream. It's so easy to romanticize the Alaskan experience. I want to encourage you while also pointing out what I perceive as realities. For what it's worth, my family has been discussing your situation. All three of us tend to think Bethel is probably not the right place for you and your daughter at this time. If you can get established first, it may be easier for your daughter to get over the culture shock and fit in. However, I do remember quite large chunks of the summer when ALL of my daughter's friends were absent at the same time. Our kid-rich neighborhood was pretty devoid of children at times, and other friends were gone, too.

As you've noted, the Kenai and Anchorage areas will probably be pretty popular choices for short-term nurses. However, you may want to look into opportunities in the smaller communities on the road system; even Fairbanks may hold possibilities. Tok, Glenallen, Healy, and Talkeetna (and other communities) are often too remote for most people yet might provide some unique adventures. Don't forget that Southeast Alaska has many small communities that will provide the richer environment and unique opportunities for which you're looking. I would think that most any of the road system or Southeast communities would provide more opportunities for both you and your daughter.

One of the things my husband mentioned is that there is a reason Bethel is one of the first places people think of when it comes to medical opportunities. Bethel has an extremely HIGH turnover rate in most fields, so employers are always looking for people. The reasons for turnover are varied, but include high cost of living, remoteness, aesthetics, opportunities for children, lack of entertainment, etc. The reality of Bethel is not the Alaska most people are expecting. Those of us who love Bethel consider it one of Alaska's hidden gems; those who stick it out can be richly rewarded. However, like any community, it's what you make of it. Chances are your daughter would find it harder to see the unique advantages of a place like Bethel.

[Jeff Emler]

Originally Posted by Blueberry

I'm feeling kind of bad because I feel like I've just squashed your dream. It's so easy to romanticize the Alaskan experience. I want to encourage you while also pointing out what I perceive as realities. For what it's worth, my family has been discussing your situation. All three of us tend to think Bethel is probably not the right place for you and your daughter at this time. If you can get established first, it may be easier for your daughter to get over the culture shock and fit in. However, I do remember quite large chunks of the summer when ALL of my daughter's friends were absent at the same time. Our kid-rich neighborhood was pretty devoid of children at times, and other friends were gone, too.

As you've noted, the Kenai and Anchorage areas will probably be pretty popular choices for short-term nurses. However, you may want to look into opportunities in the smaller communities on the road system; even Fairbanks may hold possibilities. Tok, Glenallen, Healy, and Talkeetna (and other communities) are often too remote for most people yet might provide some unique adventures. Don't forget that Southeast Alaska has many small communities that will provide the richer environment and unique opportunities for which you're looking. I would think that most any of the road system or Southeast communities would provide more opportunities for both you and your daughter.

One of the things my husband mentioned is that there is a reason Bethel is one of the first places people think of when it comes to medical opportunities. Bethel has an extremely HIGH turnover rate in most fields, so employers are always looking for people. The reasons for turnover are varied, but include high cost of living, remoteness, aesthetics, opportunities for children, lack of entertainment, etc. The reality of Bethel is not the Alaska most people are expecting. Those of us who love Bethel consider it one of Alaska's hidden gems; those who stick it out can be richly rewarded. However, like any community, it's what you make of it. Chances are your daughter would find it harder to see the unique advantages of a place like Bethel.

Heavens no!!

Your advice is the best I have received. It is very practical and, above all well informed.

My dream is in no way harmed. I may simply look for a position in a place more suited to us at this time.

Thank you again.

If it were only me I'd consider Bethel.

But with my daughter I have to make sure she has a great time, so that means touristy stuff at first. I want her to have a good time so she'll want to stay with me EVERY summer.

Jeff