Hospitals in Milwaukee (Madison, Aurora: home, job market, school)

[Jema1990]

Hi guys.

I'm a recent college graduate looking to spread my little wings here soon and relocate...somewhere. I currently live in Kansas City, MO and like it a lot. But it's too close to home and I want to break away from all this familiarity. I'm looking at many places and I really like Milwaukee. I've been there in the summer and winter and despite your nippy temperatures…I think the city is awesome.

I'm a registered nurse and have been working in a cardiac ICU for over a year now. The ICU experience is helpful but what I really love is heme/onc. Though I may try and stay in the ICU just a couple more years (medical or cardiac) just to gain the experience.

I love being a nurse and working in a challenging environment with very complex patient populations. Are your nurses advocated for? Are patient outcomes regarded as good...even great? How are wages? They cut ours in Kansas City What hospitals are best regarded in the city in terms of patient care? I've been looking at Froedtert Hospital/Medical College of Wisconsin. It seems to rank well in the city but I kinda wanted an insider's opinion

I'm looking at Madison too. I love that city…but as a young, single gal…might find more excitement/social opportunities in Milwaukee.

One more thing! I'm enjoying my 20's now. But someday I do want to go back to school. Any insight on University of Wisconsin and their DNP programs?

Thanks guys!

[RVcook]

Froedtert is an excellent hospital and if you're planning on settling in Milwaukee, should be your first choice.

However, if you're looking at Madison, I would definitely look at the University Hospital. It is cutting edge and has been expanding every year.

I have received excellent patient care at both hospitals as there seems to be an emphasis on that.

I'm sorry that I can't help you with your wage question, but if you're looking for a vibrant, diverse social life, then Madison would be where I'd look. It's just a great college town and the UW system is equally great.

RVcook

[everwinter]

Originally Posted by Jema1990

Are patient outcomes regarded as good...even great?

What hospitals are best regarded in the city in terms of patient care?

Patient outcomes & quality of care are taken very seriously here & there's a lot of competition between the hospitals. Milwaukee (& Wisconsin) hospitals are good & consistently rank well above the national average. Aurora St Lukes & Froedtert are often ranked at the top overall for the region, but there really are NO bad hospitals in the Milwaukee region. I always question hospital rankings because I've worked in hospitals that have received great rankings & some that have received not as good rankings & it didn't align, from my experience. You know how it is in hospitals.

I'm not sure about RN pay in the area, but from my experience, northern medical facilities pay a little better. If money is a big concern, then northern Illinois is the place to go for good pay & lots of medical jobs.

Regarding jobs, I'm not too familiar with the local nursing job market. I do know the hospital I work at has cut nursing jobs in the past few years, but lately (last year) they've hired some new RNs.

Originally Posted by Jema1990

I'm looking at many places and I really like Milwaukee. I've been there in the summer and winter and despite your nippy temperatures…I think the city is awesome. I'm looking at Madison too. I love that city…but as a young, single gal…might find more excitement/social opportunities in Milwaukee.

I'd select Milwaukee over Madison if it comes down to it. I've lived in Madison twice & this is my second time living in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is more diverse (pt wise & overall) & there is more to do. You'll never be bored in Milwaukee & I can't say the same about Madison. Coming from a city like Kansas City, it would be an adjustment going to a Madison, which is half the size of Kansas City.