Pros
I have had the pleasure of supporting Blake Medical Center as their full time RN Recruiter since 2013. In my recruitment role, I help RNs connect with our nursing leaders to explore full time, part time, and PRN opportunities at our hospital. I work with RNs living locally as well as those planning future relocation to our BEAUTIFUL Bradenton, Florida area. I enjoy assisting nurses as they take the next step in their nursing journey with the hopeful anticipation that they will continue their career at Blake Medical Center until retirement. I am so excited about the numerous services Blake provides for its patients in the local community and, as a result, the variety of nursing career opportunities available to RNs for career development. Blake is a Level II Trauma Center and has also been a Burn Center for over a year now. Our Graduate Medical Education (GME) program was initiated in 2015. A dedicated Rapid Response Team was implemented in 2016 to better support both the patients and the nursing team. Our Outpatient Burn/Wound/Reconstructive Clinic is thriving with plans to expand in 2018. Rapidly growing is our new Hyperbaric Therapy Department, offering two mono-chambers for the treatment of a variety of wound and tissue disorders. The Cardiac program continues to offer specialty advancements, both in the Cath/EP Lab and Cardiovascular OR. Our Surgical Services is consistently growing, recently adding a MicroSurgical Specialty Team and offering progressive robotic surgery services. With its array of specialty inpatient units, Blake offers ongoing opportunities to advance your nursing career, all under one roof, without having to look to another employer for desired advancement or cross-training. As with any healthcare facility that experiences so much growth so quickly, growing pains are to be expected. We have experienced some RN turn-over and are working to rebuild our nursing teams even stronger. The past year has been a year of change for Blake – new services, new leaders, new staff – but with this has come a new vision for the future. The focus on customer service and the absolute best patient care has always been the focus at Blake – our nursing team is striving every day to improve both. I think Blake’s mission statement says it best: “To provide exceptional care to every patient, every time.” Pros: Frequent opportunities for advancement and cross-training Emergency Services, ICU/Critical Care, & Surgical Services Internship Programs New RN Apprenticeship Program (“StaRN”) – helping recent graduates build a strong and confident foundation as they transition from school to career New specialty services consistently being added - something for everyone! Big hospital services, but smaller community facility “feel” where you don’t get lost in the shuffle Part of the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) network – stable employer network Competitive pay ranges Comprehensive benefits package (Health, PTO, 401(k), PTO, Employee Stock Purchase, Flexible Spending Accounts, Short/Long Term Disability coverage and MORE) Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program Highly supportive, knowledgeable, friendly Human Resources Team Happy Cubs Daycare onsite 24/7 Fitness Gym on campus for employee use National Certification Differential Relocation Assistance
Cons
Cons: RN vacancies (This recruiter is working diligently to increase our nursing staff – we’re looking for only the best nursing talent!) Newer leaders are still getting established in their new roles (Many of our leaders were given an opportunity to advance and were promoted to their new roles in the past year – they are working hard to develop their teams and improve their departments.)
