ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL

2901 Squalicum Parkway
Bellingham, Washington 98225
United States

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phone: View Phone360-738-5400
website: Website

Description

Our 253-bed, two-campus medical center in Bellingham, WA, provides a Level II Trauma Center and a full range of inpatient and outpatient services — from open heart surgery to comprehensive cancer care.

St. Joseph Hospital was recognized by the independent HCIA-Sachs Institute with a year 2000 100 Top Hospitals award for excellence in providing cardiovascular care to patients. Last year, St. Joseph was named as a 100 Top Hospitals for orthopedic care with top honors in fracture repair.

PeaceHealth was named one of the 100 Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems by Hospitals & Health Networks magazine in 1999 and 2000.

Bellingham, located on the northern edge of Puget Sound, offers some of the best qualities of America's Pacific Northwest lifestyle and features. Serving as the county seat of Whatcom County, Bellingham has a spectacular 'natural environment,' along with a wide range of business and living opportunities, investments, and recreational activities.

Situated between two of North America's most international cities, Seattle, Washington, and Vancouver, British Columbia, Whatcom County serves as a major connection to Alaska, the San Juan Islands, Canada's Gulf Islands, and the Mount Baker / Snoqualmie National Forest.
Source: Bellingham Chamber of Commerce

St. Josephs has received recognition as being one of the Top 100 hospitals in the nation for cardiovascular and orthopedics services. We are a midsize level II trauma center and provide some of the most technologically advanced and excellent services in the nation.

What makes working in your organization different from working for other employers?
We consistenly receive feedback on the beauty of our facility, and the warmth of our environment for both staff and patients. We are known as an extremely technologically advanced hospital, and have received recognition as being one of the top 100 most wired hospitals in the nation. The facility is extremely solid clinically, we provide state of the art, cutting-edge services yet have a very warm, environment in which to work. Nurses have laptops in the hall, and our charting is all done electronically, and in the midst of all this technology, we are very focused on fulfilling our healing mission to the patients, and provide patient care with a personal touch. Each floor is carpeted, so none of our rooms have an institional type feel. We are very concerned with the total experience of our patients and strive to consistently provide an environment of care that balances technologically and caring.

Can you explain the career opportunities available for new graduates in your organization?
Yes, we hire new graduates, traditionally they have come into the Med/Surg area, for their initial time with us. Some other departments may hire new graduates, it really depends upon the individual graduate and whether or not the graduate has any prior background or experience in the medical field.
Generally new graduates without any prior hospital experience will be hired into a Medical/Surgical type unit so that they can avail themselves to the additional training and certifications that we provide. For example, ACLS, PALS and other specialty certifications that are required in specialty units. We have a 90 day training/orientation period and new hires are assigned a preceptor. Training is provided on our electronic charting system as well as other unit specific areas necessary for successful transition into the department.

What can a candidate expect during their interview process?
A candidate's first contact is generally with the human resources department. Phone interviews are arranged with the hiring manager unless an applicant is already in the area, or can get here easily. Depending upon the position, a site visit may follow the phone interview. During the interview process applicants may talk with staff and for those positions which a site visit is offered, applicants have an opportunity to interact with staff, and ask very direct questions. Our staff is involved in the interviewing process for management/supervisory type positions and in staff positions. We have a 360 process which is also used in our evaluations: staff can receive and give input on peers, their supervisors and also with co-workers who may interact with them from other areas of the hospital.

We have a variety of shifts available, depending upon the units worked. Typically you'll see 8 hour shifts during the day, and some employees working evenings will opt for 12 hour shifts. The shifts are accomodated many times between the unit director and individual employee.

Nurses are members of the WSNA, and are a member of a collective bargaining unit, so they have a strong voice in how pay rates, scheduling, and other issues area dealt with at the bargaining table.

What are some common mistakes candidates make when applying for jobs with your facility?
Generally speaking, some mistakes I see from candidates may occur when an applicant applies for a position yet has a specific lack of skills or expertise for the position they're applying for. An example may be of an applicant who applies for an Emergency Room manager position--yet the candidate has no prior ER background and does not address why they think they should be considered for an ER Manager type of position. So I think it's safe to say that if a candidate is applying for a position and does not have a specific skill set for that particular area, to try to address that in their application. Let us know why they think they are qualified for a job.

I'd also suggest candidate also take a few moments to proofread their application documents and check for spelling errors.

Most facilities stress only the positive aspects of working for their organization. What are some of the challenges faced by new employees and even experienced personnel?
We have a fairly tenured staff, and our hospital is not a teaching facility. Because of these facts, new graduates who need an extended preceptorship program, or those who are more timid may not be the best fit for our hospital. There is an expectation here that new hires come up to speed very quickly, and this can be challenging for a new graduate. An additional expectation that we have here at St. Josephs is for staff to have a higher level of computer savvy or computer knowledge, so an RN needs to be able to utilize a mouse, and not be intimidated by working on a computer.

Bellingham Washington Community Highlights:
Spectacular Scenery and excellent quality of life
Enjoy recreational opportunities at Mount Baker
Tour the San Juan Islands by sea kayak or ferry
Enjoy a Hike on the North Cascades
Universities and shops nearby





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    St. Joseph's Hospital
Bellingham Washington
  • Cardiovascular Services St. Joseph Hospital
    Cardiovascular Services  
St. Joseph Hospital
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    St. Joseph Hospital Main
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2901 Squalicum Parkway 98225 United States Washington Bellingham Health Hospitals - General Acute Care Health

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