[CharlesAngel]

This is my first assignment in a "Bush Community". I have a wonderful recruiter who sent me to an assignment in Barrow Alaska. Prior to coming here I never heard of the term "bush". I am working in a two bed Emergency Room that operates a clinic within the ED five days a week. We have a native interpreter on staff in the department, ultrasound, Xray and Lab. We cover seven other bush communities in which the patients are brought in via air transportation as needed. The bush communities are run by a non licensed staff member who completes a short course to teach them simple assessments, EKG's, lab draws, suturing, pap exams, medication administration and various other tools to assist the medical staff via fax and phone to administer care to these people. Now besides being set in a isolated area on the Arctic ocean supplies in these communities are abundant. The cost of living here is very high with a can of coke costing $2.50. People come into the hospital to sell their artistic creations at a mere $300.00 to $500.00 for a baleen boat or walrus carved item. If this sounds like something you would like to try check out a Bush Community Assignment. The cultural aspect is also very educational. Anne

[Aaron C.]

Wow! You are where? And I would go NUTS if Coke was 2.50 a can!

That reminds me of Caddyshack where Denunzio (Italian)says, "I ain't payin no fifty cents for no coke" and then Danny Noonan says in his best Italian sounding accent, "Weheell then you ain gettin' no coke!"

Best movie ever!

"Bush community" Makes it sound like you're in Zimbabwee or something. You guys have electricity?

[CCHADWI]

I couldn't imagine paying 2.50 for a coke, and not getting at least 10 refills.

It sounds like an interesting place to be. If your recruiter is so great, why did he send you so far away? LOL.

Good luck in the 'bush' and post some pictures from up there if you get a chance. We'd love to see some.

[CharlesAngel]

To shortbus: Have electricity..in fact the accommodations are like a Hilton except it includes a full dinning room with glass hutch, a washer and dryer and full size freezer in a pantry. <just cant afford to fill the pantry or the freezer. > So what does shortbus mean ? We refer to it in nursing in a sick kinda way.."if he makes it..he'll be riding the shortbus." [wear helmet's]

To CCHADWI: No refill and No fast food restaurants. My recruiters not that bad. I just send HIM to the store to buy the things I can't find or can't afford
Ohh and he looked out for me..assignment includes three hot meals a day. Anne

Pictures to follow soon:

[Aaron C.]

Anne,

Shortbus was a nickname I got in college...long story. But I just kind of adopted it. A lot of people get mad at me and say it's rude to have a nickname that makes fun of people who are mentally or physically challenged but I do not look at it that way. In fact, I love working with those types of kids. I'd love to work adolescent psych if they'd let me, but it's hard to get on there as an lpn.

[ICULYNN]

Thanks for the shared information about your environment. I think it is absolutely amazing!!! I look to learn all sorts of new things and see new sights while traveling. Although, I have to admit, that I tend to FREEZE in cold weather. I will be looking for the pictures. Thanks ahead of time!

[travilinglady]

I would love to go to alaska. I am a L&D nurse. Any need up there?

[sheilab]

I'm very interested in Al. Are you in the northern part? Just how cold does it get? I imagine you have gotten some great experience out there. Send me some more particulars on your job and the area. I've got experience in ER, EMS(am a paramedic also), and am presently working on the Mother/Baby unit. I have also managed an urgent care center. Is the pay more due to the extremes?