Nurse Loan Repayment Program
May 26, 2009
YVMH qualifies for both state and federal loan repayment programs. Explore opportunities for loan repayment programs at:
http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm
Click here to view our current nursing opportunities.
Yakima Cultural Heritage
May 25, 2009
Long before settlers entered the Yakima Valley, Native Americans thrived on the land which was rich in salmon, berries and nuts. The homesteaders who established the community of Yakima that we know today continued this tradition of living off the fertile land and making the desert bloom.
The culture of Yakima today is strongly anchored in agriculture. Many residents of the Valley are orchardists or farmers. Everyone, whether a grower or not, can enjoy and benefit from the Valley’s fresh produce.
Yakima has a large Hispanic population which offers valuable contributions to the culture of the Valley. The Yakama Indian Nation is also an invaluable facet of the Valley’s culture. Living in Yakima, it is easy to experience and learn from the diverse peoples, histories, and cultures that are so close by. Through the medium of agriculture, different people have come together and can share common goals and ways of life.
The Yakima Valley Museum and the Yakama Indian Cultural Heritage Center are two excellent places to go to learn more about the culture of the Yakima Valley.
The Yakima Valley – home to nine museums, each with unique collections – enjoys a rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in the abundant ways in which the arts are celebrated each year. From its Native American roots to its 40% Latino population, across its broadly varied towns and districts, Yakima offers insight into many diverse cultural histories even as it presents a unique life-experience all its own. Visit our Museum.
The Yakima Valley Museum includes more than 38,000 objects in the collections at the museum and over 40,000 documents and photographs in the archives and research library focusing on the natural history of the valley, Native American culture, early pioneer life and the roots and development of its fruit industry. The museum houses one of the largest collections of wagons, carriages and early motorized vehicles west of the Mississippi. The museum serves as the official repository for the personal belongings of Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, a controversial statesman, prolific writer, environmentalist and native of Yakima.
Yakima Schools
May 22, 2009
From grammar school through trade schools and universities, the Yakima Valley is rich with excellent educational opportunities. Area public schools have received Presidential awards of excellence while private schools and public schools boast statewide sportsmanship excellence in basketball, soccer, tennis, football, track and field, as well as excellence in the musical arts.
The great diversity of our Valley is certainly represented in our schools. We have a robust mix of public and private educational institutions serving the needs of our community. The Yakima Valley is a great place to further your education and career with a number of excellent local colleges including Yakima Valley Community College, Heritage University, City University, Perry Technical Institute and extension classes from Washington State University and Central Washington University.
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, a private osteopathic medical school, is located in Yakima. Currently there are only 25 osteopathic medical schools in the entire U.S.
Yakima’s medical community is continuing to grow. In addition to Memorial’s growing Family of Services and the talent that has relocated to Yakima as a result of these innovative research- and technology-driven care centers, the educational opportunities in the Valley have more than quadrupled in the past decade. Area students have many options for degrees in nursing, advanced health care, physical therapy assistants, x-ray, medical records, dental hygiene and the Family Practice Residency Program. Through any one of the area’s campus or satellite locations, education is available for certification and continuing credits.
About Yakima, Washington
May 20, 2009
Perhaps it’s the four seasons or the nearly 300 days of sun a year that draw nearly 250,000 residents and more than half a million visitors to the Yakima Valley annually. Perhaps it’s the sweet smell of a valley that’s lush with orchards, vineyards and gardens.
Perhaps it’s the diversity and cultural opportunities that create a heritage rich with multi-generational families and new families sharing community-sponsored events and neighborhood-organized barbecues and holiday parties. Maybe it’s the central location—to Seattle, Spokane or Portland—to the mountains, the ocean, rain forests or the Columbia River. Perhaps it’s that feeling of belonging, even when you’ve just arrived, that inspires thousands of new families to call Yakima home every year.
So it was no surprise to us that when The Early Show’s Dave Price toured the country as part of The Great American Adventure Winnebago Tour, he and the CBS morning show team stopped in Yakima where he gushed to viewers nationwide about the agricultural bounty he discovered. At one point, Price even challenged The Early Show anchor Harry Smith to pick any letter of the alphabet and Price would name a fruit or vegetable grown in the Yakima Valley that started with that letter.
Most people think of apples when they speak of the Yakima Valley. The area is home to more than 50 varieties of apples. But few know that the United States produces 24 percent of the world’s hops, and about three-fourths of the U.S. crop comes from the Yakima Valley. And in the past 20 years, Yakima Valley wineries have continued to receive increasing acclaim. The magnificent vineyards of the sun-drenched valley lie in the same latitudes as the great wine-producing regions of France. As a result, Yakima’s hand-crafted award-winning wines have enjoyed an explosion in popularity.
Located at the confluence of the Naches and Yakima Rivers, Yakima serves as the gateway to the Cascade Mountains to the west and the bountiful Yakima Valley to the east. The city of Yakima is the business and commercial hub of Central Washington, serving a populace of about a quarter of a million people. The Yakima Valley boasts of excellent education, culture and, of course, recreation.
Yakima offers so many attractions that you’ll want to plan to stay a while or make multiple trips to see everything. Depending on when you arrive, the city also plays host to a substantial calendar of events throughout the year.
For Nurses: Memorial’s History
May 15, 2009
The words, “Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, wherein is enshrined the living heart and spirit of a charitable and generous people,” are as true today as they were 60 years ago.
It was in 1943 that Yakima accountant, Edwin B. Mueller’s daughter, Carol, was diagnosed with “high polio,” a potentially fatal strain of the disease. She was sent to the local children’s ward (collection of beds) at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Yakima’s only inpatient medical facility.
Sensing somehow that Carol would not survive the polio attack, Ed and his wife Phyllis were determined to remain by the 9-year-old’s bedside. Overcrowding made their desire impossible, and the Mueller’s daughter drew her last breath with her parents in a waiting room just outside the crowded ward.
Shortly after Carol’s death, Ed made a solemn vow, “I never wanted another parent to be denied being with their loved ones during severe crises, only because of hospital space.”
In 1944, Ed Mueller met his friends, attorney George Martin, and funeral director Donald Keith, over a cup of coffee to discuss his plans for a new hospital. They took their idea to James Bronson, director of Boise Cascade, and orchardist Ernest Kershaw. Through the determination of these five men, 16 community leaders banded together to explore the possibility of building a new hospital in Yakima. In May 1944, the Articles of Incorporation as a non-profit, charitable organization were filed, and Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital was formed.
Before a formal fundraising campaign was launched, trustees wanted to see if the public would support the project. A weekend was chosen to take the idea to the community and “test” public opinion. During the first few hours of the pledge drive, $180,000 was collected!
Truly the people of Yakima wanted Memorial to be built. Fundraising began in earnest. A site in the middle of the “lower orchards,” just outside Yakima’s limits (on what is now Tieton Drive) was selected. A Chicago architect specializing in hospitals was chosen and building plans were approved in 1946.
On July 7, 1947, The Honorable William O. Douglas, Justice of the United States Supreme Court, formally dedicated the hospital site. Construction by William Yeaman & Co. began on May 24, 1948. At the formal groundbreaking ceremony, members of the board of trustees each turned a shovel of dirt using a “golden” spade. Just a year later, the cornerstone of the new hospital was laid, engraved with a message for all to ponder: “Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, wherein is enshrined the living heart and spirit of a charitable and generous people.”
By June 3, 1950, the building was complete and ready to receive visitors. Almost 15,000 people toured the hospital during open house festivities. On June 20, Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital opened its doors to patients with 146 beds and 155 employees supported by over 200 auxiliary members who worked as unit clerks, dietary aides, office help and wherever else they were needed—including furnishing homemade sandwiches, cookies and coffee for the hospital’s first cafeteria.
Nursing Jobs: Memorial Facts and Figures
May 14, 2009
- Founded: 1950.
- Ownership: Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital Association, a private not-for-profit organization governed by a board of directors.
- Board chair: Royal Keith
- Chief Executive Officer: Rick Linneweh.
- Location: Based in Yakima with locations throughout Yakima County.
- Accreditation: The Joint Commission.
- Patient admissions: 13,700.
- Hospital inpatient services include: Cancer Care, Heart Care, Critical Care, Orthopaedics, Surgery, The Family Birthplace, Pediatric Care, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Surgery, Psychiatric Care.
- Hospital square footage: 449,279.
- Campus size: 26.4 square acres.
- Fiscal year: Nov. 1 through Oct. 31.
- Total employees: approximately 2,013.
- Total licensed hospital beds: 226.
- Net patient revenues: $216,459,000.
- Charity care: $7.4 million.
- Active volunteers: 463.
- Physicians on medical staff: 327, representing 35 specialties.
- Emergency department visits: 61,077 .
- Babies born at Family Birth Center: 3,138.
- Memorial’s Family of Services includes:
- Memorial’s 16th Avenue Station.
- North Star Lodge.
- Children’s Village.
- Home Health and Hospice.
- Sleep Center at Memorial at Memorial.
- Heritage Grove.
- Garden Village.
- Surgi-Center at Memorial.
- ‘Ohana, Memorial’s Mammography Center.
- Family Medicine of Yakima.
- Pacific Crest Family Medicine.
- Cornerstone Medical Clinic.
- Yakima Gastroenterology Associates.
- Yakima Neurosurgery Associates.
- Yakima Plastic Surgery Associates.
- Memorial’s Valley Imaging.
Video – Memorial Hospital’s Family Of Services
May 13, 2009
Please note: This video may take a short time to download.
To contact Memorial’s Nurse Recruiter please click here.
Yakima Wine Country
May 13, 2009
As Yakima Valley’s viticulture has matured over the last two decades and its winemaking prospered, many newer wineries have cropped up to quick acclaim. As the industry continues to grow, it is a must to come back and see which new wineries have joined this charming wine country. Today, the Yakima Valley boasts of more than 40 wineries and hundreds of vineyards within a 50-mile radius.
The best strategy to wine tasting is to meander down Interstate 82 with your Yakima Valley Visitors Guide in hand, or sign up for an unforgettable wine country tour. Pick half a dozen places or more to explore. You’ll often encounter winery family members in the tasting room delighted to recommend the best wine to enjoy with regional cuisine, talk about the wine making process, or the traditional wisdom of barrel- or bottle-aging.
Nurse Recruitment
May 12, 2009
Currently we have openings for Registered Nurses in the following specializations:
Click to view these positions:
- Orthopedic /Neurologic
- Family Birthplace
- Women’s Urology
- Pediatric Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care
- Oncology
- ACU / CCU and Telemetry
- Infusion Care.
- Emergency / EAU
Floor By Floor: Our Nursing Units
Fifth Floor
With 42 beds in total, Fifth floor west delivers services to primarily orthopaedic and neurological patients and thus relies heavily on those nursing specialties. Fifth floor east provides general medical and surgical patients. This unit provides a great foundation for new grads and for experienced nurses offers the comfort and support of a unit filled with highly skilled professionals.
Fourth Floor
Our fourth floor is dedicated to birthing with Family Birthplace, providing labor, deliver, recovery and post partum services.It is a comprehensive center that offers care for both low and high risk pregnancies. Memorial is the only hospital in Yakima offering birthing services with approximately 3,000 deliveries each year. While experience is preferred, new grads are still encouraged to apply.
Third Floor
Women’s Urology on our Third Floor is a highly dynamic unit focusing on women’s health. This unit is is staffed by a highly supportive team dedicated to patient care. While experience is preferred, new grads are still encouraged to apply.
Also on our third floor are our Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric Units ( 3N & 3NW). Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital is the primary hospital in the region offering pediatric inpatient services. While experience is preferred, new grads are still encouraged to apply.
Yakima Real Estate
May 7, 2009
Yakima county’s economic vitality, along with relatively inexpensive land, modest living costs, natural beauty and a relaxed lifestyle, have spurred the success of yet another industry: real-estate.
Demand for second homes and an influx of retirees moving to the area has dramatically increased housing prices. Companies seeking inexpensive land are looking for deals on industrial and commercial sites. The wine industry is also helping to propel a boost in the tourism industry.
“[The Yakima area] is becoming an investment hotspot,” maintains Bill Almon Sr., owner of Almon Commercial Real Estate, the region’s largest commercial real estate firm. “We are dealing with clients from all over—from Texas, California and Western Washington—who are looking for large tracts of land for residential projects. What is new is the amount of outside investors.”
An average home goes for about $156,000 in Yakima County, and commercial properties cost from $7.50 to $14.50 per square foot. Industrial properties range from $1.50 to $2.50 a square foot. Almon says all these prices are well below those in most places west of the Cascades.
Potential profit is also helping to turn the area into a hot market for speculators looking to buy land as an investment. “It is booming,” says Russ Roberts, a Heritage Moultray realtor who recently moved to Yakima from San Diego. “[Investors] are buying everything.”
Times have been very good for real-estate agents, and, so far, the county has not been affected by the national housing slump.
Kristy Wilbert of KMW Enterprises, which tracks real estate activity in the county, says that the number of home sales have set records in 2005, only to be surpassed in 2006. “And this year looks better than last year,” Wilbert says.
She warns that the sub-prime rate problem could affect the Yakima market, but it is too early to speculate on what may occur.
The movement of people with disposable incomes into the area is logical, given historical trends and economics, say some realtors.
“We have seen places like the Bay Area, where people had appreciation in their homes and could sell,” says Ted Marquis Jr., manager of Creekside Reality. “Then they would buy much better homes in surrounding areas of California, while putting money in the bank. That trend is now occurring in Yakima.”
Realtor Russ Roberts is a prime example. The former San Diego resident was ready to cash out of Southern California’s skyrocketing real-estate market and get away from all the congestion. He settled on Yakima, where he could buy a nice home and still have plenty of money to put in the bank. He expects a lot more people to follow suit.
“The average home in San Diego was $535,000; here, it was about $150,000 or so,” Roberts says. “Developers are constructing homes for over $300,000, and people here are saying, ‘Who in Yakima can buy these houses?’ What they don’t realize is that it is people from California and Seattle.”
Yakima Real Estate Links
