Ascension St. John Medical Center | Tulsa, Oklahoma

🏥 Ascension St. John Medical Center – Tulsa, OK

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Facility Type: Acute Care Teaching Hospital

Beds: 419

Trauma Level: Adult Level II

Pediatric Trauma: None

Charting System: Epic (recent), previously Cerner

*Note: Chatgpt is an amazing tool that I believe comes in handy for analyzing reviews. This information was gathered by me, Kristin Farnsworth, from travelers I have worked with as well as various social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit and then filtered through Chatgpt to put it all in an easy-to-read format.

👩‍⚕️ Travel Nurse Highlights

✅ Pros:

• Epic charting (a recent upgrade from Cerner - some older comments mention Cerner).

• 2:1 ratios in Adult ICU, in-house physicians overnight.

• Free parking and 24/7 pharmacy access.

• Friendly teams reported in many units (especially 14E and Neuro ICU).

• IR department is praised by staff nurses.

• Reliable ancillary support: Transporters, phlebotomists, pharmacy, RT, and PT all onsite (though some say self-drawing labs is faster).

• Walkable location near Utica Square with restaurants, coffee shops, and The Gathering Place park.

🧪 Unit-Specific Feedback

🧠 Neuro ICU (NTICU):

• The Neuro ICU at Ascension St. John is consistently positive.

• Friendly team and supportive staffing.

💓 Adult ICU:

• Good nurse-to-patient ratios (2:1).

• Overnight doc coverage.

• Generally positive reports, although one traveler warned about risky floating situations (e.g. being left alone with ICU patients when pulled to ER).

🫀 CVICU:

• Multiple mentions of a toxic environment.

• Noted for micromanagement and poor culture.

• Use caution or ask clarifying questions during the interview.

🧬 PCU/Stepdown:

• Mixed. Some travelers had great experiences, others mentioned high turnover and lots of travelers on day shift.

• 1:4 ratios, but also ICU-level patients (vents, pressors) occasionally held short-term in PCU.

🛏 Med/Surg:

• 1:6 ratios mentioned.

• Environment described as “cliquish” by some, though others found staff welcoming.

• Typical issues like limited CNAs and variable support depending on floor.

🧵 Scrub Colors:

• ICU: Black or wine

• General: Also acceptable - Aqua/turquoise

• Confirm with manager on arrival as expectations may vary by unit.

🏡 Housing & Neighborhood Notes:

• Furnished Finder and Facebook groups yield multiple housing options.

• Several locals and travelers mention nearby housing with covered parking.

• Area is close to downtown, with a mix of upscale (Utica Square) and budget spots nearby.

• Free parking, but exercise caution at night - homeless population has been noted on the back side of hospital grounds.

• Walk with a buddy or request security escort after hours.

🌆 Tulsa Vibes

• Described as a “diamond in the rough”  - friendly people, affordable living, and easy to navigate.

• Close access to River Parks, The Gathering Place, Route 66, and weekend trips to Eureka Springs, AR.

• Great food and coffee scene; on-campus Starbucks-style café.

Check out the Tulsa, OK City Guide for Travelers Here

⚖️ The Verdict

Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa has a diverse reputation that varies greatly depending on unit and management. Neuro ICU and IR are traveler-friendly; CVICU and some PCU areas may have higher stress and safety concerns. Overall, many travelers have successfully completed multiple contracts and would return, citing a strong sense of team and manageable workloads. Others have had tough experiences, so ask the right questions during your interview!

🔍 Interview Tips:

• Ask where you’ll be floated and how often.

• Clarify unit-specific ratios and tech support.

• Confirm scrub colors and shift expectations (especially on PCU and stepdown).

• Ask about parking logistics and safety precautions.