Pros
-Job security (although layoffs and firings becoming more common) -Rank-and-file staffers generally friendly and competent (although morale is low and continues to sink) -Admirable Mission on paper (if only today's corporate management cared to live up to it) -Office spaces in newer Halsey facilities in Portland are pleasant and centrally located by public tranportation -Benefits package is decent and includes TriMet annual passes, health coverage, 401k and retirement savings account for full-timers (although leadership continues to trim benefits each year)
Cons
Years ago, Providence was an A+ employer ... today, you would not recognize that employer: -Salary/bonus compensation is pathetically low and out of touch with today's job market. Don't expect a "real" annual raise (max 2%), no matter how strong your performance review; and expect a token $25 Safeway gift certificate (no cash value) for your annual bonus around Christmas -Executive managment is struggling to find its way in this new era of healthcare: lack of vision, lack of focus, mired in bureaucatic and outdated thinking -Nepotisism: If you're a relative of a top executive, esteemed physician or wealthy Foundations' donor, regardless of your skills, you'll advance rapidly ... otherwise, good luck -Career growth is snail's pace. A big part of the problem is Providence's tendancy to look outside for management hires rather than look for or grow loyal, internal talent (the longer you're there, the fewer your chances of being promoted) -Diversity: For a Mission-driven company that seeks to care for the poor and vulnerable, tragically few people of color and other diverse backgrounds given the size of the organization. To add insult, the company does not recognize MLK Day as a paid holiday. Over the years, the company has steadily marginalized its own diversity department to maintain the homogenous status quo. -Work/life balance: used to be a "pro," but now individual employees are expected to produce the work formerly done by three employees. Rather than management saying "no" to senseless work requests, the polite culture is to never turn down a request...even if it comes in last minute and requires you to work past midnight -Training and tools: Providence's internal training tools are outdated and inadequate and will ensure that you fall behind in your craft/skills. Meaningful training (or training that requires any expense and/or travel) is for Director-level and above ranks only (another example of top-down management culture) - Top-down management: Providence is the epitomy of this outdated organizational culture. Bosses sit in big corner offices while the minions are crammed into cubes. Get used to asking permission, and you will learn to do things "the Providence way," whether it's right, wrong or terribly outdated