Pros
None not a single thing
Cons
WARNING: Northstar Behavioral Health Hospital Review As a former staff member of Northstar Behavioral Health Hospital in Anchorage, I am compelled to share a distressing account of the institution's subpar environment, lack of integrity, and blatant disregard for patient and staff well-being. My experience working at Northstar has left me with a profound sense of disappointment and frustration, and I feel obligated to warn families who may be considering this facility for their loved ones. A Place Where Compassion, Integrity, and Accountability are Rarely Prioritized Northstar Behavioral Health Hospital is touted as a place where children and adolescents receive mental health treatment. However, my time at the hospital revealed a stark contrast to this expectation. I witnessed a culture marred by: Verbal Abuse: Staff members, including nurses, yelled at patients, treating them with disdain instead of kindness and empathy. Leadership condoned this behavior, even going so far as to justify it as necessary for "patient safety." Exhaustion and Burnout: Hardworking staff members were pushed to the point of exhaustion, only to be met with criticism and blame when they couldn't keep up. The CEO and CNO created a "mean girls club" that rewarded those who conformed to their expectations, while leaving behind the valued and dedicated staff members. Manipulated Evaluations: Staff evaluations were falsified, with no explanation or justification for the changes. This led to some staff members receiving laughable wage increases, while being demotivated and undervalued. Inconsistent Retention and Promotions: Job openings were created to favor certain individuals, with little regard for their qualifications or experience. This created a toxic work environment, where favoritism reigned. Lack of Resources and Support: Clinicians were overwhelmed with an unsustainable caseload, making it impossible to provide quality care. How can anyone support (15+) patients? They were also pressured into saying things they didn't believe, compromising their integrity and the integrity of their clients. Unorganized Intake Process: Patients arrived with potential risks, such as hazardous items, that compromised the safety of both staff and other patients to include drugs, sharp objects, lighters etc.. Bogus Trainings and Empty Promises: Leadership created fake trainings to appease regulators, while promising staff longer, more meaningful trainings that never materialized. Lack of Competency in Leadership Roles: Unqualified individuals, including those with no experience in behavioral health, made critical decisions that impacted patient care. A Call to Action If you have a child considering this facility, I urge you to explore alternative options. Northstar is not a safe place for children, where they may experience verbal abuse, neglect, and exposure to safety-threatening situations. If you're considering working at Northstar, please be aware that you'll face a culture of exploitation, favoritism, and disregard for staff values. Don't fall prey to the promises of "changing the culture" or "making a difference." Unfortunately, countless good nurses and clinicians have tried and failed, risking their licenses and well-being in the process. To all current Northstar employees, I say: You deserve better. You deserve a workplace that values your well-being, hears your concerns, and offers opportunities for growth. You deserve better. I encourage you to explore reputable companies that prioritize their staff and patients. I encourage you to work at a place that shares your values.