Hi Nikki. I work for Banner. It's one of the larger employers as they have a handfull of hospitals here. The two newest are Banner Estrella on the West side and Banner Gateway which is on the East side. Banner Good Sam is in central Phoenix, has magnet status, and was listed in the top 100 places for nurses to work in the US. This area also has the Mayo Clinic, Barrow's Neurological in St. Joseph's, Catholic Healthcare West, and some others. I think the size and number of options keeps most of the major players competetive with each other. You can check out job openings online. I'm happy to answer your questions online but I think my wife would object to me meeting with you in person so I'll decline on that. There is an Arizona thread on this site which I think has had some discussion of the different employers. I check that from time to time to learn and add my 2 cents worth when I can. Good luck! George (azhiker96)

Hi, azhiker - this is Nikki - thanks for your reply the other day to my questions re PACU. I appreciate the info you shared. I am planning to be in Phoenix this late spring/early summer - perhaps I could meet you to chat and pick your brain? Are you open to that? I am contemplating a move there after graduation, as I said. I am interested in knowing which are the most desirable hospitals to work in, etc. Thanks again for your time and any other guidance you may be willing to give my way! Nikki

Hi, azhiker ~ I just did my first rotation today in PACU and loved it! Also, I am close to your age, see that you are a relatively new nurse (or am i misunderstanding that?) and was just wondering about the chances of a new grad getting a job in PACU. Are you in the Phoenix area? It is where I am looking to relocate when I'm done school (May '10). Thanks for any insight you care to give me! Nikki