where should I go next? Need advice!

Reigen · May 12, 2006

I'm in Tucson at St. Mary's on the Ortho/Neuro/Med/Surg floor. Traveler very friendly and staff is very helpful with the traveling nurse's. I currently am in an apartment that is about 7 miles (20 minute drive) from the hospital. Traffic is not so bad early mornings, area has plenty of things to do off time, full of history, and great places to eat at.

I like the heat its hovering just around 95 the past few days.

I too have relatives here in Tucson and its been fun catching up with the "family". I made a good choice to be here, and while I do not travel alone these days, I have traveled many years "single". Tucson is a fairly "safe place" for a single person. I wish you the very best in whatever you choose.

Reigen

nurseclare · Jun 8, 2006

Hi Traveller,

I moved to Tucson, by myself, in Feb '06 from NY state for my first nursing job at UMC. (I lived in Calif for years, (married) but was not an RN.) I picked Tucson because it looked affordable and safe -- both true. I am finding it difficult to live in 106 degree heat without a large body of water nearby. Pools are a must have. Good unflux of Calif/Oregoneons in the winter, but it seems like most people live here part-time and things slow way down in the summer. Forget South Tucson and the East side is older housing. As a traveller, I say, try it. It is a pretty place, with mountains. But somewhat lacking in cultural stimulation (for me), unless there is more happening in the winter. If you hike, the winter would be good. Large spanish-speaking population, so if you are bi-lungual it will help.

I like the North/Northwest areas. Oro Valley is nice but traffic gets heavy in the winter when the snowbirds are here. Good location if you work at NW Medical.

This is my first hospital job -- med/surg but the 4:1 patient ratio attracted me. Lots of admits and discharges, super busy hospital. As a teaching facility lots of interns/residents/ case mgrs/social workers and orders change on an hourly basis. The good news, you can usually get a doctor if you need one. Tucson is a lot smaller than Phoenix, prettier and easy to get around town. Airport is small and some flights may not be direct -- you may have to through Phoenix -- so it might take longer to get places if you fly very much. Good luck to you!

swater · Jun 8, 2006

I am traveling for the first time period and I am leaving for Hawaii Sun. to work at Kona Community hospital. I really don't think it will be bad since I am very easy to make friends. Good Luck and ALOHA

nick223 · Jun 8, 2006

You're gonna be fine! When people know your situation they will probably be more ready to befriend you than if you had a partner with you in which case they would perhaps be more likely to respect your privacy? I'm a student nurse now in the UK, so am temporarily settled, but have continually traveled in the past - on my own was often more fun as there is more freedom to mix with new and interesting people. I have lived and worked in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Arizona (my favourite place ever!), Colorado, Utah, California, Portugal and Britain. Everywhere I have discovered that life offers the best in new adventures and great people. I am studying now and when I graduate/register I want to travel nurse in the States. Can't wait to keep moving. Maybe see you sometime out there! Best of luck to you.

swater · Jun 9, 2006

Thanks for the vote of confidence. :nurse:

ZiggyNoEar · Jun 9, 2006

Nurseclare,

Hello, . Was reading that you worked in AZ and that you are from NY, as am I. I cant believe when you say,

"... med/surg but the 4:1 patient ratio attracted me."

Four to ONE?! I am astonished. This the norm, or the exception? I've been a nurse for about 10 years in NY, and never seen that ratio. In contrast, I have had 8 to 1 on good nights, 16 to 1 on bad nights(bad hospital), and an average of 10-11 on a tele floor. Though they now throw med/surg in with the tele(which should not be more than 5 to 1).

Is this common practice in your experience outside NY? I do have a couple of friends that moved to Cali and love it because of the nurse to patient ratios. But, I never thought NY was so far from the 'norm' as compared to the rest of the country.

Just curious as I am selling my house and moving soon( 2 weeks?) and I wish to get a different perspective of nursing from people that worked, or are working around the country.

Thanks for your time.

Billy

Veronica · Jun 13, 2006

I'm in Tucson at St. Mary's on the Ortho/Neuro/Med/Surg floor. Traveler very friendly and staff is very helpful with the traveling nurse's. I currently am in an apartment that is about 7 miles (20 minute drive) from the hospital. Traffic is not so bad early mornings, area has plenty of things to do off time, full of history, and great places to eat at.
I like the heat its hovering just around 95 the past few days.
I too have relatives here in Tucson and its been fun catching up with the "family". I made a good choice to be here, and while I do not travel alone these days, I have traveled many years "single". Tucson is a fairly "safe place" for a single person. I wish you the very best in whatever you choose.
Reigen

What is the nurse patient ratio at St. Mary, may I ask? Thinking of going there 7p-7a med/surg RN. Thank you in advance.