Joe vs. Mary in Tucson

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Apr 19, 2007

I worked as an admitting clerk in the ER at St. Mary's years ago. I'm a pre-nursing student now. General info about St. Mary's - bad area. If you work there you don't want to live anywhere around there. Generally speaking, I'd look at St. Joes. Not sure about the ER/critical care program. Maybe someone in the know will come along.

Have you looked at UMC in Tucson? It's the only level 1 trauma center in Southern AZ. I always hear good things about UMC.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Apr 19, 2007

Nay to St mary's, unless you would like a long commute. Not a fan of the area for raising children.

St Joes is fine, but if you really want real critical care, look at the U. Better critical care class, better orientation, better trauma, and better critical care.

However, if you are a lover of ER, and don't want to go to our only level 1 trauma center in town, then I'd definately go to St mary's for that. Busiest ER in town.

nurse2b_bakey · Apr 20, 2007

Thanks so much for your replies......so I guess hands down it's TMC for emergency, I think I got lured by the relocation dollars, but maybe it's just because the website for Carondelet is beefed up. I don't want to get ahead of myself by contacting HR a year before graduation, i am focusing on my assessment skills and getting a good preceptorship at our ED in town.

Can anyone give me names of the neighborhoods close to campus/TMC that are semi-affordable for a single family? I am having trouble discerning between them all on the realty websites, as each map is a little different. We will probably rent short-term (6 months) until we find out what buying is like in town, and if my hubby gets into grad-school:uhoh3: Also, any private/montessori, reputable primary schools would be appreciated. Thanks so much for any advice. Hope the AZ weekend is beautiful!

:caduceus: B

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2007

Where did TMC come from here? I thought we were talking UMC (university hospital, level one) v. St. Mary's and St. Joes.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Apr 21, 2007

LOL, when I read that I thought what :confused: ?

When did we talk about TMC?

But they are ok for ER.

nurse2b_bakey · Apr 21, 2007

:uhoh3: Apologies for typo -- UMC, level 1, blood and guts, TRAUMA. that's what we like. I think we are pretty solid on that prospect. Let's just hope they have an offer for me this time next year.

Now I need to know where to look for real estate, or temporary rental home/apt. How far from campus is considered safe? What school zones are choice? Any help.

Thanks for your help clearing up my typos. OT -- in an attempt to prevent migraines, I have eliminated caffiene from my life. great for the headaches, bad for cognition, reading/writing, etc. Bear with me!:smilecoffeeIlovecof

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · Apr 21, 2007

Have you gone to the UMC website? UMCAZ.COM. I think UMC provides some sort of tuition benefits for dependents of employees at the U of A. Maybe that could help with your husband's tuition at the U?

Not sure what to say about the real estate/rental situation. Everyone has different priorities and threshholds for acceptible. I think you are going to have to come out here and see what you think. Also, it's hard to say because there are neighborhoods right next to UMC that are great (and expensive!) yet two blocks over there can be a neighborhood that is crime-infested and scary.

arual56 · May 26, 2007

Hi Everyone.....
This post like many others is asking for any advice on relocating to Tucson upon graduation from nursing school. I will have a BSN next May, my husband is looking at U of A for grad school, and I am interested in the emergency/critical care program Carondelet offers.
Can anybody tell me why they like St. Joe's or St. Mary's better, if this ED program is as good as they say it is.....also, I have gotten very little info about their "relocation allowance" offer, is this really true, or just bait?
I also have a daughter who will be starting kindergarten when we head west, so if you can give me any help with good neighborhoods, schools, etc. I would be very appreciative.
Thanks for any help, advice, websites, you can throw my way.
:nurse:B

I am a new LPN at Carondelet St. Joe's, but have friends that work Carondelet St. Mary's. I don't think that one facility is any "better" than the other, however, there is a difference between the facilities. St. Mary's has the DOC contract, and as such has the greater interaction of prisoners. They also have the burn unit, and the higher acuity behavioral health unit, as well as having a larger ED at the moment. St. Joe's has a 52 bed ED but is currently building a new women's tower/neuro center, and will be building a new ED in the next couple of years. St. Joe's has fewer gang related incidents, but is still just as incredibly busy as St. Mary's. The other option you may want to look at is Ascension's newest acquisition of Tucson Heart Hospital. It is on the North West side of town while still being inside Tucson City Limits. St Mary's is on the South West side of town and St. Joe's is located mid-east city. Neighborhoods depend on what you are looking for. If you are going to buy and don't mind a commute, either Rita Ranch or Oro Valley might be good places to consider. If you are looking for rentals, you might want to consider the northeast side. In my opinion, it is best to steer clear of the West and South west sides of town. And do yourself and stay away from 29th street all together. It is known as gang hollow. Hope this helps.