Good Samartian Hospital in Phoenix, AZ

Hoozdo, ADN · Feb 19, 2006

I am starting on 11cd in April, anyone work there in this hospital or unit? Also, any recommendations for apt near the hospital or in Tempe that are safe and not cockroach or rat infested? I think I prefer Tempe since I am in my 20's so then I can have a crowd near my age, but any ideas?

Hi Katie,

I LPN externed for a semester at Good Sam. It is a very large hospital, level 1 trauma center, specializes in high risk OB, and as an added extra - it is a magnent hospital. I enjoyed working there. I worked on 9, so I can't comment on 11cd.

I would not advise living near the hospital. Tempe would be an excellent choice for you - though driving in rush hour is a pain in the butt. If you have to commute in rush hour, you are better off taking surface streets than any freeway.

Best of luck, and gear up for a burning hot summer

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2006

First of all, congrats on your new job!! That's so exciting!

I have lived in Tempe most of my life, I love it here. I work in Phx, just down the road from Good Sam, and the commute really isn't that bad. It takes me about 20 minutes to get to work. Even in rush hour it's not too too bad, 35 minutes max. I take the 101 to the 202. I work night shift so I don't have to deal with the traffic at all. But even when I was orienting on days it wasn't terribly bad.

Lots of great places to live in Tempe. Check out this link and it shows apartments all over Tempe and gives reviews.

http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/AZ-Tempe.html

Good luck to you!

helpinghands, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2006

Just wondering if anyone knows what the new grad rate is at Good Sam and what the shift differentials are. We are relocating to Phoenix in a couple weeks and so far Good Sam is one of my top picks. Would love to hear more comments about the hospital!

Hoozdo, ADN · Feb 26, 2006

Just wondering if anyone knows what the new grad rate is at Good Sam and what the shift differentials are. We are relocating to Phoenix in a couple weeks and so far Good Sam is one of my top picks. Would love to hear more comments about the hospital!

The new grad rate is 20.53 an hour. The night shift differential is 15%. There is no weekend differential.

dorimar, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2006

I am shocked the new grad rate is only 20.53/hr!!! That is NOT enough. People make that all over this city with NO college degree ( and they don't have people's lives in their hands either).

I just started @ Good Sam in the neuro ICU 10 CD. I have been a nurse for 21 years and I took a pay cut to go there ( not a huge pay cut though). I am satisfied with my salary, but appalled at the new grad rate. My new director told me that they are doing a market analysis and will be adjusting salaries soon, as they are losing experienced nurses to other hospitals in the valley lately (because they have not been competetive with pay).

Good luck to you. And, Katie, maybe I will run into ya. I have worked nights for over 17 years (did you say you were nights?)

Doris

Kabin · Mar 3, 2006

I wonder if Good Sam's low pay is historical or related to Banner's recent purchase of the hospital. I'm afraid that as Banner buys more hospitals/clinics they will be more able to dictate salaries in the valley.

pattchez · Mar 4, 2006

I just left Banner Good Sam (Jan. 2006) to work for non-Banner hospital in the Valley and I did get better pay at my new emplyer. I know Banner made a salary adjustment for staff nurses about 8 months ago so I would be surprised if they do that again so soon. While money is important I made my change to work at a hospital with a more "caring" culture and believe I have found that place.

KatieRN04 · Mar 4, 2006

pattchez, what floor did you work on at Good Sam? And what was it that made you ultimately quit?

Also, what hospital do you now work for? And how much do you make at this new hospital? And what kind of nursing do you at the new job?

Can you give me some more insight into your comments regarding your post?

Litzybeth · Mar 16, 2006

ACTUALLY, I am a extern at Good Sam and have done all my clinicals here. I graduate soon, and we were told two weeks ago that they have raised the new grad rate, I believe 3 or 4 dollars more (23-24 an hour) + 15% shift diff. I definitley plan on sticking around, its a great hospital and I think that since its a teaching hospital, people are a lot more accustomed to new grads here. Good luck wherever you decide to go!