Inova Fairfax in VA vs. Banner Health Mesa

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · May 6, 2006

The traffic surrounding Inova Fairfax is horrendous.

nursprl · May 6, 2006

Traffic around INOVA Fairfax isn't too bad. It depends on where you end up getting housed and how you get to work. If you take that interstate, YES; the city streets, NO. Fairfax is a Magnet hospital and have a couple friends who worked in the PICU (staff and traveler) and like it there. Don't know anything about Banner.

Beneficence · May 6, 2006

I am in the same situation!! I want to go to VA by the end of the month and my recruiter has positions all over the state!! I wanted to go to Alexandria to be close to DC, but then I would love to be near VA beach. Any advice on any of the hospitals/traffic/night life etc. would help a lot. I heard Richmond was nice too.

sassyg0110 · May 8, 2006

Had great experience with Inova, Fairfax ER. Rates are good, too, as cost of living through the roof. Unless you want to drive several hours to and from work, live in the area. Rt66 and the beltway are a nightmare.

piperknitsRN · May 8, 2006

The concensus I'm getting is that Fairfax is a pretty good travel facility; traffic is crazy. If I choose this facility, I will try to work with my recruiter to house me in safe, *very* close to hospital. Still wouldn't mind more input on the facility--what did you like about it? Disklike?

TrixieTraveler · May 11, 2006

Have not worked Inova Fairfax, but did do a travel contract at Inova Alexandria in the ICU and liked it. They had great equipment. Have not worked Banner Mesa, but have worked Banner Good Samaritan in Phoenix which I LOVED. Equipment not as great, but the job is. Draw backs... More traffic around Inova Fairfax (although it is near a great mall). Mesa traffic not nearly as bad, BUT we're in triple digits already, another month the temperatures will be in the 110's. Also there are 2 serial killers on the loose in the Phoenix Metro area. If I were you, I'd consider an Arizona Banner Facility assignment in the fall or winter. There will likely always be an oppurtunity as AZ is like, number 3 in the nurse shortage area.

nursprl · May 11, 2006

What unit would you be working at Fairfax? Magnet Hospital..one of now 4 in the state. I have a friend who works in the PICU and likes...NICU busy...don't know about any other units. Sorry

Can take route 50 to hospital as well..some stop and go during rush hr times, but not as CRAZY:banghead: as I-66 and I-495.

cvryder · May 14, 2006

I'm at another Inova hospital (Alexandria) and like it. DC traffic sucks, period, but Fairfax is no worse than anywhere else. The system-wide orientation is the toughest I've ever been through.

Beneficence · May 17, 2006

How long did it take to get the job at Inova Fairfax/Alexandria? I submitted my name 7 days ago and have not heard anything. This will be my first assignment, so I don't know how long I should wait before submitting my name to other hospitals. I am getting worried. The job is still posted with my travel company though, so they have not filled the position (ICU). Any advice?

nursprl · May 17, 2006

Call your recruiter..find out of they have any info about it..if they submitted your application to the hospital first of all...they should tell you it was submitted then notifiy you if you are considered. Then the interview process begins. I'd submit to another place just in case as a back up. It won't hurt to interview at another location. If you interview at both places, just decline the offer at one location, thank them for the interview and let them know you will consider them again when they are reposting.

cvryder · May 17, 2006

If it's Alexandria, I think the manager (who has been interim for like 1 1/2 years) is on vacation this week. It took over a week for her to call me because her kid was sick at the time. We just got a whole boatload of travelers in though. If it's Fairfax, i don't know.