d2p

Yes, they are meeting "some requirement" - namely, core measures as set forth by medicare. It is not flu season, so giving you a flu shot anytime after March and before October is contraindicated. Nurses make mistakes. Generally the pnemococcal and influenza screening tools are combined and sometimes nurses forget that it's not 'flu season'. You are right. They should not offer them if they are not indicated because (clearly) the general public does not understand "indicated vs not indicated" - they think as you: don't offer if it is not indicated. Also, if you are under 65 and do not have any chronic disease you are not a candidate for pnemonia vac either. If you would like both, you should see your PCP - immunizations are really best given by your PCP who knows your history and follows it. This is the first time in history that hospitals and physicians are being offered MORE incentive to "do the right thing". Of course there is more controversy over telling physicians what best practices are - patients and illnesses are unique and sometimes 'standing orders' don't meet all needs. There are pluses and minuses here - the good thing is that it is a concern in our legislature and our medical community and I believe that really, everyone wants what's best for the patient in the long run. Generally medical folk don't go after people to hurt them or make lives miserable, ya know?

P.S. The Tucson Heart Hospital has a Baylor program (see, I always thought it was 'bail-er' - like bailing you out...snicker). They aren't too bad to work for but be prepared to float. They are a privately owned hospital, though, and the pay is pretty decent. Northwest is a really long haul from Sierra Vista, but an okay place to work, from what I understand. The only other options here are the Carondelet hospitals, TMC, Kino (community hospital) and the VA. VA, of course, has great benefits if you care for it. The others are also good hospitals and depending on what you want to do may suit your needs. There is agency stuff to consider as well if you are interested in that and the pay is higher but usually without benefits...but if your DH is military you may not need them? Pretty much any hospital you wanted to work at would be interested, I bet. Good luck to ya... Dede

Yes, it is my understanding that some floors did cut the tech support. There is generally still one tech devoted to tele monitoring and instead of 4 circulating there are 2, sometimes 3 depending on the load. The 4:1 nurse to patient ratio, however, is really adhered to. You don't get an 'oops' here's #5. Still seems to make a lot of the nurses happy. Depending on what you want to do and rather or not you need health benefits, you might consider per diem or float pool. You say when you work and you see a diverse area of the hospital so you have an idea of what areas interest you more. Hope that helps, Dede

So sorry your experience was negative. I had a few challenges, but found that overall the program was really great. The good thing is that the foundation is there and if you choose to explore the options, at least the inital part of having the degree is done. Nursing is truly a profession of 'what you make it', in my personal estimation. Hope your pasteurs got greener. D2

Yes, I get it. Thank you. D2

Just so you know - UMC also offers incentives for nurses who travel greater than, like, 40 miles to work. I am almost sure Sierra Vista qualifies and feel certain there are several nurses who still carpool. It is a great place to work as a nurse. There is a lot to choose from and the benefits are pretty good. There is also a 4:1 patient to nurse ratio and the facility is a Magnet hospital. There are great benefits and it would do you well to look into nursing there. There is also an airbase out of Sierra Vista, so if you are into flight nursing, it may be an option for you. Good luck, D2

Silly me for not looking at where a poster was from. So sorry if I offended. Personally love Arizona. 'Middle nursing' is still not a term I am familiar with. If the reference was to payscale, I beg whomever's pardon for misunderstanding. The average hospital in the metropolitan area starts in the $19 range. Flagstaff is not metropolitan, but does qualify as a Level one if I am not mistaken and the rates are probably competitive for AZ. I have the name of a nurse in the human resource area who would be more than happy to help find a wage in Flagstaff, if you are interested. I am new to this board, but gather from my brief stint here that you can figure out how to e-mail me personally. Again - let me say, hey, AZ is a great place to nurse. There is a lot to see, do, learn here. Best to you, Dede

Tracy - you probably know by now...challenging program, great instructors, fun to do. It will be great for you as many of the students are return or not the traditional college student. You will love nursing. Make sure you do everything on time and ask for help at the first sign of needing it. Don't wait until you are in over your head to ask for anything. You will do great! Best to you, Dede

So sorry anyone from AZ answered so strangely...never heard of 'middle' anything nursing...perhaps the poster meant "intermediate" or was refering to 'step-down' care? Flagstaff is gorgeous and as far as educators, it really depends on the facility and what the job entails. Many institutes regard bedside nursing higher than any other type of nursing - not all, but most. The good thing is that some allow you to do floor nursing as well which helps not only with finances, but also with keeping in touch with what your facility really needs. They pay differently when you are on the floor. Please feel free to contact me personally for anything else you might be interested in knowing and ignore those who might make you feel unwelcome in Arizona...we're a pretty nice bunch, honest - Dede