Nevada, Arizona, and to a lesser extent New Mexico are among the fastest-growing states in the country. And with that growth comes a need for more RNs.
Wendy Hendrickson, RN, nurse recruiter at Tucson Medical Center in Tucson, Arizona, says the health care workforce shortage is especially pronounced there. "Tucson hospital recruiters report an average RN vacancy rate of 15% to 20%. Nurses at bedside are needed most," she says. She adds that hospitals are looking for associate's degree nurses and bachelor's degree nurses for direct patient care. For education and leadership positions, they're looking for nurses with a bachelor of science in nursing or a master's degree. Hospitals also encourage nursing certification for all specialties.
Living in Tucson. According to the Metropolitan Tucson Convention and Visitors Bureau (http://www.visittucson.org), "Tucson is a growing metropolis of 1 million that keeps getting better and better. The city's geography is a postcard image of cactus forests, rolling hills and awe-inspiring mountains. Tucson lies in the borderland, a region that blends the cultures of the United States and Mexico, and has a long history of settlement by ancient Native American peoples, Spanish explorers, and Anglo frontiersmen." Just as great, the Web site continues, "The weather is mild nearly all the time, just right for all kinds of fun activities."
Hendrickson adds that Tucson is a well-educated community: more than 83% of the population has a high school diploma or higher, compared with the national average of 66%. It's home to the University of Arizona, a top-ranked research university. Pima Community College is a multicampus two-year college serving all of Pima County.
Tucson has its own symphony, as well as ballet, opera, and theater companies. For the athletically inclined, golf is a favorite pastime in Tucson, as are hiking, horseback riding, tennis, and swimming. For those more interested in some pampering, Tucson is home to a dozen major resorts and spas.
Your Guide to Job Opportunities in the Desert States
Banner Health-Corporate Offices
1441 N. 12th Street Phoenix, AZ 85006 (602) 747-4000
Banner Health
Phoenix, AZ (866) 377-JOBS (5627) Web site: http://www.bannerhealth.com
Renown Health
1155 Mill Street Reno, NV 89502 (775) 982-4100 Web site: http://www.renown.org
Sun Health
10474 W. Thunderbird Blvd. Sun City, AZ 85351 Contact: Recruitment Department (800) 486-5576 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.sunhealth.org/careers
Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center
3186 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Contact: Belinda McGraw (702) 731-8000 Fax: (702) 731-8668 E-mail: [email protected]
Tucson Medical Center
5301 E. Grant Rd. Tucson, AZ 85712 Contact: Bruce Megenhardt (800) 526-5353, ext. 41543 Fax: (520) 324-5277 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.tmcaz.com
Yuma Regional Medical Center
2400 S. Avenue A Yuma, AZ 85364 Contact: Professional Recruiter (800) 726-YUMA (9862) Fax: (928) 336-7677 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.yumaregional.org