Healthcare systems in Phoenix (Scottsdale: home, find a job, move)

[Lexethan]

How are the healthcare systems, specifically Banner and Abrazo/Sound, in Phoenix? What are your experience both as patients and if you are or have worked there? I'm trying to see which one has a better reputation. My family is planning a move out there and need a good hospital system to establish with as new patients. I'm hoping to find a job within the systems as well. I have a family member that is a nurse. Thanks for any information you can provide!

[Valley Native]

As far as my medical care, I haven't had much personal experience with the major health networks outside of my own doctor ... however, my family members have (particularly my mother & father who are well into their 80s). They have both been hospitalized at Good Samaritan, John C. Lincoln, and Baptist, and they all seemed fairly average to good as far as overall health care. My main complaints were the slowness of response time (which can be attributed to the nurses & aides being extremely busy), and the slowness of release time. The last time my mother was in the hospital, I couldn't believe how long it took between the doctor giving the approval for release, and the time she actually was able to leave ... it was several HOURS!

Recently, many of the more notable hospitals have changed their names to the health network they are with. Baptist is now Abrazo Central Campus, and St. Joseph's is now Dignity. I don't know if that's going to make a difference in the quality of care, but it is more proof that hospitals are now being run like corporations. Whether that's positive or negative remains to be seen.

[Zippyman]

Originally Posted by Valley Native

snip // and the slowness of release time. The last time my mother was in the hospital, I couldn't believe how long it took between the doctor giving the approval for release, and the time she actually was able to leave ... it was several HOURS!

Just an fyi - as a nursing student I've done clinicals at many of the hospitals you've mentioned - without fail, the docs do their rounds at 7 or 8 am and tell the patients & the nurses they're sending the patient home that day. Then, they actually put the order for release in the computer at one or two pm.. it's getting better at many facilities, but still an issue. If you've got a discharge order actually in the computer, you'll usually be on the street in no more than 20 minutes (and that's usually waiting for a wheelchair).

[PoppySead]

It's hit or miss for me. Some doctors are great, some not so much. I have for the most part really liked the nusing staff and relied in them the most. The docs are in for 5 min, and most I've had were foreign so I couldn't understand what they said anyway. The nuse would translate shortly after. Lol
It's pretty much like most others. I experience the same now in California.

[PoppySead]

Originally Posted by Zippyman

Just an fyi - as a nursing student I've done clinicals at many of the hospitals you've mentioned - without fail, the docs do their rounds at 7 or 8 am and tell the patients & the nurses they're sending the patient home that day. Then, they actually put the order for release in the computer at one or two pm.. it's getting better at many facilities, but still an issue. If you've got a discharge order actually in the computer, you'll usually be on the street in no more than 20 minutes (and that's usually waiting for a wheelchair).

Remember Zippyman, those patients will look toward you as a nurse for more information about their condition than the doctors. I saw my doctor once and have no real recollection of her at all. But, I remember every nurse, and sent them a big basket of cookies as a thank you.
Nursing is a difficult job.

[Jnvlv247]

I was hospitalized at Scottsdale Healthcare Shea campus and they basically saved my life.

The staff was amazing, the nurses made the experience less terrifying. The Docs are pretty good and care about the patients and were very knowledgeable. Like any work place, there were some just OK or crappy staff but the good staff made it great