Stayin in Arizona

Yeah, how bad can it be to live here year round? Well, I've been here over a year already, survived my first summer, and I still love the weather. How can you not? If it's too hot, drive an hour or so and you are in the mountains. If it's too cold or wet up there, come down to the valley. More sunshine than grey, more heat than cool, what more could you ask for. Ok, maybe a beach, but that's it.
I am a victim of the crappy economy. All the hospitals are tightening their belts, they may not need to but, it's a good excuse. I am now officially a Banner staff member. I got a pretty good rate, plus the insurance is incredibly cheaper, and PTO when they call me off like this week. I tried everything this week to work...the only day I wasn't signed up was Monday...I only worked 32 hours...that sucks. But, Monday I get to go to orientation, again. Yeah, free money, maybe I'll get some orientation on the floor or maybe they will send me to computer class again,lol.
It's been a good ride. If I wanted to work nights in Oregon or days in Rhode Island I could have gotten a travel position. But, I'm beyond all that. I've been nursing way too long to put myself in an uncomfortable position again. Not that a staff position is all that, it's just something different for a while.
Non noc nocere

What's next?

Aahhh, Phoenix in the winter. Dang, you just can't beat this weather, how did I live for so many years in the frozen north? It was 73 degrees at 7:30 last night on my way home from work...amazing. And sunny everyday...the days it is gray are so rare, what a switch from Cleveland.
Well, traveling is getting a little more difficult and not paying as well. I got offered $28/hr blended in California...yuck. As a matter of fact, I cannot find a contract in the state of Arizona at all...so, I think I will be making the plunge into staff nursing. Wow, never thought I'd say that. I just really like my life the way it is right now, and I don't want it to change. I don't want to leave my husband for a job somewhere else again...so, I guess Arizona is my home for awhile. My new boss to be seems very accommodating. She has let a majority of her staff take off weeks at a time for personal reasons or for the holidays. No, I don't love everything about the job or the idea of a pay cut, but, it's better than no job. And it's better than night shift somewhere or ending up in a situation like I had a the other hospital I transferred to. I have already been here 11 months...at this hospital, and been here in Phoenix just over a year. It'll be hard to get used to getting paid every 2 weeks but having PTO will be a nice switch. Yeah, everyone is still complaining about not getting any over time but I think they are just complaining to be complaining... I see them at the hospital everytime I am there...and I'm getting my 4-5 days a week. Gotta let it go, let them keep complaining and see where it gets them, huh?
Well, say a prayer for our troops, take care of yourselves...non noc nocere.