Banner Boswell Medical Center Travel Review Guide | Sun City, AZ

Here’s a breakdown of the travel nurse review, experiences and key insights about Banner Boswell in Sun City, AZ based on online reviews and comments from nurses who’ve worked there.

*Note: Chatgpt is an amazing tool that I believe comes in handy for analyzing reviews. This information was gathered by me, Kristin Farnsworth, from travelers I have worked with as well as various social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit and then filtered through Chatgpt to put it all in an easy-to-read format.

Banner Boswell Medical Center Overview for Travel Nurses

Work Environment

• ICU/PCU:

  • ICU nurses may float to cardiac telemetry with a 1:6 ratio, often without unit clerks or CNAs.

  • PCU is busy with a 1:5 patient ratio (occasionally 1:6). CNAs are helpful but stretched thin with high patient loads.

  • Leadership is responsive and available; however, staffing remains a challenge.

  • Good teamwork and camaraderie, especially on certain units like the 3rd Floor PCU.

• ER:

  • Typically 1:4 ratio, sometimes 1:5. Traveler-friendly environment with supportive staff and management.

  • Work is steady with a geriatric-heavy patient population.

Patient Demographics and Caseload

• Predominantly geriatric population, with many patients over 70 years old.

• High volume of cardiac-related cases, AMS (altered mental status), chest pain workups, EKGs, and straight caths.

• PCU sees telemetry patients with occasional stable vents and drips. ER focuses on non-critical tasks.

• Expect frequent admissions, sometimes back-to-back, and high census with double-bunked rooms.

Facility Conditions

• Charting System: Cerner.

• Equipment: Pyxis for medications and Alaris pumps.

• Support Resources:

  • Lab services are praised for efficiency.

  • Charge nurses typically have their own assignments, limiting availability for support.

• Physical space can feel crowded due to high census and shared patient rooms.

Safety and Housing

• Safety:

  • The area, Sun City, is considered relatively safe and caters to retirees.

  • Limited nighttime activities, but this contributes to a quieter environment.

• Housing:

  • Affordable housing options nearby; some travelers recommend securing housing in advance due to limited short-term availability.

General Sentiment

• Positive:

  • Teamwork and traveler-friendly atmosphere, especially on well-staffed units.

  • Flexible and responsive management in specific areas like the CVICU and certain PCU units.

  • Great experiences reported with friendly doctors and staff.

  • Geriatric-focused work appeals to nurses who enjoy low-intensity patient care.

• Negative:

  • Inconsistent staffing, frequent floating, and occasional unsafe conditions.

  • High workload, especially on understaffed units like PCU.

  • Travelers sometimes experience contract cancellations or pay cuts, though some have received bonuses.

Advice for Travelers

• Expectations:

  • Be prepared for high patient loads and minimal support in some units.

  • Expect geriatric-heavy cases and a lot of task-oriented work.

  • ER travelers report a manageable environment, while PCU and ICU travelers find it more demanding.

• Tips:

  • Stay flexible: floating is common.

  • Be proactive in securing alternative contracts in case of cancellations.

  • Research Banner policies and ask detailed questions during interviews to ensure alignment with personal preferences.

Summary

Banner Boswell offers a mixed experience, with some units excelling in teamwork and traveler-friendliness, while others struggle with staffing and workload. Success here largely depends on the unit, management support, and personal adaptability. It's a good fit for nurses who thrive in geriatric-focused settings and can handle busy, task-heavy environments.