Work with your peers from around the world at this JCAHO- accredited 127 -bed hospital. The Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) employs nearly 900 people to provide its comprehensive range of specialty services.
The Phoenix Indian Medical Center consists of:
Surgical Unit - 32 beds
Medical Unit - 39 beds
Pediatric Unit - 22 beds
OB Unit - 10 beds with 10 Nursery beds
Research Unit - 21 beds
ICU - 5 beds
Patients are referred to the Phoenix Indian Medical Center for specialized care not available at the eight reservation hospitals in the following communities: Fort Yuma, Owyhee, Keams Canyon, San Carlos, Whiteriver, Parker, Sacaton, and Schurz.
Q.What types of specialty
services does your organization provide?..
Specialty services include anesthesiology, pediatrics, internal medicine, general surgery (a 4-bed OR), orthopedics, a busy ambulatory surgical center, obstetrics, gynecology, family practice, emergency medicine, ophthalmology, optometry, ENT, podiatry, pathology, radiology, psychiatry, physical therapy, and dental services. There are subspecialties of gastroenterology, infectious disease, pulmonology, cardiology, dermatology, neurology, oncology, rheumatology, etc. We have one rural clinic, The Salt River Clinic servicing specifically the Salt River Indian Reservation. Additionally, we have a Diabetes and HIV Center of Excellence.
Q.Describe any future
expansion plans, added services or new developments for your facility?
Plans are underway to implement an Oncology Center of Excellence and we are in the process of developing a tele-medicine and tele-radiology program
Q. What
makes working in your organization different from working for other employers?
PIMC serves a unique clientele. Service is provided to American Indians and Alaska Natives, as our primary mission. A large majority of the staff are Native Americans yet PIMC is an equal opportunity employee. Other benefits include being a Federal facility and the employee benefits are outstanding.
Nurses primarily work 12 hour shifts and the nurse-patient ratio is very acceptable. The ratio is low and the staff comment 'that it is nice to work in a facility where a nurse can actually have the time to provide quality patient care'. The average nurse-patient ratio on the Medical unit is about 5-6 patients per nurse.
There is also an opportunity to have a flexible career with the Indian Health Service (IHS). If there is a job vacancy anywhere within the IHS and a nurse qualifies, application can be made for the position. There are opportunities to work temporary assignments in many unique or remote settings. The diversity that is available with the Indian Health Service is a MAJOR bonus!"
Continuing education is another plus for employees of the Indian Health Services. There is ample opportunity to attend classes, attend conferences, and participate in a variety of learning opportunities that is relative to enhancing one's job.
Q.Can you explain the
career opportunities available for new graduates in your organization?
We welcome new RN graduates on the Medical and Surgical units. Although PIMC is not affiliated with a teaching facility, there are openings for new RN graduates at PIMC. Currently, a professional nurse transitional program is being developed. Plans are for the program to begin in June 2001, and will be a 20-week course. The majority of the transitional nurse's time will be spent on the Medical and Surgical units. Clinical rotations will also include specialty areas: OB, ER, Outpatient clinic, and possibly ICU and the OR. The first class will have 4 new RN graduates and plans are to expand the class to 10 transitional nurses by June 2002. We are planning to accept nurse applicants from across the United States, who have accepted a position within the Indian Health Service. Beginning in February 2001, we will be conducting a Preceptor Program for the current nursing staff, with at least 2 RNs participating from each unit. Preceptors will receive a certification upon completion.
In the future, plans are to include a re-entry program for RNs, to assist in orienting nurses back into the clinical environment.
Q. What
can a candidate expect during their interview process?
There is a somewhat lengthy application process in terms of the required paperwork. The first thing that a prospective applicant may do, is to fill out an application. If the applicant is a new graduate, we require that they send their transcript along with their application. If someone has honors on their transcripts, we award them a higher payscale (BSN's only). If someone is an experienced nurse they are not required to provide a transcript.
Q.What are some common
mistakes candidates make when applying for jobs with your facility?
New prospective employees who are not familiar with the Indian Health Service may shortchange themselves themselves by not providing all the in-depth information about their background, skills and experiences. It is very important for the prospective applicant to provide as much information as possible, more than just the skills they perform in their current job. For example, if they've participated on special committees, or been part of a quality improvement project, include that information on the resume. Also include any certifications, copies of licensure, ACLS, PALS, along with any other documentation that is pertinent to their application. We would like to get to know the entire person. For example, if you are an ICU nurse, document your level of expertise and experience, because there are many different levels of ICU nursing. It is important for the applicant to document their specific qualifications along with other contributions like: grant writing, teaching, clinical management, etc,.
All of these things are important when considering one's application for employment.
Q. Describe
the employee compensation and benefit packages available at your organization.
Q.Most facilities stress
only the positive aspects of working for their organization. What are some
of the challenges faced by new employees and even experienced personnel?
Childcare is our main challenge. There is plenty of housing available in the Phoenix area. PIMC nursing salary is very comparable to the local hospitals. Starting salary at most of the local facilities, start at about $19.00 per hour. PIMC makes every effort to match or even increase the compensation package that is provided for nurses and other medical personnel. A nursing employee satisfaction survey was conducted and one positive comment was the fact that there were numerous opportunities to attend in-house educational seminars and conferences. The employees find this very helpful.
Q. What
is the best way for a candidate to apply for a job with your facility?
If provided,
please follow the link/s below to access employment opportunities
at Phoenix Indian Medical Center. If employment opportunity information is not available
at this time, you are advised to contact the facility's Human Resource
Department for more information.
To
help you get a better picture of the community surrounding Phoenix Indian Medical Center, you may also
want to check out any Related Links (Part IV), below, for further community, business and hospital information.
Community
Highlights
Arizona is home to the Grand Canyon
Enjoy hiking, biking, overnight camping trips, river rafting, kayaking and beautiful scenery year round.
Outstanding lakes with a variety of water sports awaits you in Arizona
The Greater Phoenix area offers over 130 golf courses
Phoenix is home to 4 major sports: Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association, Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League, Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball and the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League
Additional
Thoughts About The Community
Although Arizona has always been known for its warm, sunny climate, the state is recognized for its favorable business climate as well. With fewer regulations than many other states, and a pro-business government that reduced corporate income tax from 9 percent to 8 percent and cut personal income taxes for six straight years, Arizona continues to attract new businesses. Source: Intro Phoenix
