Re: New Grad UCLA Originally Posted by chacmool
Hello all- I've been reading the threads on working in California. I'm currently living in Rochester NY and looking into moving out West after graduation in May. I have some interviews at UCLA and it sounds like it's a good place to work. Does anyone know about the new grad program? My concern is that I'm not going to know enough as a new nurse from NY and they will expect too much from me and I will fail. I was wondering how good the new grad program is. Also, I don't know if I will like LA- It know it's in a nice area, but can I afford it at 28 dollars/hour and pay off my loans?? Any opinions would be super helpful- thanks!!!
-Lauren
You will probably need to commute a bit. It's expensive out in LA. $28/hr is not enough to live on the beach or in the cool neighborhoods. You will receive a lot of experience. Know that it's very hectic, depending on the floor you choose. You will be with a preceptor but it may only be for 6 to 8 weeks, depending on the unit. There are ratio laws in California, so you may be responsible for 2 to 5 patients, again depending on whether you are on an ICU or on the acute floors. A lot of new grads leave after a year to get higher wages elsewhere; but it's a good place if you want experience. Good luck.
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