UCI Medical Center New Grad Program Summer '09

I will be in the SICU. I am so excited, especially seeing that so many new grads are having such a hard time finding jobs!

I couldn't believe it when I got called for an interview! I had sent my application months prior with no response. The NM said they opened up 8 new beds in the SICU and made 4 new grads. They just referred to the prior application process. You probably already know all of this! I just can't believe they picked my application out of the sea of hopefuls. Are you going to be working nights? I am. That will be an interesting adjustment. I am so excited, but I am a little scared too! I guess we are jumping into the deep end of nursing! Have you taken the NCLEX? I haven't even received my IP yet. I am holding my breath that I get it in time! Have you worked at UCI or done any clinicals there? I haven't, so I am going in blind!

I am glad to hear that you have heard good things about UCI. I know no one there. I went to CSUDH. I was in the MEPN program. I precepted at St. Joseph's in the MICU. I also did clinicals in the ICU at the VA in LA. I asked the NM how the heck she picked my application out. She said she saw that I had been a school speech pathologist. She said her son needed speech therapy throughout elementary school and she really admired the profession. Wow, what luck I had. I think it also helped that I had over 300 hours experience in the ICU and had letters of recommendation from my critical care theory instructor, critical care clinical instructor, and my MICU preceptor.

I am waiting for my IP and ATT. My school didn't send my transcripts (I just found this out yesterday! argh!). AND I have a terrible criminal past ;-). I got charged with a misdemeanor 9 years ago for an unpaid traffic ticket. Long story. Mean judge. I guess my application has to be reviewed further. So I pray and cross my fingers that all works out in time.

I did my physical and peed in a cup. I just need a second TB test tomorrow. Do you know anything about scrubs? I think they have uniform scrubs in the departments. Do they pay for them? I was also told I would get paid $31.27 per hour with a differential for nights. Do you know what the differential is?

Thanks for the info. May I ask...how did you go about studying for the NCLEX? I have just been doing practice questions from Saunders and I am wondering if it is enough. I am starting to doubt myself.