UCLA or USC-LAC Emergency?

I don't work at either facility. USC LAC is a county facility, and is part of the county health system here. I have heard good things about the UCLA new grad program, but nothing about county's. I think UCLA's new grad programs are just twice a year, but county's start year-round. Their respective neighborhoods might be a factor -- county is located in downtown, in a not-so-nice area. UCLA is in Westwood, which is a fairly nice (read: expensive) place to live.

LAC+USC ER program is only conducted twice per year. April and September. April is already filled, and if you want to get into septembers program you need to start the hiring process/interviewing ASAP because the people from my nursing school who didn't get in for April are already on the (short) list of those who will be accepted for September - I believe they accept 13-15 per program.

Are you refering to UCLA medical center or Harbor UCLA (county facility)?

UCLA offers more percs...
LAC-USC offers more grit,trauma,benefits are excellent and salaries just went up alot!!!!!

USC-LAC is a level 1 trauma with a burn center. I have been at Harbor-UCLA (County) and it ain't pretty and supplies are all locked up and pretty sparce (i.e., if you want juice for your ER patient that is not NPO and has been there 3 hours, go buy it yourself in the cafeteria), but if you want ED experience it is definitely a good place to be. After observing the Peds ER there for a few days, I was ready to go to work there. I was told by a recruiter that you cannot even apply to the County until you have your IP (interim permit). Starting pay for a new grad will be $29.52/hr after 4/1/07. They also give you extra $$ for health insurance, but if you choose one of the more expensive options you will still end up having $$ taken from your paycheck for health insurance. A clinical instructor told me USC-LAC looks good on your resume cause it shows you can "work with sticks". P.S. You don't have to live in Boyle Heights to work there, just as you might not live in Westwood if you work at UCLA.

UCLA Med Ctr is also level 1 trauma, no burn center. Definitely nicer environment as far as neighborhood and amenities in the hospital, but it is not luxurious by any means. Parking is ~$50/month in an outlying lot. New grads make I think $28.33/hr. You start accruing vacation time immediately. I don't know when the specific ER programs start. As a new grad at UCLA, you rotate days and nights, a few weeks days, then nights (different units do this differently). UCLA is taking apps online and interviewing RIGHT NOW. I'd apply and follow up with a phone call immediately.

The ED at USC-LAC is a hectic place. Wait time for patients is usually about 10 hours on a good day. Many of your patients will be Spanish speaking. You'll see a lot of people who should have come in much sooner, but couldn't afford to miss a day of work while waiting for care. Don't expect to do textbook nursing. You'll learn practical nursing. If you have a creative, paitent personality, it may be a good fit for you.

I left LA this past Oct. I worked as a travel Nurse in Neuro-Science,Neuro-Surg ICU and Neuro-ICU in LA USC. Let me tell you, how the State allows this hospital to stay open is a mind blower!!! Trust me, stay out of any teaching hospital in LA County. Very bad risk on your license. You have the random bunch that order stupid things like KCL IV. I mean, give me a break! No Instructor in sight!

UCLA Medical Center in Westwood is opening up a brand new replacement hospital in September that will be huge. 1 million 50 thousand sq ft. Supposed to be the largest in the US. It will have all the latest equipment etc. You can see pictures of it and where all the departments will be if you search UCLA replacement hospital. The new grad program is supposed to be great. Starting pay is 28.80, but you get a raise in 6 months. Parking is about 60.00 a month and union dues are about 45.00. Great place to learn as they specialize in everything under the sun. When I was there they have rotating shifts one month days one month nights for the first year. This was the ICU though so I am not sure about the ER.

Hi everyone! I stumbled across this post because I am graduating this May and also looking into working at County (or any hospital relatively close to Pasadena)...but I prefer a bigger teaching hospital. Im interested in L&D/OB...does anyone have any input on this? I met a woman tonight who is a midwife and did her first newgrad work at County...highly recommended it but this was many years ago. I can't find any information online about who to contact, when to apply, etc. I did see on an above post that I can't even apply until I have my Interim Permit...does anyone have any clarification on this? Interim is after graduation, pre boards...right? Is it foolish to wait until after graduation to apply (I would think its too late by then!!). ANY advice would be excellent. Thank you!