SOCAL ICU Training Programs

[Colby21]

Good Morning everyone!

So before I graduated, I was the only student in my class to precept in a trauma 1 SICU and I fell in love with it. When I moved to socal to start a new grad program, I was told that, even though I applied for the ICU track, I would be put into the PCU track because although I am very applicable, the research shows that I am more likely to move back home within 1-2 years (This doesn't make sense to me, but I digress). I have had my current job for a year and am really trying to get back to that high acuity of care that I really familiarized myself with back home.

So, I wanted to inquire about availability of any ICU training programs in the area for Acute Care/PCU nurses with 1 year experience. I know of 2 in San Diego that are in 6 month rotations. What about Hoag in OC? Do they have a training program? Are there anymore in the LA county area and south? Just some general info would be great. Thanks!

[zzbxdo]

It's an extremely over saturated market. All the major institutions in San Diego hire ICU new grads, but is based on individual unit needs, budget. UCSD, VA, Scripps, sharp etc have all ICU new grads sit in a shared community classroom setting taught by local CNSs etc.

But I reread your post and see that you already have bedside experience. It would be easier to just to do a lateral transfer in your facility or apply to positions as normally one would. It would be better if you have 2 years or more experience. Though you have some experience, you are considered new in comparison the others with several years more experience.

[Colby21]

Great! Thank you for your response. My preceptorship in my home state was in SICU and I fell in love with the continuity of care. I might have to move back home in order to pursue my goals of being a competent ICU nurse and mentor to other young nurses like myself who aspire to be more. You are right, it seems here that opportunities are diminished.