Ventura County and surrounding area

[MAL, RN]

Moving to Ventura with 4 years ER experience. Im looking at potential hospitals for a job, and Los Robles looks like the closest trauma center. Anyone have any insight into pay/work conditions for this hospital or any other hospitals in the area? Havent decided which area we'll live in. Ive been told to be cautious in Oxnard but everywhere else is game.

Also, anyone know if per diem pays more in these hospitals? I heard they are union and that can affect pay sometimes. Its been a struggle trying to learn the area through the internet.

-californiaboundRN

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I was born and raised in Oxnard. I lived there from birth (1981) until age 22 (2003). I suspect that people make coded, carefully-worded appeals to avoid Oxnard because the city is 75% Latino and working-class with a street gang issue, whereas most other cities in Ventura county are mostly Caucasian and middle to upper class.

Although I was born and raised in Oxnard, I would not willingly live there now that I am an adult with a choice in the matter. I'd probably live in Ventura or Santa Barbara if I were to return to the area. Thousand Oaks and Camarillo were too snooty for my tastes. If you are artsy and eclectic, you might like Ojai.

Hospitals in the area include Community Memorial, St. John's Regional Medical Center, St. John's Pleasant Valley, Los Robles, Ventura County Medical Center, and Ojai Valley Community Hospital. Also, some nurses commute to the San Fernando Valley hospitals for work. West Hills Hospital and Valley Presbyterian are within commuting distance.

[duskyjewel]

Nuh uh....I was raised in Oxnard too! :)

[emeln001]

So are you familiar with nursing jobs/pay in the area?

[emeln001]

Thanks for your info.

regarding Oxnard--It has to do with crime. I couldn't care less what ethnicity people are. But street gangs are a more than worthy reason to avoid an area.

[RC8R-Riding-RN]

Thanks for your info.

regarding Oxnard--It has to do with crime. I couldn't care less what ethnicity people are. But street gangs are a more than worthy reason to avoid an area.

And I'm glad that was clarified, emein001: I like your thinking.....

[13grad71]

Los Robles starts at 35 ( for new grads and travel nurse) I think. St John's is great. They have a union and the benefits are good.