[moorpark]

Hi..Is there anyone out there that is employed at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles??? I am wondering if it is possible to be an NEW RN and get a position in the NICU at this facility?

I am re-searching my options for my next step...I'm considering a program that would tie me to another hospital for a few years because "word" has it that you can't start out in the NICU at Children's..

Can anyone either confirm or deny this rumor? Also, if you work there (and especially in the NICU) and care to share any info about your experience, I would be so appreciative!!!

Thanks in advance to all those kind enough to respond...!!!

[fergus51]

I've never worked there, but a friend of mine did a travel assignment there last year and had nothing but good things to say about the staff and the unit as a whole. She really enjoyed it.

[huladancer]

From what I know, they do accept new grads into their RN residency in pediatrics program, this includes the NICU. Check the link below to see what the hospital offers. Best of luck to you.

The RN Residency in Pediatrics is a paid 22-week program that provides new nursing school graduates with a comprehensive clinical and learning experience to prepare them for work in an acute care environment. It has become the national model for new graduate pediatric nursing nurse residency programs in the United States.

http://www.childrenshospitalla.org/body.cfm?id=335

[brujadel71]

Hi,

I'm currently in CHLA's RN Residency in Pediatrics Program, which began in September. It is truly a wonderful program!! The program is so successful that it has been replicated in five other pediatric hospitals across the country.The major benefit is that it is 22 weeks in length. Most of my nursing school friends have had only 8-12 weeks of orientation/ training at their hospitals and all of them agree they are not ready to be on their own. The program is also very comprehensive - it includes skills labs, lectures, and debriefing/support sessions. My impression so far has been that staff are extremely supportive and genuinely interested in our learning and professional development.

Currently, there are 40 residents being trained. This includes at least 2 or 3 nurses that were already working at other hospitals (some for even 5 or 6 months). I believe four RN's are being trained in the NICU. CHLA accepts new grads in all units (ICU's, ER, Oncology, etc). The next program begins in Feburary 06. Apply now because spots fill up quickly, especially in their ICU's. Good Luck!

[viccar82]

I don't know about CHLA, but I've been hired for UCIMC's NICU new grad program in late Jan. Right now, I'm working in their perinatal area helping out with some various projects. I love it thus far. The staff is awesome and the pay & benefits are great. So far UCI seems like a great place to work.

[Tina B]

I spoke to one of my co-workers, who worked at CHLA in the NICU for around 30 yrs...she got transplanted to the Sacramento area about a year ago. She confirmed what the other 2 above said about the program for new nurses; she said it is extremely good, and that yes, a new grad can get into the NICU.