Bakersfield, CA New grad/Versant program

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Hello everyone,

It looks like compared to bay area and socal, Bakersfield has lots of new grad openings. Has anyone ever gone through the Versant program at Mercy Southwest, Bakersfield Memorial, or San Joaquin Community Hospital? How are these new grad trainings? How is the nursing culture in these hospital, and do you feel supported as you are growing and learning as a newbie? Thanks a bunch!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Critical Care.

I have a few friends who have gone through some of these versant programs and it seems like people have had the best experiences at San Joaquin. A lot of my friends have their associate's and are working while getting their BSNs and they said it has been really flexible and they have a lot of support as well. Are you familiar with the area at all?? Since I'm from around that area I feel okay saying this...but there's kind of a reason why there are so many openings compared with the bay area and LA area - it's just not as desired. Some people really like it, don't get me wrong, but as soon as I graduated high school I got outta there.

However, as I'm sure you've seen, the pay is amazing for the cost of living and the hospitals in the area are really great! Definitely not a bad choice for a first nursing job :)

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amb218,

Thanks for some insight! Thats great to know that your friends have had great experiences. I know Bakersfield isn't the ideal town for a young adult but I'd be ecstatic to have a job anywhere as a new grad(esp if I get L&D!) :) Thanks again

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