Please Help: Los Angeles Hospital Reputations for the New Travel Nurse

Im a first time traveler working at a Kaiser in LA. Ive only been here about 2 weeks. My third shift is tonight so I havent been here long. Im not a fan of the hospital at all. I dont know if its because im from Canada and things are a bit different or what, but I just dont like it very much. The computer charting is rediculous. I hate the system so much. I work in ICU and will be floated to the progressive care unit and telemetry. From what ive seen the PCU and Tele actually seem alright, so I dont think I would mind floating. My main beef with my unit is no one seems to know anything. I cant get a straight answer from anyone regarding policies and procedures, how often to do thing, and how often to chart on certain things. Everyone tells me somthing different. I think im going to have to talk to the manager so I can clarify a bunch of things. I would definately not recomend kaiser. Maybe for telemetry, but thats about it. On a side note...the first day of orientation, there were 5 nurses. We were given a rhythm analysis exam right at the very start before we did anything else. 3 nurses failed and were fired. (they werent even working ICU or Tele...just med/surg) so they had no idea they would be getting a test like that. Overall im not impressed with the unit and cant wait till im done.

I am a first time traveler and I am finishinig my contract at UCLA next week ( I have been here for 6 months- since June). They do take first-time travelers. It was not bad at all. I was on the Neuro ICU/Trauma floor. The people were very nice. The best assignment ever. I actually think i am spoiled now. However, now I will look into USC or something and keep it moving. But look into it. I think they need travelers on the CTU- Cardiothoracic floor at UCLA. I dont know much about that floor, but I know they need people badly. Well, I hope it works out!!

Oh yeah, by the way. I have heard that Cedars is not a great place to work. I am not sure why, but everyone I talk to seems to really dislike it. I am not sure if they take first time travelers. However, a lot of places say they dont, but dont count yourself out. If they need the help, then they need the help!!!

From friends I have heard good things about UCLA. All said it was a good place to work. And they were paying 40/hr for neuro icu positions a few months ago. They never called me for my interview for some reason? I may try for it again when my current contract ends b/c of the great pay.

PS. I have heard horrible things about kaiser facilities.