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

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Nov 29, 2008

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.

jellybeanmead · Nov 30, 2008

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!! :yeah:

jellybeanmead · Nov 30, 2008

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!!!

wanderlust99 · Dec 5, 2008

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.

guest303305 · Oct 18, 2012

CCTC submitted me to Johns Hopkins and said they don't take first time travelers.... but guess what? I am having my first assignment here with American Mobile... It just depends on luck and your recruiters I guess....

NedRN · Oct 18, 2012

It could be CCTC's policy at Johns Hopkins. I've never heard that it was a difficult assignment before (although some find staff nurses there snooty), but if it is a difficult assignment, they are doing the right thing. They want you to succeed, and they don't want their reputation to go down with JH and a failed assignment. You might do well, but it is a higher risk to all if this is your first travel assignment ever.

One thing I can tell you about JH is they hired a ton of contract foreign nurses who are making below market wages. That could impact your experience. I've worked there twice as a traveler, but in the operating room. So my experience will be different than other specialties.

Good luck, and congratulations!