Childrens Hospitals in Southern CA

[babynurse06]

I will be visiting two hospitals in CA to consider working for. One is Miller's Children's Hospital in Long Beach and the other is Children's Hospital of Orange County. I'm just wondering if anyone knows the reputation of these hospitals, or even the stuff you don't hear from the nursing recruiter! Also waht is the general starting salary in the southern area? I so far have been finding 26.00 - 28.00...is that enough to life off of out there??

Thanks for all of your help!!!

[brightmoon]

Hello babynurse06,

Can't input as to the working enviroment and pay as a nurse because I'm still in school. However, when my youngest child was admitted a few years back for a week at Millers Long Beach, I had a very positive experience with the doctors and nurses. They seemed to work as a team and the nurses were very helpful and comforting. As to your question about the living expenses, a nurses salary should suffice providing you don't have a lot of additional obligations like caring for a lot of children or paying off a lot of debt. Of course, two incomes are definitely an advantage out here because of the high cost of living, especially if you're even intending on someday buying a home which currently is averaging over 500,000 dollars in the LA and Orange county areas. But I don't think its impossible if you are careful with your finances and come up with a financial game plan to save for any future investments. Not sure where you're moving from but I love it out here! Beautiful weather, diverse cultures, and many opportunities to experience new avenues. I guess that could be good or bad depending on what you're looking for. Anyways, good luck with your choice.

[LydiaNN]

Miller's Hospital is very family centered and has a good reputation as a place in which to be treated. I don't know much about their reputation as a place to work, however.

[fergus51]

If you plan on doing regular peds, I would stay away from Millers and go to CHOC.