Help my life!

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Hi, I am a junior nursing student, and will be graduating in May 2008. I would like to find a hospital that is known for having a really good new grad orientation experience, especially in L&D, Nursery, NICU, Perinatal, or Pediatrics!

I know about the hospitals in my small area, and am not especially interested in working in either place. I am willing to relocate almost anywhere in the continental U.S. ... Boston, New York, Charlotte, Tampa, Phoenix, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Texas, South Carolina, Raleigh. It doesnt necessarily have to be a huge city! That is where my problem is... I have no preference on location, so I don't even know where to begin looking at hospitals! I would like a hospital with a lengthy orientation, good pay comparable to cost of living, and decent staffing! If anyone knows of any new grad programs that have a really good reputation, or if anyone has gone through one recently that they loved please let me know! Also, if there are any hospitals that are well-known for their work in any of those specialties that would be great too, I would like to go where I can learn the most! Anything will be helpful, whether it is just the name of a hospital so I could go to a website and research, or if you personally know about the program/hours/pay! Also, would you recommend a large hospital/unit or a small hospital/unit for a better experience? Thank you for any help!

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I am in Michigan, pm me if you are interested in working in this area.

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I suggest California. It is hands down the best place to be a nurse, especially for the more popular specialties like you listed there. Don't be afriad to use a placement agency to help you narrow the search. They will help you get top dollar that's for sure. As for good new grad experience, you may feel the need to have a lengthy program but for me I wanted to jump right in so just know specifically what helps you learn and find a place that will provide it. Simply ask in the interview how long is the process and how much is a classromm experience, anything you know you need to succeed. Just ask lots of questions and you'll find what you need. A large teaching and research hospital will probably have what you're looking for. I think its good to go where you are really needed and wanted because the staff is more supportive and will make it so much easier to learn and like the place.

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I found this awesome website when I was searching for a job last year. Its http://theagapecenter.com/Hospitals/index.htm. All 50 states are listed, so the possibilities and the choices are unlimited. Good luck in your search!

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Thank you everyone for your replies!:) I'm up wayyyy too early for my clinicals right now, but I will definitely check the website out when I get home!

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Pittsburgh Children's Hospital (UPMC) is one of the BEST children's hospitals in the country. They give 6 solid months of orientation. I do not work there but I did my peds clinicals there.

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Cincinnati Children's Hospital (usiest pediatric surgical service), The Cleveland Clinic, (largest cardiac service in the nation) Duke University Medical Center, Vanderbilt, Baylor, The Methodist Hospital, Memorial Herman, Emory, Mass General Hospital (big critical care progam). There's lots of big hospitals out there and many are university associated. Good luck with your search.

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