Know any good hospitals in San Diego?

U.S.A. California

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I'm a new grad from University of Portland in Portland, OR. I'm looking to relocate to a job in California. I'm looking in San Luis Obisbo and San Diego. I applied to twin cities but, have no idea where to look in San Diego. I want a good, friendly, academic hospital if it exists. Any help?

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Scripps-Mercy is awesome, although I am biased. Scripps-Chula Vista, Scripps-La Jolla (pronounced La Hoya), UCSD has a hospital. The VA and Navy also have hospitals there. Try googling Hospitals in San Diego because I know I am forgetting alot of the others since I moved away from the state.

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Any of the Scripps hospitals I've heard good things about, or CHW. At this point if it wasn't for my family I would get up and move to Loma Linda Medical Center to work with Dr. Sean Bush who is pretty world renown for treating venomous snake bites. My dream job!!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Sharp Memorial is a good hospital. They do it right. They do it well.

Grossmont and Chula Vista not so much...

Coronado is funky because they practice holistic medicine but to live,work and breathe over there in Coronado Island is nothing short of incredible.

Good Luck with your decision. Remember this: You're paid in sunshine when you live in San Diego. The actual $$$ is the worst in the state.

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Hey EmergencyNrse,

I'm not sure what you mean by low $$$. I was considering working in New Mexico at first and their starting RN wage is $24 vs. the $30 in Cali. I mean, I'm not sure I know what I'm talking about but, I'm trying to pick a nursing job based on some place I want to live. Portland is awesome but there are no jobs here. I am really moving just for a job, so, if you have any other suggestions I would welcome them.

It's tough though, I'm not much of an east coast, snow, or hurricane person so I figure that really narrows my options. Again though, I would appreciate any input!

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Specializes in NICU.
Hey EmergencyNrse,

I'm not sure what you mean by low $$$. I was considering working in New Mexico at first and their starting RN wage is $24 vs. the $30 in Cali.

I'm pretty sure that's why she said it's the worst in the state -- i.e., California.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care.

I second Sharp Memorial! I worked there for two years prior to becoming a nurse and they are a great place to work! They are also a Magnet hospital it that makes a difference for you. Sharp Coronado is a little different it is a designated Planetree hospital. The units always smell like oranges or chocolate chip cookies during the day they have a CNA go around with essential oils and massage the patients who request it. They also bring warm cookies around. Its nice but different (-: Sharp does tend to pay a little less then some of the other hospitals but it is so worth working there.

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Balboa Naval Hospital would be a great place to work. Camp Pendleton NH is another option.

The VA and both Naval Hospitals have postings at usajobs.gov.

USAJOBS - Search Jobs

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Congrats on graduating from UofP!! I'm in Portland also and know what a fantastic program that is. I'm just starting the BSN program at OHSU :D I lived in SLO for a few years and just wanted to add that you should check out French Hospital. I did clinic work when I lived there and often went to French with the ophthalmologist I worked for to observe surgery. It's a great facility. Best of luck with your move to warmer lands!!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.
Hey EmergencyNrse,

I'm not sure what you mean by low $$$. I was considering working in New Mexico at first and their starting RN wage is $24 vs. the $30 in Cali. I mean, I'm not sure I know what I'm talking about but, I'm trying to pick a nursing job based on some place I want to live.

Just getting you to qualify your intentions. Mine was not to dissuade you from considering going to San Diego. I LOVE the place.

People come to the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia for different reasons. Many are seeking the golden cash-cow. There are hospitals out there that pay some really good money, mainly in bay area San Francisco. San Diego traditionally doesn't pay well as compared to the rest of the state. That's what I meant by being "paid in sunshine". It's a wonderful place. I don't know anyone that dislikes San Diego. Go and enjoy. -Ty

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I have to agree with EmergencyNrse. I'm a new grad as well, but I'm from the SF Bay Area and looking to stay in this area. I've checked out San Diego, but the pay is much lower and the cost of living is much higher. If I didn't have any family ties to the Bay Area though, I may consider moving because San Diego is worth it- it's beautiful and so much fun. If you're interested at all though, there are a lot of New Grad programs in Northern California..many have already closed apps and started interviewing, but places like Stanford, UCSF, UC Davis, SF General, etc hire New Grads biannually. Good luck!

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Specializes in High-risk OB, Labor & Delivery.

I think the money is pretty good, but I don't have much to compare it to. I know that certain hospitals pay around $39/hr to start for new grads, AND the cost of living is cheaper than say LA or OC. AND sunshine, hardly any traffic, beaches, ahhhhh....I love it here. I was going to move up to the OC for a job, but the pay is less and apts are expensive!

Hey EmergencyNrse,

I'm not sure what you mean by low $$$. I was considering working in New Mexico at first and their starting RN wage is $24 vs. the $30 in Cali. I mean, I'm not sure I know what I'm talking about but, I'm trying to pick a nursing job based on some place I want to live. Portland is awesome but there are no jobs here. I am really moving just for a job, so, if you have any other suggestions I would welcome them.

It's tough though, I'm not much of an east coast, snow, or hurricane person so I figure that really narrows my options. Again though, I would appreciate any input!

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