I was hoping I could get some input from people who live in the LA area. I have about 1 year experience in a medical/surgical ICU and I am looking to change hospitals for various reasons. I actually applied to both Cedars and USC and believe it or not, I actually got interviews with both. I am applying for the Neuro ICU at USC and the Surgical/Trauma/Transplant ICU at Cedars. I want to get the best experience possible to advance my nursing practice and broaden my ICU critical thinking skills. I have seen both units at my interviews and they are both amazing. I eventually want to go to CRNA school after I get a few more years of ICU experience. So my question is, which hospital/floor do you think would be better experience to both learn more and pepare for CRNA school. I live closer to Cedars. Both openings are for night shift which is not a bid deal to me. Overall, I was more impressed by Cedars, but I know both hospitals are great. I also have been told that if you work at USC for a year, then you can go to USC University for free. That would be a big plus if I go to CRNA school.
About the floors:
USC: Neuro ICU- Mostly neuro-surgical patients with craniotomies, ventrics, lumbar drains, etc. I was told they get some overflow from the abdominal transplant ICU as well. The turnover rate of patients is supposed to be fairly high.
Cedars: SICU- All types of trauma. All general surgeries like GI, vascular, and some Neuro. I was told the SICU gets Neuro ICU overflow. All transplants except heart transplants which go the the Cardiothoracic ICU.
