New Grad please help!! UCLA?

[coldroses]

Hey everyone, I an in need of some help! I am currently living in Missouri and will be moving out west in July. I have been looking around at hospitals in the LA area and have no idea where the best place to work would be. I called UCLA today just to request more information on their new grad program, and the guy set up a phone interview for next week!!! I didn't expect them to do that so quick, I am wanting to work in Labor and Delivery and so I think it was filling up fast. Anyway they are the only hospital in the area that has replied back to me! I also contacted the children's hospital and they were supposed to mail me a packet two weeks ago. I am looking for any advice on good places to work in the LA area!!!! Does any one want to share their experiences or horror stories about a new grad program there?

Also if there is anyone that went through the new grad program at UCLA could you tell me info about the scheduling and the hours I should plan to work.

Anything will help, thanks so much!! Have a great day!

[michellemybelle]

I interviewed at UCLA last December for a critical care position and will be starting as a new BSN grad this August. I like UCLA's magnet status, reputation in the community, and reputation in the country, not to mention their great new grad program (these vary by unit). Cedars-Sinai hospital, also in Los Angeles, is great as well, as they have a great reputation and are Magnet status too.

My advice: just be yourself, talk about your experiences as a student RN and why you want to work in L/D. Brag a little, this is your time to shine! It's also great if you have any extra experience in the area, like a practicum/preceptorship, CNA, or even leadership experience in school as this shows initiative.

I know for my unit, I will be working rotating days and nights indefinately as all staff (no matter seniority, for the most part) does. This may be unit specific, so ask the nurse manager you interview with. UCLA does offer shift differentials for night, weekend, and evening shifts.

Please feel free to PM me for more information!

Good Luck!

[blueherring]

Hey! I am in MO (Springfield) and just signed on in UCLA's ER new grad program. I toured tons of Cali hospitals and the technology there is amazing! The program is really solid. I also shopped Cedars but reconsidered after reading their new grad agreement. During my interview they asked a lot of behavioral questions and the manager was really down to earth. Good luck!

[coldroses]

Hey congrats on the job in the ER!!! I had considered the ER but it was all full by the time I called. By the way I am in Rolla, MO not too far from Springfield. I am glad to hear you like the hospital I won't have a chance to go and check it out beforehand. So when do you start? I have my interview over the phone next Tuesday, it's my first real interview so I am kind of nervous, I am glad to hear the manager was down to earth I hope the same goes for the Labor and delivery dept!! So not to be nosy but do you have an apartment lined up? I have no idea where to look that would be safe and close to work (if I get the job!). I have never even been to the LA area and I am totally lost with the whole move. Good Luck with everything and thanks so much for your reply.