Orange County Hospitals - looking to make a change

Published

Specializes in Critical Care.

As a New Grad, I jumped at the chance to land a job at a prestigious hospital. I didn't think through the commute situation thoroughly. It would *only* be 3 nights a week. It can't be that bad! :yawn: After 18 months, of a 90-120 minute commute ONE way, I am so burned out. I am at the point where I dread going to work, even on my days off.

I signed a contract & I intend to fulfill my obligation.

Can you please give me your honest feedback in regards to hospitals in Orange County? I am particularly interested in CHOC, St. Joe's, Kaiser-Irvine, UCI, Hoag, Orange Coast & Fountain Valley.

I am also looking at making a change into Mother-Baby/L&d, but decreasing my commute is my highest priority.

Thank you for your assistance. Feel free to PM me if you would like to be more open/honest about a particular hospital.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma | Surgical ICU.

What unit were you working previously? The hospitals in OC defer their hiring based on unit needs. Some units are easier to get into.

L&D units in OC are very competitive. They usually want someone with a background.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Currently, I'm in a high-acuity Sub-ICU. I still have 5 months left on my contract, so I want to take my time finding my next position. But, since nursing is my second career, I realize that some companies/hospitals make things look better than they are when you're interviewing and/or a new employee. I'm hearing mostly negative things about Hoag lately & I just wanted to know if that's what I can look forward to expect from other hospitals in the area.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma | Surgical ICU.

Hoag is very particular with the nurses they hire. Over the past year, they've hired new grads who have had an orientation with them or is already an employee.

Most hospitals want someone with recent acute experience. I'm guessing but you are probably working in some Kindred-type facility. Since you are in an ICU setting, you should try applying to any TENET company. It's easy to apply into them and they'll take your ICU experience (TENET companies are Placentia-Linda, Anaheim Regional, Fountain Valley, etc). Their online applications allow Directors to view applicants directly after they applied.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion