Orange County RNs - help!

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Hey fellow RNs @ OC Hospitals...

I really, really, REALLY would love to work at in OC (Specifically, UC Irvine, VA Long Beach, Hoag, but totally willing to look at all options). I'm an operating room RN with 2 years experience at a level 1 trauma center (Loma Linda University Medical Center). I would be amazingly, exceedingly grateful if someone could give me information for a recruiter, someone in HR, someone in the OR with hiring influence or connections (OR director, supervisor, SLS, a RN who works in the OR and would be willing to talk to me, anything!). I'd be grateful for just the email or phone# for someone, just so I can eventually get my resume seen by the right people. Even if you aren't in the OR yourself if you can just peek and give me an email for someone in periop services...anything would be a great help. I've recently applied to the open positions, of course, but everyone knows it can be a long wait to filter through HR. I'm fairly desperate to move out of my current situation...I'm not a fan of the inland empire for what I hope is obvious reasons. I'm cross trained and proficient in every specialty (including traumas, obviously - I got GSW victims from the San Bernardino shooting, just as one example) but hearts (willing to learn). While I am on our "general" team and sub-specialize in large cases involving transplant, surg onc, & gyn onc, I love doing cases in all areas. I can do everything from free flaps to endo AAAs. I can have references from surgeons from all specialties, anesthesia, fellow RNs, etc. Whatever is needed.

So if anyone can help me here...I will give you my soul, left arm, right arm, first born child, whatever you want!

Eternal thanks in advance.

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Specializes in Psych. Violence & Suicide prevention..

If you are not a veteran, than you will are not likely to get into the VA without an advanced degree at this point in time. What you need to do is consider the following. Join a professional nurse group and get involved. Get yourself published. Get more experience. Make yourself the nurse we want. By showing us what you have accomplishedbeyond the job. The quickest way in the door? Join the reserves.

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Thanks for that very positive, heartwarming post as a fellow RN with such kindly worded and helpful advice, albeit not what I requested. I'm part way through an MBA and while I have 2 bachelor's degrees, I don't know how getting an advanced degree in nursing would help me in the OR. I would have gladly joined the military a long time ago, however, due to having a medical issue, I was not permitted when I applied. If getting published is the way into the VA, because they would rather see my ability to do research rather than my ability to do the job for which I'm being hired, I guess that is unfortunate for me.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

Just keep applying. I worked at hoag a few years ago and be aware if they are slow they call off frequently. There were weeks I got called off 2 of my 3 shifts. Just something to be aware of. St Joseph's in Orange is a great place to work. They also pay better than hoag. The base wage was very similar but st joes paid time and a half after 8 whereas hoag was straight time the entire shift. I actually preferred working there to hoag but I was ICU.

have you looked at mission in south county? They are a level 2 trauma center. Just thought I'd add some additional expansion. Hope you're also aware wages are not as high as you would hope considering the cost of living? Be prepared to budget carefully. I'm sorry I have no contact numbers for you. You could try calling the main line and asking for Hrs extension?

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Specializes in Psych. Violence & Suicide prevention..

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR][COLOR=#454545]I apologize for not being more inclusive in my answer. I truly am trying to help. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR][COLOR=#454545] [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR][COLOR=#454545]The VA hires people using a merit system. Your experience as an RN is only one dimension. The other things you do in your life add to your desirability as a new hire. I shared some actions you can take to load the deck in your favor.

"You can't always get what you want. You get what you need."

Good luck.

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[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR][COLOR=#454545][/COLOR]

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Specializes in Psych. Violence & Suicide prevention..

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]I apologize for not being more inclusive in my answer. I truly am trying to help. [/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR][COLOR=#000000]VA hires people using a merit system. Your experience as an RN is only one dimension. The other things you do in your life add to your desirability as a new hire.

I shared some actions you can take to load the deck in your favor.

"You can't always get what you want. You get what you need."[/COLOR]

[COLOR=#000000] [/COLOR]

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Thanks Nicki,

St. Joseph's doesn't have any openings in Orange that I saw for 12 hour outpatient, but Mission does so I did apply there. I'd love to work at St. Joe's. As I stated, I'm happily applying to all places.

I'd like to emphasize that I'm not saying that I've applied all over the place and haven't gotten in anywhere, therefore the world is ending. I'm just looking for a little extra oomph. This is my attempt at introverted networking.

I'm aware of the cost of living, and the unfortunately non-scaling wages. Thank you for the heads up though!

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I sent you a PM. I hope it helps. Good luck to you! :up:

Jessie

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