PICUs in California

[PICUGuru]

Calling all those who have traveled to or worked in a California PICU...I really need some advice as to what PICU's (preferably in children's hospitals) you have enjoyed working in the most (or the least). Things that are important to me are 1) friendly staff 2) efficiency of unit and computer charting 3)high acuity 4)proximity to the beach! 5)location in a safe community with option for nice housing, and availability of quality restaurants and nightlife!

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!

[JazzyRN]

there is a small community hospital in the san fernando valley,van nuys to be exact called valley presbyterian hospital. it was the best picu experience ever for me. the work was extremely easy, loads of downtime, great, helpful friendly staff. they totally include you and treat you as staff. the patients arent very sick tho, so its a really nice break from slaving away. also i worked in the PICU at cedars sinai, great staff. small bed picu, with an extremely high acuity. they do it all there cardiacs,neuro, transplants. but the hospital is run very well, you have a lot of support. an assignment free charge nurse as well as a resource nurse. i loved it too there but much busier place.

[PICUGuru]

Thanks JazzyRN for all the info! Did you (or anyone else) ever take a travel assignment in Northern California, in/around San Francisco? Any good hospital recommendations in that area for peds/PICU?