Please advise on job prospects. UCLA vs. UC Davis Medical Center New Grad Residency

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Hello allnurses!

This might be a dumb question, I've done a pros and con list etc; however, would like to know your opinion in terms of professional/career development in the long run. I currently have a job offer from UCLA Medical Center and UC Davis Medical Center for their New Grad Residency program.

I am going towards UCLA because of its reputation and thinks that it might be beneficial for me in the future? maybe idk. At the same time, UC Davis is close to home. Both have different benefits. UCLA only covers education expenses if courses taken at UCLA campus, whereas UC Davis covers other educational expenses outside of the UC system.

In terms of professional/career growth later on. Which one will be beneficial in the long run? I think I'm just kinda like "oh ucla" that's why I am more going towards it lolz.

Please advise, thank you so much.

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UCLA has some really nice perks, much more than Ucsd where I work. I don't know about UCD but in the end it it's about what unit you're hired on, where it can take you, and if it'll help with your goals. That said pay wise, norcal > Socal for everything. You're going to take a financial stabbing to your wallet going to UCLA. Personally, I'd take an ICU in a dump hospital in the desert vs let's say UCLA if my goal was to become a crna or critical care np asap. Or you don't know what you want to do, and it won't matter if you're happy in the unit of your dreaaams like l&d or something.

Look at what's convenient and comfortable for you. If you're a country/Central Valley home girl it will be difficult to adapt to la city life and vice versa. But as an institution, both are top notch. I collaborate w UCD/UCI nurses and a bunch of my buddies are UCLA nurses. Each institution is top tier and magnet designated so does it really matter? It's like asking if you should attend sac state or San Diego state for school. We all know a manager is likely hire either over let's say.. xxx private for profit University.

It's also really what you make of it while you're at work. Will you be a nobody at UC omg bbq, or the unit leader who turned the hospital of unknown name around?

But UCSD > all cause outside of work is where is matters :) Yolo.

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Hey!

You make a really good points, I appreciate the time and your prespective about this. I applied to UCSD and UCI but didnt get pick up :/.

I will add in your inputs to my pro anc on list. Thank you so much again!

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Pay scales for both are on the internet as it is a state facility. I believe starting pay around $40/hr at UCLA and $48/hour at UCD. Cost of living much higher in LA then Sac. Not that money is everything but it is a big factor. Have you checked out housing costs in LA? What do you get for $1800/month maybe a studio??? Also remember a 5 mile commute in LA can take a long time, Sacramento not so much. However if you want a change and to experience SoCal life go for it. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Congrats on two offers!!

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Hey @Whey,

I will actually be providing no help on this matter (...sorry), but I was curious as to what your qualifications were/what you believe helped you get into the program. Are you a California resident/go to school in CA? Did you work as a tech at one of the hospitals? I'm looking to apply the next cohorts. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, and good luck with making the decision! Both programs seem amazing!

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Pay scales for both are on the internet as it is a state facility. I believe starting pay around $40/hr at UCLA and $48/hour at UCD. Cost of living much higher in LA then Sac. Not that money is everything but it is a big factor. Have you checked out housing costs in LA? What do you get for $1800/month maybe a studio??? Also remember a 5 mile commute in LA can take a long time, Sacramento not so much. However if you want a change and to experience SoCal life go for it. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Congrats on two offers!!

Hi! thank you your perspective! You are absolutely right about the stats that you pulled even the studio around 1800-2000/month. Since both are part of the big UC Health System, both are good as job starters. Again, thank you for your input. I appreciate your time.

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Hey @Whey,

I will actually be providing no help on this matter (...sorry), but I was curious as to what your qualifications were/what you believe helped you get into the program. Are you a California resident/go to school in CA? Did you work as a tech at one of the hospitals? I'm looking to apply the next cohorts. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, and good luck with making the decision! Both programs seem amazing!

Hi there!

Oh no its fine, I am not sure if this will even be much help also I don't have much. My qualifications were not that special to be honest, I am still surprised about this.

I went to school in California. My BSN is in progress, Graduated from an ADN program with no preceptorship. I didn't do my clinicals in any of the UC hospitals, no hospital/healthcare experience; tech, cna, etc... Just the clinical rotations.

All I could think about was the interview, I think that what did it for me. I am not sure if I helped at all... Let me know if I can help more. I wish you blessings and good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I worked at uc Davis in the ER, you will learn a lot at either location. It basically comes down to, do you want a nicer cost of living and less traffic or the other. The fact you have family up here I would lean towards UCD because your first year of nursing is hard and you want all the support you can get.

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I am actually in the processes of applying to both. Do you know if they have a cohort in the winter? I graduate with my second bachelors degree in nursing in December (accelerated program) and I'm from Massachusetts. I have a friend in LA and my cousin is stationed in SD. How are the programs in regard to outside applicants, and I know in general California is hard to get into, but it terms of moving and rent which is easier, LA or SD? Im used to NYC and I have no surprises when it comes to expenses for studios or apartments and worse comes to worse I can crash at either place for a little time being ha. Any help or information is immensely appreciated.

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