KatCal

I graduated in December and work at UCLA. I love it. I just got off orientation and was happy with the training. One thing I like about the New Grad program is that you start with so many other new grads. You are able to discuss the trials/tribualtions/ups/downs with your peers. They do not expect you to know everything right out of school, but they do expect you to ask questions! Another thing to consider is that the patient acuity is SO high at UCLA... You will see dx, equipment, procedures, technology, ect. that you would never see at a small community hospital. They all say that once you work here, you'll be incredibly bored at any other hospital (b/c the patients are so bread and butter). LA is VERY expensive- Westwood is not cheap either. I live in Westwood and rent in a small 1 bedroom for me is $1250. I live with my Boyfriend though- so 2 incomes make it easier. One other benefit-- always opportunities for overtime at UCLA and in my unit there are generous bonuses in addition to time and 1/2 when you pick up shifts. Any other questions--- I'd be happy to answer...

Ok... So how do you find an agency? Is there one? More than one? Names of them??

Hi, I was wondering if someone could tell me more info about "the registry"... I've heard nurses talking about picking up shifts through the registry and I'd like to know more about it. How much experience do you need? What kind of assignments would you get? ect... I currently live in California, and get lots of overtime and bonuses, so don't need to work for the registry now. But when I move somewhere else, I'd to use it to pick up shifts if overtime isn't available... Thanks!!!!!