tktime

Hi Nicki Sorry I just got your message...I don't sign on here very often. I don't know if Hoag is having a new grad program but they would be worth looking at. I haven't worked at Hoag since Dec 2004 so I can't tell you the base rate. But I can tell you that in the past they have kept very current with the RN pay checking the market quarterly to make sure that they are staying competitive with salaries. They nuture their nurses and have funded instructors at local colleges to assist in getting more people thru school. They also have tuition reimbursement. Hope that helps. Contact their recruiter. Good luck and hang in there. You ar ein the BEST state for nursing!

Corona is a long commute to Hoag, I wouldn't recommend it. Trust me I commuted from Riverside to OC for 5yrs and thats back when there were no homes thru the canyon. Hoag is the best hospital in So. Cal as far as I am concerned. They are really pt focused. They appreciate their employees and have a real team environment. Their New Grad program is well designed and is very nuturing. They also are competitive as far as money (pay) in the community. As a Magnet hospital you know that Nursing is well represented in making thier own decisions. I worked there for 4yrs and only left because I moved out of state. I have been trying to get my husband to move back.....I miss it BIG time. Hope that helps.

Help! I am not doing something right. My reply did not link to your reply.

Hey Amy thanks for the info. 6-7 sounds like alot I am from Ca where there are mandated ratios, 1:5 on Med/Surg, 1:4 on tele. I would like to get back to the bedside, but don't want to risk my license. Are all shifts 8hr? Do they have 12? Do you know the better areas in Va. My husband and I are trying to plan another trip up there so we can look at property. I have found homes on the internet but that can be deceiving. Its sunny there most of the time, isn't it? Does it snow? Any info you can share is appreciated. Saw you just graduated...Congrats!!!:balloons:

I don't think you're ever too old to learn, but do you have the dedication it will take. Nursing school is very demanding and will be unlike anything you have ever experienced as you can flunk out at any time, it's alot of pressure. However, with the nursing shortage, it's a great profession and there are so many different types of nursing. I would do 2 things before starting...if you have never worked in healthcare you may want to volunteer 1 day a week just so you can see what goes on..the other thing I would do is talk to a nurse recruiter at a local hospital. They can tell you if age will have any impact on your hiring ability. I doubt it. I went back to school when I was 40. it was hard but well worth it. I say GO FOR IT, we need u;)

I am a RN who is considering moving to the Virginia Beach area. Can anyone tell me about hospitals there? Nurse to patient ratios for a med surg unit? I plan on contacting a nurse recruiter but its always better to hear it from people that have worked there. If anyone knows the best area to live please let me know. I came from CA to Florida...what a MAJOR difference. In Ca we have mandatory ratios 1:5 for Med Surg. Would love to go back but my husband wants to live on the East coast. So we are looking to compromise. Won't work acute care in my area as the ratios are way to high. So my last 2 yrs have been in hospice. Also if anyone knows of a re entry program would love to hear about it. Thanks for your time.