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Volunteerpioneer, I can't respond to the pm privately....I don't have enough posts, sorry. Condradulations on your new position! I figured it was mostly likely an ICU manager that told you this; there are a lot of nurses in the ICUs who continue on to CRNA school (I'm going), and in order to try to retain nurses, the managers often times give out bogus information to newcomers. Again, there is no contract at LAC+USC, and if a department wants to initiate a new "private rule", it will no longer be "private", because the same department in another county hospital must follow suite...remember our contract is county wide...you cannot be forced to reimburse a "private" contract that is made up...If its not in the by laws, it cannot be inforced. Can your really imagine that only one group of the ICUs has this rule in the entire institution, but nowhere else? It is only a tactic to get you to stay in your department. As for your friend, that very well be the case, because the other hospital is a private facility; they make their own rules. I don't know what your plans are, but if you do plan on continuing to graduate school, know that you are not required to stay in your department for the full three years. If you are comfortable with your skills than you should apply. I have been at the county for more than 5 years (decided this last year to go to CRNA school)...I say this because I have heard of some nurses in your position staying on in their department in fear of getting a bad letter of recommendation. Remember, it does not have to come from a department manager, it can come from an immediate supervisor (charge nurse). Anyway, congradulations, best of luck to you, and get ready to work hard!

Are you sure you mean LAC+USC and not USC University hospital? The reason I ask is because there is no contract for employment at LAC+USC. It is a county hospital, and if there is a contract for employment at our hospital, it must be in place at all of the LA county hospitals (we are all under the same SEIU union contract). Many of us who came from the old hospital think it was much more functional in comparison to the new one that we are in now (at least in my unit), however there are definently learning opportunities available. It is VERY busy...no room for slackers, possibly why there is such a big turn-around in nursing staff. The only downfall is the politics of the county...if you hire on, you will learn them quick. Managers will try to do whatever they want, and not necessarily what is in the "by laws" of the local SEIU. Prime example; your manager telling you that you will need a 3 year contract...I suspect this is from a manager in one of the ICUs? If you are a new grad and have an opportunity to hire on, then if I were you, I would take it. The other poster is correct; the salary is not bad for a new grad; as our salary is set by the union, and the amount of experience that you will gain here will make you a stand-out amongst other nurses in your field. Just know, that if it doesn't work out for you after hiring on (I suspect you will enjoy your employment here), there is no contract preventing you from leaving, and no penalty as a result of leaving before the "contract" ends.