Saddleback New Grad Program??

[RN student c/o '09]

Does anybody know anything about this program? It's pay in particular? Average cost of living in the area? What's the hospital like? Do the nurses tend to be supportive? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[icu_nurse247]

RN,

Hello..My bf actually just started Saddleback's new grad program last week. From what he told me, its about 4-6 months of training (depending on ur specialty). First 2 months are the new grad and ur unit specific classes mixed with clinical time. Afterwards, its just preceptoring I think. You may get 1 or possibly another preceptor depending on their work schedule. Cost of living for the area is pretty expensive, I suggest looking outside of Laguna Hills. The hospital caters mostly to the geriatric population bc it is located near a HUGE retirement community. Based on my observations when he brought me down there, the staff were welcoming. So far he likes it. Then again, this is only his 2nd week..hehe.

Umm..what specialty were you thinking of? Why Saddleback?

If you have other questions, feel free to pm me.

[PetuniaRN]

As a former new grad at Saddleback, I would have to say it is a good starting out point. The new grad program is pretty thorough, and the support staff are helpful and readily available. As for the support from other nurses, I suppose it depends on which floor you work . I also found that as they continued to eliminate travelers, the supportive environment seemed to improve. The hospital is certainly aimed at geriatrics--the average pt load is 75+ with lots of DNR's. It can seem as if you are in a skilled nursing home at times--pretty much every pt is a fall risk, has pressure ulcers, and lots of various stages of dementia. That is why I say it is a good starting point. Except for the veins of course--old veins are not good practice!! I am happy with my experience for the most part. Since you are asking about cost of living in the area, I assume you may be from far off or out of state. The hospital is certainly not "up to date" and at times seems old-fashioned. (Downright ghetto at times, but nothing compared to Western Med. Center in Santa Ana, which you will see firsthand with some of the new grad educatin classes being held there) I personally had expected a state of the art facility with it being in the OC and all. Hope this helps a little. Oh and pay tends to be around 25 for new grads. Give or take a little.