San Diego New Grad Programs

[mtaylor12]

Hi,

I am a new nurse I was hoping to gain a little information about the grad programs at UCSD, Sharp or Scripps? I understand most programs go for about 4 months, you generally do 3 shifts a week, proctored? Then after 4 months your on your own? Do you have any flexibility over your shift in the first four months, do you mainly get nights or days, is it on your proctors schedule or is it a mixed bag and after the first 4 months do you have more say? Also finally, is there any secrets to putting down preferences and locations. ie. if I did my final preceptorship in school in med surg and I have a decent, but not excellent GPA am I out of my league by applying to ICU at Sharp Memorial? Should I aim lower to ensure getting a job and my foot in the door?

thanks

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Apply anywhere and everywhere. Don't shut yourself out because of your GPA. I've known excellent nurses who got a C in microbiology and who are the sharpest nurses you can ever come across. Then there are those book smart people who can't critical think for crap. So it just all depends. JUST APPLY!!!!! Good Luck

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

UCSD cancelled their lasted new grad program as a heads up. I would focus on the others, tell them your areas of interest in your cover letter, but let them be aware you are willing to work any department to fulfill their need & get experience. Just be persistent.

[ilovenursing2009]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but getting into a new grad program here is extremely hard. I am a straight A student, have excellent references, have almost twice as many clinical hours of any nursing program I have ever seen, have proven my critical thinking skills in the oral tests during interviews......and still nothing. I am not trying to toot my own horn, but just explain how cut throat it is here. I wish I never moved here; to be honest. The problem is that there are too many people here to compete against. They get inundated with lots of people that have what it takes instead of the usual few that stand out.

Check out the hospital websites...they all have new grad RN pages.

[ilovenursing2009]

I forgot to say that it is a good idea to volunteer or get a tech job to get yourself known. Even in this big town it really matters who you know.

Did you do your clinicals here in SD?

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Usually the new grad programs are specifically for people who just go their RN license that already work within. They usually get first dibs on anything. It's the fact of life. But legally they must post it even if it's already going to be given to someone. Also keep an eye on the working because if you notice something specific, then you know it's for someone that they already have in house.