UCLA new grad training program completion rate

[gretchn1234]

I heard an alarming statistic the other day from a friend who works at UCLA. She said that of all the new grad nurses who are accepted into the UCLA's training program only 10% pass!! Can anyone who has been through the program verify this? How rigorous is the training? If it is true, why do so many not make it?

[SFDRN]

This can't be right. Maybe what she heard was that they have 10% turnover among new grads in the first 6-12 months. That would make much more sense and actually reflects very well on their new grad residency program. They can't possibly fire 90% of their new hires in the first year--that would be totally inefficient from a managerial and economic standpoint--it costs a LOT of money to orient new nurses--it's an investment for UCLA. They wouldn't just throw that away.

[suzanne4, RN]

I am sure that it is more than a 10% turn-over rate. And it is not just those that did not cut it from the hospital's prspetive. People also quit because they decided that they did not like the unit, or their preceptor, or for family reasons, etc. But this all gets counted in the same numbers.

Turnover is actually greater than about 50% if you look at things over a period of two to three years. Many new grads now are finding that they do not like the work once they start.

And this is also with any program. Now with the economy getting bad in CA, the newer grads are also going to be the last hired, so they will be the first terminated if the facility has any cut-backs in place. Spouses are also getting transferred out of the area as well.

Just more things to consider, not just relying on one statistic only.

[gretchn1234]

Thank you for your responses. I was very skeptical when I heard the statistic. I thought of the game telephone that I used to play as a kid. Do kids still play that game? I'm probably dating myself. Anyway, I'm sure that UCLA is very careful in selecting new grad trainees and choose ones who they think have a high chance of succeeding, otherwise what is the point? Like you said SFDN it just wouldnt make sense economically. suzanne4, you actually mentioned something that has got me a little nervous. That is, as the economy gets worse hospitals wont be hiring as many new grads. Everything I've been reading says that healthcare jobs are recession proof but I'm not so sure. I'm scared!

Thanks again for your thoughtful responses.