UCLA or USC-LAC Emergency?

Published

Hi all,

I've posted this question in the Emergency Nursing forum, but thought I'd try the Cali forum, too.

I've been scouring the internet trying to compare UCLA and USC-LAC emergency deparments. I'll be a new grad in the spring and am currently in NYC, so I can't actually visit these hospitals to get a feel for them. I'm hoping someone will give me their opinions of either UCLA or USC-LAC emergency departments to help me out? I've gathered from other posts and websites that UCLA has a good New Grad program, so I'm kind of leaning towards them. Someone also told me that USC-LAC is a bit grittier, more chaotic, and many of the nurses are burnt out in the ER. Any opinions?

Thanks so much!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't work at either facility. USC LAC is a county facility, and is part of the county health system here. I have heard good things about the UCLA new grad program, but nothing about county's. I think UCLA's new grad programs are just twice a year, but county's start year-round. Their respective neighborhoods might be a factor -- county is located in downtown, in a not-so-nice area. UCLA is in Westwood, which is a fairly nice (read: expensive) place to live.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Trauma.

LAC+USC ER program is only conducted twice per year. April and September. April is already filled, and if you want to get into septembers program you need to start the hiring process/interviewing ASAP because the people from my nursing school who didn't get in for April are already on the (short) list of those who will be accepted for September - I believe they accept 13-15 per program.

Are you refering to UCLA medical center or Harbor UCLA (county facility)?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, MS, Neuro, UC.

UCLA offers more percs...

LAC-USC offers more grit,trauma,benefits are excellent and salaries just went up alot!!!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the helpful information. Yeah, I'm looking at UCLA Medical Center not Harbor. I do want to get a jump on interviewing and was thinking about heading out to California during my spring break in a couple weeks, so that I can meet with recruiters and get a feel for the differences between UCLA and USC-LAC. I'm just not sure how to go about it. Should I just call the Nursing Recruitment office directly, introduce myself and see if they would be willing to meet with me and give me a small tour of the E.D.?

thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics.

USC-LAC is a level 1 trauma with a burn center. I have been at Harbor-UCLA (County) and it ain't pretty and supplies are all locked up and pretty sparce (i.e., if you want juice for your ER patient that is not NPO and has been there 3 hours, go buy it yourself in the cafeteria), but if you want ED experience it is definitely a good place to be. After observing the Peds ER there for a few days, I was ready to go to work there. I was told by a recruiter that you cannot even apply to the County until you have your IP (interim permit). Starting pay for a new grad will be $29.52/hr after 4/1/07. They also give you extra $$ for health insurance, but if you choose one of the more expensive options you will still end up having $$ taken from your paycheck for health insurance. A clinical instructor told me USC-LAC looks good on your resume cause it shows you can "work with sticks". P.S. You don't have to live in Boyle Heights to work there, just as you might not live in Westwood if you work at UCLA.

UCLA Med Ctr is also level 1 trauma, no burn center. Definitely nicer environment as far as neighborhood and amenities in the hospital, but it is not luxurious by any means. Parking is ~$50/month in an outlying lot. New grads make I think $28.33/hr. You start accruing vacation time immediately. I don't know when the specific ER programs start. As a new grad at UCLA, you rotate days and nights, a few weeks days, then nights (different units do this differently). UCLA is taking apps online and interviewing RIGHT NOW. I'd apply and follow up with a phone call immediately.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The ED at USC-LAC is a hectic place. Wait time for patients is usually about 10 hours on a good day. Many of your patients will be Spanish speaking. You'll see a lot of people who should have come in much sooner, but couldn't afford to miss a day of work while waiting for care. Don't expect to do textbook nursing. You'll learn practical nursing. If you have a creative, paitent personality, it may be a good fit for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU's,TELE,MED- SURG.

I left LA this past Oct. I worked as a travel Nurse in Neuro-Science,Neuro-Surg ICU and Neuro-ICU in LA USC. Let me tell you, how the State allows this hospital to stay open is a mind blower!!! Trust me, stay out of any teaching hospital in LA County. Very bad risk on your license. You have the random bunch that order stupid things like KCL IV. I mean, give me a break! No Instructor in sight!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

UCLA Medical Center in Westwood is opening up a brand new replacement hospital in September that will be huge. 1 million 50 thousand sq ft. Supposed to be the largest in the US. It will have all the latest equipment etc. You can see pictures of it and where all the departments will be if you search UCLA replacement hospital. The new grad program is supposed to be great. Starting pay is 28.80, but you get a raise in 6 months. Parking is about 60.00 a month and union dues are about 45.00. Great place to learn as they specialize in everything under the sun. When I was there they have rotating shifts one month days one month nights for the first year. This was the ICU though so I am not sure about the ER.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone! I stumbled across this post because I am graduating this May and also looking into working at County (or any hospital relatively close to Pasadena)...but I prefer a bigger teaching hospital. Im interested in L&D/OB...does anyone have any input on this? I met a woman tonight who is a midwife and did her first newgrad work at County...highly recommended it but this was many years ago. I can't find any information online about who to contact, when to apply, etc. I did see on an above post that I can't even apply until I have my Interim Permit...does anyone have any clarification on this? Interim is after graduation, pre boards...right? Is it foolish to wait until after graduation to apply (I would think its too late by then!!). ANY advice would be excellent. Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

UCLA Medical Center Westwood is opening a new ED on May 4, 2008. They are recruting new graduate nurses. They are # 3 in the nation and the BEST hospital in the West for 18 years. Their union is CNA and they have the best Chief Nurse Representative and Nurse Representatives in all the nursing units. Go to www.mednet.ucla.edu website or call (310) 825-6301 and ask operator to connect you to Healthcare Human Resources. Good luck to you!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion