White Memorial Adventist Hospital in L.A...

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 14, 2004

Worthy, I worked there for about a year some 25 years ago, and I only worked in the Cath Lab, not on any of the floors/ICUs so --- hey, I don't even know why I'm posting, if I can't give you any current info!! Just encouragement! At the time I worked with some good people (who are probably gone, for the most part, now; hopefully other good people have taken their place :)). Sometimes on a slow day we'd walk down the street to a little store that sold homemade tortillas (YUM!), and we'd all stock up. Two of the ladies I worked with spoke Spanish fluently (which was very helpful, working in LA area -- actually, anywhere in SoCal it's VERY helpful! I've picked up quite a bit since I've been here so long), so they could do the ordering. The hospital is located across the freeway from UCLA Women's Hospital (I believe that's what it was called). You'd have to drive the LA freeways no matter where you located, but you'd learn soon enough. I think the White has a Parish Nurse program too, if I'm not mistaken. What kinds of positions did they offer, and what are you looking for? I also worked at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, when I first graduated (after coming across the praries in a covered wagon ). I'm SURE things have changed in both places.

Good luck in making your decision; hope someone who works there or is more currently familiar with the nursing end of it will answer you soon. -- D

Worthy · Feb 14, 2004

Thanks, Dianah!

Any help is appreciated. I'm actually a Canadian RPN. RPN here is a two year diploma, quite intense, and we can do a lot more than California LVN's. However, White Memorial is a teaching hospital and is encouraging me that if I work there, they will help cover most if not all of my tuition to go for my RN. This appeals to me, as here in Ontario none of my RPN training will count towards RN, as it is a four year degree requirement here. I would have to start all over again!

Plus, I love L.A. Been there twice this past year, though we stayed in Marina Del Rey. Went all over though, saw all the sights! The freeways don't scare me. I realize the cost of living will be high, but this is a once in a lifetime thing. Where would I be able to live that is a commutable distance to that area?

Thanks!

Editorial Team / Admin · Feb 14, 2004

Oh my, don't know if I could answer that . . . I lived in Glendale when I worked there, and commuted about 15 - 20 min to "The White," as some of us call(ed) it! I would recommend you come out and look for a place, in an area you feel comfortable in, before committing yourself to a lease or any contract. That way you could also judge commute times, alternate routes etc. Sounds like a good deal, LPN - to - RN with the hospital's help. Could you arrange a visit out there, to see the units and speak w/the nurses themselves who work there (as well as speak with the recruiter, of course)?

Worthy · Feb 15, 2004

Thanks!

Oh yes, I will be making a trip anyway for a holiday this summer, so I'll plan it into my itinerary. I certainly won't sign any contract or anything at all until I see everything in black and white, in writing. I used to work in Contract Negotiation, so I know to have it ALL written down :)

I do not graduate for another year, yet they are already interested in me as a an LPN. I made it very clear I wouldn't finish until then, and she had no problem with that, she was quite aware of it. They were ecstatic to hear I wanted to go for my RN.

I just hear such negative things about signing on to hospitals in exchange for training, and the whole CA ratio thing. I did do a search on this board and didn't find anything negative come up about the place (other than a RT who...umm...killed a few patients there...ok so that's bad).

As I slogged through the snow again today, wearing about 6 layers of clothes, man...that California sunshine is beckoning!!!!! Thanks for all the help!

pickledpepperRN · Feb 15, 2004

I don't know about White itself. When you visit I suggest going to the unit(s) you are interested in and talking to mursing staff. Maybe you could meet a friendly staff nurse in the cafeteria for lunch or a nearby restaurant before or after shift to get the read story.

Oh, the RT "angel of death" was an isolated person at Glendale Adventist according to the paper. Too bad but could happen anywhere.

I am glad that White is willing to plan ahead to hire you and help with school. There are threads in this forum regarding RN programs and scholarship money in this state.