Advice on San Diego hospitals

[rnerin]

I am looking to go to San Diego in January. I'll take any available advice on good hospitals/good ICUs in the area. My first two assignments (San Jose) have been fair, but not at all clinically challenging and the hospital is only so-so. Of course, we all want the ideal set-up, but any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[cmc4n6]

I work in San Diego right now and have been there for 3 years. I am a full time employee, but I am ready to go out and travel because I feel I need a change. I work at Sharp Memorial in SD in the ER and overall, I think the hospital is pretty friendly to travelers. A lot of travelers come to us and stay on, becoming full time because they like the environment. I'm not sure about being challenged. I went to school and worked briefly at UCLA and was always challenged there. I'm thinking of going up to San Jose for a while, but I'm not sure about that yet. I just need a change...but re. SD, it is very expensive here and the wages are low. I'm leaving partially due to that...my rent is too high for my wages and I'm really burned out working two jobs and overtime.

[DavidRN]

I have traveled to San Diego before and worked at Sharp Memorial both times I was there. I work in critical care and the units are very traveler friendly and charting is computerized which is wonderful!!! Actually, I think the whole house is computerized charting. The ICU/CCU was pretty cool and rated a medium intensity with the ability to have a busy pt from time to time. SICU is a little more intense, but overall not bad. If you like busier pts, then SICU would be better choice. Housing will most likely be at La Mirage (seems to be where most travelers are housed). Nice city with lots to do. David

[fabes37]

i'm really happy to hear something good about where i am headed. I will be starting at sharp memorial in the SICU next week. Can you tell me a little bit about the makeup of staff. Older, younger, new, # of travelers, etc? And, how are the docs? I no it's non-teaching, but are there intensivists in-house, on nights?? And, how about scheduling? thanks for any info?? Oh, i'll be living at archstone/mission valley. Any info?

[realundertaker]

check out PAlOMAR MEDICAL CENTER in Escondido,Ca....we have icu,ccu,trmaua unit. a full service medical center...yes we love out traveling nurses too. http//www.pph.org