The Nursing Student's Guide to Pasadena Education and Careers

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By C.J. Gustafson, Nursing Schools.com Contributing Writer

Located just 15 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, Pasadena is famous for the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game held each New Years Day since 1890. The original organizers of the parade wanted to show the rest of the country that Pasadena was a place of natural beauty and sunny climate, even in the middle of winter.

Pasadena, California Wooed By Warm Weather
The appealing weather has drawn people to the area for centuries. Once inhabited by the Hahamogna Indians, who subsisted on the plentiful game and natural vegetation, the area that is now Pasadena was taken by the Spaniards who established the San Gabriel Mission in 1771.

When governing of California was transferred to Mexico, the mission lands were divided and given to individuals. Many parcels were later put up for sale. In 1872, a group of friends from Indianapolis decided they were fed up with the harsh Indiana winters and sent D.M. Berry to scout out Southern California. He recommended that the group purchase part of the Rancho San Pasqual, which later became Pasadena and was incorporated in 1886.

Before the Great Depression, the city was known as a popular tourist destination for the wealthy, who wanted a warm place to park their luxury rail cars. World War II added industrial and manufacturing aspects to the economy, and after the war the city became a favorite place to live for those who commuted to Los Angeles for work.

Historic Ambiance
Today, Pasadena's population is 136,237 and the city covers 23 square miles. It is a smaller city that benefits from having all of all the amenities of a larger city right nearby given its proximity to Los Angeles. The historic downtown area, known as Old Pasadena, has been renovated and has become a favorite destination of tourists and locals alike.

In an article on the online site for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune entitled Downtowns Provide Shoppers With Classic Appeal, columnist Debbie Pfeiffer Trunnell described Old Pasadena as a feast for all senses. "With its geranium-filled window boxes, the smell of garlic wafting down narrow alleys and red brick buildings, Old Pasadena feels more like a small European town than Southern California."

In another article on the same site entitled Throngs Flock to Rose City, Gary Scott added to the overall description of Pasadena, writing that "The city has engendered a very secure, charming yet somewhat hip feel for the downtown, making it a convenient hub for those who want a little excitement in the evenings after their day trips to places like Disneyland and Rodeo Drive."

Nursing in Pasadena, California An Innovative Medical Community
Another famous Pasadena establishment is the California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech. Established as a vocational school in 1891, Caltech has become one of the premier research institutions in the world. Partnering with scientists, doctors, government agencies, and others interested in research and development, the school has been at the forefront of numerous innovations including many in the medical field.

Adding to this reputation for innovation in the medical community, the City of Pasadena is one of only three cities state-wide that maintains its own independent local health agency, the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD). According to their Web site, the Department "delivers core public health and clinical services that emphasize community health assessment, health assurance, and policy development. The Department also provides personal health care services when community needs are not being met by other providers."

Also contributing to the overall health of the community are two local health care facilities -- Las Encinas Hospital and Huntington Memorial Hospital. Las Encinas is a 95-bed facility that offers mental health and chemical dependency treatment. Huntington Hospital is a 525-bed non-profit, community hospital that is also a teaching facility affiliated with numerous accredited nursing schools and colleges including the University of Southern California School of Medicine, which has several campuses in Los Angeles.

Comfortable Campuses
For those who prefer to avoid the traffic and crowds of Los Angeles, Pasadena offers schools with smaller campuses and more interaction with instructors. Pasadena City College

Students at schools in the Pasadena area can train to become a Registered Nurse (RN), Legal Nurse, or Nurse Practitioner. They can study specialties such as Critical Care Nursing, Forensic Nursing, Hospice Care Nursing, Nursing Informatics, and Midwifery. Those who prefer a career in management can train to become a health care administrator.

Southern California has long been a popular destination for students, but many cities in the region are large and hectic. For those who enjoy the warm climate and California lifestyle, but want to avoid the hustle and bustle of big cities like Los Angeles, Pasadena provides an ideal place to earn a degree.

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