Need Advice- Am I screwing up my life? Help Please

What is your reason for moving in the first place?

I don't know where your sister lives, but 15 or so years ago when my mother lived in No. CA, Chico was a lovely area. I obviously can't speak to the hospital itself, and it's certainly good to get that kind of inside info before taking a job somewhere, but if you're intent on making the move regardless of the many posts here that have advised against it for a year or so, I wish you lots of luck! I would also advise caution before signing any kind of contract or accepting any kind of bonus in case it's not a good working environment, especially as a new grad.

Hello there, I am not an American nurse but If I could give some advice. I would stay in New York and build up some experience. Maybe a year or two. If possible and you feel confident get some experience in critical care. Trust me when the situation changes in California and IT WILL pick up, who knows you may get a BETTER nursing position i.e lead nurse in Critical care as opposed to newly qualified RN. Hope this helps. Sorry did not mean to assume your interest is in Critical care, but you get my point dont you? *smiles*

I like NY more than CA. It is more difficult to go back once you have moved. Say yes to CA and get 1 or 2 years on a latter the start back with 0 years in NY. My brother in law joined the peace corp because pay did not justify his education. Companies wanted experience and he said I am not working for you for that - I would rather travel. So he did and now has a Mansion on the beach in Palau. He visits NY at will. I love NY.

I think you should apply for jobs in CA while you are in NY and working. so basically don't move to CA until you know you have some type of employment moving clear across the country in a BIG move and I know you said you have a twin sister and a BF in CA, not to be ther bearer of Bad news but the reality is that if you are under the age of 25 the BF probably won't be around too long. But you have to have some means to support yourself when you get there. Stay in NY apply for jobs in CA then move when you get one. Your accomplishments are great but in this economy an employer dosen't care about your awards and accomplishments they want the person with the most experience and who can do the job and do it right. Sorry if this sounds harsh but it's reality. I use to be all bright eyed and hopeful like you and I wish someone would have showed me the harsh truth before it SMACKED me in the face. Best of luck on your adventure. please keep us posted!

To the poster I did ask have you thought about working in london. Well here is what you can you contact the Nursing and Midwifrey Council in the United Kingdom that regulates British Nurses/Midwives etc. They could give you lots of information on working in the UK. If you go online and google the Nursing and Midwifrey Council. You will get a lot of information. "Smiles"

If this help, my place is hiring for one more nurse. the schedule is consistant.

I'm interested, what hospital is this for?

Wow! unemployed nurses. What a sorry state of the country and economy. I probably have a better chance getting a job in my other degree than in nursing. Now the real question is, are people unemployed because they can't get glamourous ICU, ER, PEDS, NICU type jobs fresh out of school or because no one wants to work in LTC? You'd think the LTC market would be wide open.