Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

TuTonka · Apr 17, 2009, 04:44 PM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

I am in Southern California and jobs...real jobs are few and far between. However there are many jobs listed in other parts of the country if you are willing to relocate. As Far as new grad programs not many around and fill up with people the hiring managers know. How do you do that? Well, you can go to the facility you are interested in and ... if your are smart bypass the recruiters and go straight to the floor and ask to speak with the floor manager.
It is a good place to start to see if you really want to work there. You might want to just observe the floor and how it runs then if you find it a positive day approach the manager and explain what you are interested in. She/He will at least see you and that may help when the program occurs. Good-Luck

TuTonka

hemeonc girl · Apr 24, 2009, 01:13 AM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

If you guys are interested in working at UCLA, the Peds and PICU depts hire new grads every Aug/Sept and Jan/Feb. Depending on the current staffing, it depends on how many new grads are hired. When I applied for the August start date a few years ago I had applied and interviewed in February while I was in school and I was offered the job on the spot. Of course, they hired a larger group of new grads back in 2006 when I started. Just beware that these depts are high acuity and high stress so you need to have a strong mindset to survive here. Worth the experience you get at UCLA though. Great learning environment

onesmartgirl · Apr 24, 2009, 02:23 AM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

Hi,

Thank you. Did you attend UCLA? Did you do volunteer work there first?

Thanks again,
Pamela

xgingerx · Apr 26, 2009, 03:32 PM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

I live in Orange County and there are virtually no available jobs down here. I check the openings often at all of the hospitals around here and noticed that 2 of the Memorial Hospitals only offered 2 new grad positions. A patient of mine was telling me the other day that she has a friend that is a nursing school instructor here in So Cal and that they didn't place any of their Dec. '08 new grads. I graduated in '05 and the hospitals were begging us to come work for them at that time. Fortunately, I no longer work in the hospital. As far as jobs picking up in a couple of years -- that is debatable. Our economy is not going to turn around anytime soon and you know it's bad when nursing jobs are scarce. We are in for some very tough times ahead. Personally, I would not incur debt at this time -- not even for a career. The "Greatest Depression" is upon us. Do your research and get prepared.

TuTonka · Apr 26, 2009, 04:31 PM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

Originally Posted by xgingerx

I live in Orange County and there are virtually no available jobs down here. I check the openings often at all of the hospitals around here and noticed that 2 of the Memorial Hospitals only offered 2 new grad positions. A patient of mine was telling me the other day that she has a friend that is a nursing school instructor here in So Cal and that they didn't place any of their Dec. '08 new grads. I graduated in '05 and the hospitals were begging us to come work for them at that time. Fortunately, I no longer work in the hospital. As far as jobs picking up in a couple of years -- that is debatable. Our economy is not going to turn around anytime soon and you know it's bad when nursing jobs are scarce. We are in for some very tough times ahead. Personally, I would not incur debt at this time -- not even for a career. The "Greatest Depression" is upon us. Do your research and get prepared.

I know what you are saying there are many listings in San Diego but they are not being filled. There are hiring freezes all over San Diego. I know some say that Scripps has many job openings but are they filling them with full time people? Nope. I was in contact with a person from Oahu and she she stated the same thing. Plus she stated the new grads are trying to come to the mainland ie: California and I explained to her that it is no better here. There are jobs in other states due to life style not what it is here but I have found that people in other states are saying the same thing. There are no jobs period, so your advice is sound. I wish luck to anyone looking for work and not games. Kudos to you xgingerx.

TuTonka

onesmartgirl · Apr 27, 2009, 02:35 AM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

I must say these last two are the most depressing assessments yet. I thank everyone for taking the time to respond. I think I will persevere, as I can't believe the economy won't improve in a couple years, or think that there will be any job more evergreen than healthcare. It might stink, but I suspect most other jobs smell worse right about now. And, with my professional background, good attitude, perseverance and the excellent advice from you guys, my new friends on here, I am hopeful for the best.

But, if I am destined to be unemployed, as a nurse I could at least do volunteer work that would be meaningful. If the future is really as bleak as this, there will be a lot of us in need.

If I can't repay my student loans for a while, they'll have to wait--they can't take back my education.

Thanks again,
Pamela

LAhapanurse · Apr 27, 2009, 07:17 PM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

Originally Posted by xgingerx

I live in Orange County and there are virtually no available jobs down here. I check the openings often at all of the hospitals around here and noticed that 2 of the Memorial Hospitals only offered 2 new grad positions. A patient of mine was telling me the other day that she has a friend that is a nursing school instructor here in So Cal and that they didn't place any of their Dec. '08 new grads. I graduated in '05 and the hospitals were begging us to come work for them at that time. Fortunately, I no longer work in the hospital. As far as jobs picking up in a couple of years -- that is debatable. Our economy is not going to turn around anytime soon and you know it's bad when nursing jobs are scarce. We are in for some very tough times ahead. Personally, I would not incur debt at this time -- not even for a career. The "Greatest Depression" is upon us. Do your research and get prepared.

I actually think Orange County has more openings than other areas of California. I know UCI had several new grad positions. I just got called for an interview for a new grad position in the NICU, but declined because I just received a new grad position at UCLA. I know St. Jude in Fullerton & St. Joseph in Orange, are also hiring new grads for their summer program. So anyhow, just wanted to let everyone know that the positions are out there, they are just highly competitive. Good luck to all!

onesmartgirl · May 12, 2009, 02:32 PM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

Thanks Karen. I am in a longtime relationship and he owns a business here, so I'm not moving. I have decided that, like anything else in life, a positive attitude, passion for your work and commitment to be the best will win out over mediocraty. My friends in nurse management say there are a lot of nurses out there now with a "fast food mentality," it is just a job, they have no passion for it, no love for the people they serve. I'm sure that is true, I'm sure there are plenty of people who got in for the money, they are in all careers. I chose to believe I will find work because I do care, and my life experience gives me the compassion and the skills to excel. So, I am giving it all I've got.

Arrghh_Nnnn · May 12, 2009, 05:33 PM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

I here your pains. Seems like all the new grad positions have dried up.

NANSEA01 · May 21, 2009, 02:17 AM

Re: Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

Dang! I graduated in Dec 2008 and went right back to school to work on my MSN (have a BA/Business). Applied at several OC Hospitals in April and 450 people are showing up for 15 jobs! So now I am expanding my radius to LA and SD and maybe the IE...looking into some Urgent Care jobs too. Any suggestions...

Newbie Nurse Nancy

New To Site	Need Help	Quick Links
Create An Account General Site Map allnurses.com Journals Terms Of Service Privacy Policy Testimonials Meet Our Staff Advertising Information	Information Center & FAQ Boards of Nursing How-To Video Tutorials Did you forget your password? Compare Membership Contact allnurses.com Text Version Mark All Sections As Read	United States Nursing International Nursing Nursing Specialty Advanced Practice Nursing Critical Care Nursing Nursing Specialties Get In Touch... Find Us On Facebook Follow Us On Twitter

Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

Nursing News

California Imposes Stricter Rules Regarding Drug Abuse In...

Are older nurses being forced out of the profession?

An outlook in California?

Australian surgeons successfully separate conjoined twins

Disruptive behavior by doctors, nurses persists a year...

Woman sues after police tackle her in ER during premature...

Beyond The Last Lecture -For Randy & Jai Pausch nurses...

WHO: Give at-risk groups anti-flu drugs early

Nursing, medical schools should work together, experts say

Army nurse honored after 100th birthday

Nursing Articles

Society Needs Care Too

Why am I doing this, anyway?

Nurse Heal Thyself

My Papa, why I am the nurse I am today.

I made it through

An angel's gaze

A Sister Never Forgets

Ruby's Marbles

What Do Operating Room Nurses Do?

My Little Old Jedi

I love this job......

"I hear voices"

Preventing FRUTI (Foley Related Urinary Tract Infection) in...

Error and Attitude

It's Just a Shower

Available Topics (tags)