Are there really RN Jobs in Southern California?

Hi, don't despair! True, there are extremely limited new grad jobs in south cali, but experienced nursing jobs are much more plentiful. It took me forever to get a new grad position (graduated May 08, started new grad program Sept). Just don't set your sites on one floor, be flexible. Regardless of where you work, you will be getting valuable nursing experience.

I think one of the problems with this whole "nursing shortage" thing is that it is a shortage of experienced nurses. The hospitals in my area (OC) are all hiring, but want someone with 1-2 yrs experience. They don't want to have to train a new grad because it is so expensive to do. I realize that won't help you from the get-go, but once you get that first year out of the way and can drop the label "new grad" you won't have any more trouble finding a job. Nursing is a great career for job security. It also helps that most of the hospitals are phasing out using traveler's and registry...which opens more positions.

I tend to be more optimistic--the economy will look up. There have been nursing shortages and overages fluctuating throughout the last few decades. In the meanwhile, do all that you can to start getting noticed early on. It would really pay to network when you are doing your clinicals. If someone likes you enough, they may help you get a job. Good luck.

I do not mind Behavioral health or LTC but they all want EXPERIENCE. Just got 2 matches at a OC hospital, and I am following Brian's advice to get many certs. I have ACLS, PALS, EMT, taking the NRP, taking trauma course, took CDE exam. No worries with the education...just need a foothold.

FYI- I can't believe that my sibling is making $65+ an hour as a speech pathologist at an elementary school. Yay, but where's the equalization...maybe I should get my masters in swallow evals and lisp correction...less liability, stress and more pay.

Newbie Nurse

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but my employer is deleting 1850 positions due to the result of the economic recession. And they are on a hiring freeze right now; both for the New Grad Programs & for EXPERIENCED RNs.

The upside to this is that there are hospitals out there that are hiring BUT only if you have AT LEAST 2 years of RN experience under your belt. Otherwise, as a new grad RN, its pretty slim pickin'. Sorry, just keeping it real.

Best of luck to you in your endeavors as a future RN.

p.s. Please feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Many people have lost their jobs and their health insurances. Hospitals are losing money because the ER's cannot turn away anyone who come to the ER's--including those are uninsured. To make the matter worst, California is relying on the tax payers for revenues and those tax payers are losing their jobs as well; so there is a freeze on hiring!
You will be graduating in 2 years and the economy is about to turn around; some economists are referring this as a U-turn. Let's see the jobs lost this month and next month. I can tell whether you will have a good chance to get a job when you finish your BSN.
In the mean time, keep studying and keep your fingers crossed!
Good luck.

if you are a male with BSN, you are in better chance of getting hired. That is what
I learnt from my classmates. All of the males have job before they graduate.
some of them even have troubles passing the program. So, that is my two cents.

Snoopy_nurse

Yep, the New Grad jobs are hard to come by unless you've externed, worked in the military, worked as a CNA/LVN. Well, there are a lot of flu shot clinics and time to work on your advanced degree. Still waitressing!

One of my former clients was a speech pathologist and I noticed that she went to work every day of the work week. Something to be said about that. I wasn't working every day.